sgtpickles
Active member
Hi fellow freaks & geeks... I guess I should've been on this page a long time ago, I wish I had known about this sooner, it's been great reading my first few threads so far and seeing so many like-minded travelers.
Just to introduce myself, I'm from Grand Rapids, MI, I'm 21 years old and in my last year of college, and I've been dirtbagging for about 2 years now I suppose, when I have time off school. My "trail name/traveling name" is Pickles
Had my first taste of the lifestyle when I thru hiked the PCT in 2018, and squatted in Yosemite Valley for a month in 2017 (and 18 as well, but I digress). I've been wanting to try more outrageous stuff as I get more comfortable with this environment, and my consciousness has led me to the rails. I've wanted to ride trains for years, but never really knew enough about it to try it... But now I figure hey, every experience I've ever had like this, I've just jumped in and figured it out along the way - it's all about adapting to what the universe throws at you... and from what I've researched, catching out seems to be the same way. I'm finally gonna go for it next week, catching my first train south to Chicago, with a goal of eventually reaching Denver, CO. I'm excited to figure it out and meet some of you along the way
I've been to Chicago once before, but not gonna lie, getting around and figuring routes from the south side yards is a little intimidating, especially for my first ride... I understand the rules so I'm not asking for handouts here, just looking for reassurance or tips if anyone is familiar with catching out from Chicago. Hell, maybe if anyone's looking to link up and head west in a few days, hit me up maybe we can link up & share some za & stories.
Anyways, looking forward to being a part of this group. See y'all out there goons
Just to introduce myself, I'm from Grand Rapids, MI, I'm 21 years old and in my last year of college, and I've been dirtbagging for about 2 years now I suppose, when I have time off school. My "trail name/traveling name" is Pickles
Had my first taste of the lifestyle when I thru hiked the PCT in 2018, and squatted in Yosemite Valley for a month in 2017 (and 18 as well, but I digress). I've been wanting to try more outrageous stuff as I get more comfortable with this environment, and my consciousness has led me to the rails. I've wanted to ride trains for years, but never really knew enough about it to try it... But now I figure hey, every experience I've ever had like this, I've just jumped in and figured it out along the way - it's all about adapting to what the universe throws at you... and from what I've researched, catching out seems to be the same way. I'm finally gonna go for it next week, catching my first train south to Chicago, with a goal of eventually reaching Denver, CO. I'm excited to figure it out and meet some of you along the way I've been to Chicago once before, but not gonna lie, getting around and figuring routes from the south side yards is a little intimidating, especially for my first ride... I understand the rules so I'm not asking for handouts here, just looking for reassurance or tips if anyone is familiar with catching out from Chicago. Hell, maybe if anyone's looking to link up and head west in a few days, hit me up maybe we can link up & share some za & stories.
Anyways, looking forward to being a part of this group. See y'all out there goons
