Hey, New guy to not just STP, but to unconventional travel altogether.

Wc517

Wc517

New member
Hi, I'm Will, and I guess this is my introduction. I'm an 18 year old out of Iowa who's never really hitchhiked, train hopped, or anything like that, Although I would like to. I'm still in high school and live with my parents, but I am employed and have a good amount saved up, so I could do a short trip if I wanted, the main problem would be explaining to my parents where I'm going/what I'm doing.

Back to about me: I have a few hobbies such as model making, computer gaming, auto repair, and mechanical tinkering. I'm hoping to be an aerospace engineer for NASA or SpaceX or some company like that (who knows how many more will arise). I am in band (Trombone), bowling, and trapshooting, I also volunteer at the local animal shelter (haven't in a while, I need to soon). I have my PPL and do that about once a month.

A few games I play would be SS13, Rainbow 6, Day of Infamy, Alien: Isolation, Dwarf Fortress and Rimworld. I enjoyed Futurama, the Alien Series, and Psych. I guess I don't have much else to say. I'm glad to be here and hope to get to know some of you!
 
It's funny; when I saw your avatar (doing some pants shoppin'?!) I thought;

"This guy is either in a ska band, or really into building models"

Turns out, its both! ;)
Just teasing. Seriously, welcome.

In regards to your parents; i had a father who is a good man and really wanted to the best for me. Like yours he didn't understand my wanderlust. So when I was young I would simply lie to him about what I was doing. I would tell him I was off for some temp or seasonal job and then just fuck off and bounce around for a couple months. He thought I was doing something productive and I was off diggin in dumpsters so we were both happy. Maybe that will help. Tell them you are taking some classes in another city perhaps. Either way. Get the fuck outta Iowa! (Good corn though.)
 
It's funny; when I saw your avatar (doing some pants shoppin'?!)...
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It's funny, I actually took that picture with a friend in Goodwill with a selfie stick. It turned out to be my favorite picture of myself!
"This guy is either in a ska band, or really into building models"
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Not really in a Ska band, but I am in the Jazz Band at our school which does play some Rocksteady.
I would tell him I was off for some temp or seasonal job and then just fuck off and bounce around for a couple months.
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I've thought about doing that, but if my parents find out or I get hurt I could ruin the trust between us. I also am thinking about going to college, but I could take a gap year and mess around for a bit. I'm just not sure. I'm thinking about a small trip for my first one, maybe just to Des Moines (probably just outside). 100 mile trip. There are some tracks right next to our city with a place trains sometimes stop, but I wouldn't know how to get back or the train schedule, I could mess up and end up in Omaha, and I would be in a world of hurt if I were caught.

Thank you for the advice!
 
Wc517 said:
It turned out to be my favorite picture of myself!
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Right on, pearly whites for days! You'll wanna start drinking lots of free coffee and smoking cheap rollies so your teeth are a nice dingy brownish-yellow.

I've never taken good pictures and I have recently figured out why.
It's my face.

In regards to your parents and trust; they are kind of forcing your hand by forcing you to accept their ideas. Just make sure you tell them you love them when ya can. Your too young, but google the great Prince of Bel Air; he had a relatable song about parents just not understanding.

If you have the opportunity to take small trips thats a great way to learn to be a bum. Go hang out in a new town or city for a couple days and only take 20 bucks. See what happens and figure some things out.
 
they are kind of forcing your hand by forcing you to accept their ideas
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I actually haven't told them about my hopping aspirations, I just assume they would not like me doing it because of the negative connotations associated with the bum life. I'm currently setting up a packing list, but not buying it yet. I think I'll try catching a local train for a few miles, start out small.
 
  • Agree
Reactions: MFB
Welcome! Best of luck with whatever you do!
Just my thought: You can do whatever you want at 18. I understand wanting to keep respect and communication with your folks, but you're legally an adult, and can do whatever you wish.
If they don't respect the fact that you need to live your own life and follow your own path, then the respect isn't mutual and that's something you'll need to suss out in your own head and with them. Our relationship with our parents should, and does, change at your age.
 
FawnGone said:
Welcome! Best of luck with whatever you do!
Just my thought: You can do whatever you want at 18. I understand wanting to keep respect and communication with your folks, but you're legally an adult, and can do whatever you wish.
If they don't respect the fact that you need to live your own life and follow your own path, then the respect isn't mutual and that's something you'll need to suss out in your own head and with them. Our relationship with our parents should, and does, change at your age.
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Wise words.
 
Welcome to StP!!! You're in the right place!

Iowa? My favorite place is Iowa City, just love that place. Cozy town.

You're 18 now, you can do what ever you want.

Hopping trains? Study the subject first and read the forums. I would suggest to get the book, The Hobo Handbook A Field Guide to Living by Your Own Rules by Josh Mack can be purchased on Amazon.

I would recommend hooking up with someone who is experienced in freight hopping than starting out on your own.

Good Luck!!!!
 
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