Heyo!

[Jackrabbit]

I've been kinda fringing on this lifestyle for years, meeting lots of crusties and stuff through activism/travel (coolest and nicest people I've ever met) then getting into hiking long distance trails. My dream has always been to just throw my shit into a pack and wander though, not being bound to just one path/direction. I love the west and want to experience it on foot on my own terms. I've dipped my toe in the water with living out of my car for a couple of months, but I really prefer walking/occasionally hitching. The past couple years I've been living outdoors for the summer brought me a lot of confidence with being uncomfortable and out in the middle of nowhere with nothing in the way concrete answers to the infinite 'what ifs' that come up, and made me more okay with downgrading my life. But I respect that a long hike is probably different from all this in ways.

Anyways I'm working at a train yard right now and I was googling some common monikers I see every day out of curiosity and that eventually brought me here. This place has been incredibly helpful so far and it's making me feel better about my plans, I think I'm gonna go for it when I'm done hiking this summer. Just wanted to pop in and say 'hey' and thank you all for posting such great info.

 

[Deleted member 125]

balmer yard?

 

[Jackrabbit]

balmer yard?

Nah, it's a pretty small yard outside the city with nothing really good to ride unfortunately.

 

[Deleted member 125]

Nah, it's a pretty small yard outside the city with nothing really good to ride unfortunately.

not all that familiar with the pacific northwest but do tell...

and damn man howd you snag a job with bnsf? i tried to get a job at csx at a few different places and the only strike against me was a few tresspassing tickets on property (maybe my criminal record due to them?) that i played off as being a rail fan and they still told me to kick rocks.

 

[Jackrabbit]

not all that familiar with the pacific northwest but do tell...

and damn man howd you snag a job with bnsf? i tried to get a job at csx at a few different places and the only strike against me was a few tresspassing tickets on property (maybe my criminal record due to them?) that i played off as being a rail fan and they still told me to kick rocks.

Yeah it may have been the record. I'm sure the freight hoppers around here can attest to just how friendly they are about people catching rides/roaming around the yard, lol. Work around trains can be a mixed bag, sometimes you'll score a really awesome job and other times it can be kinda shitty.

Maybe next time try for the smaller contracted yards instead of applying directly for places like BNSF or CSX. A place small enough and needing help may not be as strict about hits on your record. From my experience they're a bit harder to find, but they're out there and are usually pretty in need of staff.

 

[Hobo Mud]

Welcome friend to STP! Wish you nothing but safe travles in your epic journey.

 

[BelleBottoms]

Great dream... Walking around. I feel so bound up and caged in the USA. So many fences. And that's in the west. East coast is rediculous. First time I thought that walking cross country could be possible was in Scotland. Fields of Heather rolling over and over in the drizzle and fog. But, I live in America, and do not want to get arrested, so now I fantasize about the Pacific Coast Trail. Meanwhile, I put up fucking fence whenever I get money. If you want to walk through my land, even camp, feel free. The fence is to keep my asshole neighbors from crushing all the plants and destroying the ecology of the land with their ATVs. Why can't people just be considerate? I need another drink.
Oh, and yes, people met while traveling are awesome.