Enjoyed the video, Shoestring! I visited the tunnel on a trip around that area a few years ago, and would like to visit on one of the annual "Railroad Days" when the tunnel is open to walk through, but difficult to schedule from where I live in New York. For those interested in the location, this is Virginia's Natural Tunnel State Park, located between Clinchport and Duffield VA. The park is open year round. You can walk down and up or pay a modest charge for the chair lift. Normally, you can not enter the cave itself, only view it from the east entrance, except during this once a year Railroad Day event, normally held in July. Now, for those watching this channel I suppose you could check to make sure there are no State Park Police in sight and walk into the cave with a flashlight, but you might get caught on your way back out, unless you can arrange to continue walking west and get picked up there.
Oh, Shoestring! What a great video!!! Love you so much! For taking the time to share with us all of God's Glory you see every time you travel! Blessings to you on your way!
NATURAL TUNNEL is the name of this tunnel. It's open one day a year to visit. It's located in the SW corner of Virginia. It borders on Kentucky and Tennessee. It's in a National Park names " Natural Tunnel"
Hello Abbey. Been wanting to learn to play the spoons since I first watched your videos. Watched a few of your lessons but haven't tried yet. My grandkids leave me very little time, which is actually a very good thing. ML&R Abbey. Keep on keeping on.
Your a real American hero of mine Sir. Hobo or no. Not many have seen the US or any of the country as affordably and ethically as you have. I get a sense you really do love her and care for her and others. Thank you My friend.
#HoboShoestring Awesome Video 💯 Glad you and Larry had a great trip today 🙂 Thanks for the Shout-out to Me and Mom, she really enjoys watching your videos too, rest good and have a blessed night 🙏
Some 20 years ago I was standing in that tunnel... those trains can move pretty fast, at least at night (though I know it's open the day you were there). Too cool, have fun!
It would be nice to see a "best of" video of your different stories. Maybe one of just being on trains and another showing all your different camps. Something like this would be a good showcase to share with new viewers and friends.
Awesome!!! Grab the popcorn and soda pop and sit back and watch a Shoestring premier video 🙂 45 minutes of pure bliss. Thanks String! Hope you are doing well
Now I know for a fact your my kind of guy when I heard you say and I quote "I wish I was the only person on earth" I was actually looking at something else when I heard you say that and I just started busting out laughing cause I've often thought the same thing. Train on Brother!!!
Man that cave with the tracks in it is something else. So beautiful, I know exactly how you were thinking when you said I wish I was the only human alive. Thats what Id say too lol.
I'm not much of a people person, maybe that's why I like watching your videos, you're always finding and going to places where they're not. I was having a hard time watching with all those people around you. Lol.....
You met 13 fans in one day! That's fantastic. It's kind of funny in a way. You've been enjoying freedom and solitude riding the rails, but you made so many friends across the country that your peace is being threatened by your popularity. You can't win for losing. There has to be some kind of irony going on here. Keep up the great work. I have been sharing your videos with many people. That's the least I can do.
Shoestring!! Awesome video! Nice Rock cut and cavern tunnel!! I've been listening to that same Cranberries song as well as their other hits last few day's! 😎 🎸🇺🇸
@@goodjohnhunting Yes, I think Shoestring was humming the intro melody to the Irish band Cranberries song (Ode to my Family??) But I could be wrong?. I'm a musician, that's how I caught that. 😎
Wow Hobo! Right at 35:20 in this video you captured an E&LS (Escanaba & Lake Superior) boxcar on the model train set! The same RR that I film.. Where was this place?
Nice video. On that model Railroad I saw Keweenaw on one of the buildings. I was born and raised on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Kinda neat to see.
Those "little Caves" you see in and around the mouth of the natural tunnel are notches cut out by pioneers and confederate soldiers mining the salt peter from the bluff to make gunpowder. This is one of the most fascinating places I've ever been. Can't wait to go back! :)
Hiya Shoestring! Your in my old stomping grounds. I grew up in SW Virginia and E TN. I was on the fire department in Appalachia when they dedicated the caboose. Never knew about the bearing oiler. I haven’t been to natural tunnel since before the lift was put in and you had to hike down to the tunnel. Take care my friend, good luck with the up coming surgery.
Truly awesome video Shoestring! I've been there a couple times but the chairlift wasn't working and we couldn't walk though it. I got to see a couple trains come through though. Awesome getting to see it inside! Thanks for sharing it with us!
My favorite video of you is when you jumped on that ferry and went to Alaska that was so cool I would love to do that sometime thank you for showing me how much fun you had
Hey Shoestring . Another great Shoestring production ! Glad got finally meet you and Larry yesterday . Sorry speech was off I still have problems from my Stroke . I be looking cool stuff send you soon & one done seen .
Great video Mark!! I looked at that area on google maps from your earlier vid but couldn't see much from the aerial photos. This was a grand tour through it all... What an amazing natural cut. As requested. I have sent a couple of your vids to some friends as well as posted links on a couple large forums. Hope to get some $$ coming your way. I know a LOT of folks block ads. I block them myself, but, have opened them up for the channels I sub like Shoestring.If we could all do that it would put a few more dollars in Marks direction.. Looking forward to the Convention and seeing you as next King of the Hobos. Good Luck, Take Care and Be Safe... ..JW..
Cool video Shoestring!!!!👍That’s one BIG tunnel😳that would be cool to see a steam train going threw there puffing some smoke👍🚂💨💨💨💨Glad you and Larry got to get out and enjoy it!!!✋
Hey Shoestring ! Believe we spoke about the Gate City East Bound and the Appalachia , West bound yesterday evening! Was awesome getting to meet my favorite Hobo / TH-camr!
Shoestring you are an amazing person with lots of knowledge we love you out here in Canada 🇨🇦 my brother. Stay healthy and safe always God Bless you brother. ❤❤❤
Really loved this one. Glad you're feeling so much better. Can't beleave how green the cave tunnel is very strange. CAN'T WAIT TI YOU START RIDEING AGAIN.
Absolutely fantastic Mark, I was wondering what would happen if a train appeared until you said the line was closed and it was just a one day a year experience. If I ever manage to get back to the USA this would be a place on my list to visit and hopefully meet up with you and Lawrence So pleased you gave a shout out to Lawrence and his mom, I also follow him on u tube and enjoy his uploads as I do yours Mike in the aUK
Shoestring, the tunnel is truly amazing. Being that they only usually run coal through this tunnel, I was wondering if you have ever ridden through this tunnel in your adventures? My next question is, in all of your travels, what is your favorite tunnel to ride through, if there is one? I also agree with the idea of camping in that tunnel, it would definitely be worth the effort. The model train layout was really nice to see as well. Glad you were able to get out and start getting some exercise and being around the rails.
Hey Shoe, I've been binge watching your videos for the past 4 weeks and I love your stories. I'm currently up to last year's COVID test from Fremont. I had some questions/ideas that may be topics for future stories if you want to touch on them. 1. A few years ago when the Bull made you delete some of your videos, do you remember what the videos were about, and were there any stories associated with them? 2. The video with you and Gypsy Moon and Dutch sitting around the fire telling stories while remembering Colby was really cool. Any chance you can maybe do some more videos with other hobos all telling stories? It's so interesting to hear everyone. 3. We know how you lost your fingers. How and when did you start losing your hearing? What about your teeth? 4. Back when you were drinking, are there any really crazy, out of the ordinary stories from that time period that you can recall that might be learning experiences? 5. Do you recollect your first experiences with TH-cam, and what got you into uploading your videos for the world to see? Thanks! - Andy
My god shoestring,u are a true daredevil!! First that spider on ur porch,I'd be done,and then the lift ,I hate heights,I'm so glad I'm the first commenter ,wish I could have met and got ur autograph, ur the best! Beautiful scenery!
I've rode a lot of chair lifts skiing,,, really steep some of them and long,,, you freeze your ass off going to the top of the mountain,,,,that one there is going pretty slow actually but I guess that's the scenic chair,,,LOL
The tunnel that is notched for a smokestack is the one at Devils Backbone. I started to bring my family up Saturday to the Natural Tunnel but I forgot until Friday night that it was the next day. It would be cool to meet you sometime.
Those people don't even realize that they are walking by a railroad legend. The one and only Shoestring...
Thanks for helping out old Shoestring Larry! Everyone needs a good Larry in their lives.
Godspeed Mr. Nichols, Thank you for all you gave, and have given.. You will be greatly missed.. R.I.P. Shoestring, ✌
Shoestring you are to Rail roading as Keith Richards is to Rock and Roll. You ARE THE MAN.
Don't call him that
Enjoyed the video, Shoestring! I visited the tunnel on a trip around that area a few years ago, and would like to visit on one of the annual "Railroad Days" when the tunnel is open to walk through, but difficult to schedule from where I live in New York. For those interested in the location, this is Virginia's Natural Tunnel State Park, located between Clinchport and Duffield VA. The park is open year round. You can walk down and up or pay a modest charge for the chair lift. Normally, you can not enter the cave itself, only view it from the east entrance, except during this once a year Railroad Day event, normally held in July. Now, for those watching this channel I suppose you could check to make sure there are no State Park Police in sight and walk into the cave with a flashlight, but you might get caught on your way back out, unless you can arrange to continue walking west and get picked up there.
Thanks for the location information!!
This is an episode long overdue. We stopped and visited several years ago and enjoyed it enormously.
Thanks for the info. Hopefully I can visit someday. Sounds like my kind of place.
Please & thank you 😀Remember to like and share your favourite video to your friends to help shoestrings channel grow 😀
Oh, Shoestring! What a great video!!! Love you so much! For taking the time to share with us all of God's Glory you see every time you travel! Blessings to you on your way!
Best of health! Glad you are feeling well enough to get out.
NATURAL TUNNEL is the name of this tunnel. It's open one day a year to visit. It's located in the SW corner of Virginia. It borders on Kentucky and Tennessee.
It's in a National Park names " Natural Tunnel"
One day a year? Good grief
Dang. I've got to wait a whole year? Gonna have to set my alarm clock.
Only open on the 12th day of Never!
That natural tunnel is amazing. Much more room in there than I thought there would be. I would like to ride through there.
Oh heck yeah, 42 minutes of goodness to watch! Hope you're doing well Mark. Seems like you're really enjoying the new home base.
Wow! That natural tunnel is truly amazing! Would be awesome to catch a train there! The model train layout was pretty neat as well! Great footage!
Whoa, that's nifty! I've never been there, I'd like to check it out. Purdy darn cool.
Nice to see you on here Abby! You are awesome!
WoW 🤩. It’s the spoon lady! Whaahey! I agree with Brandon, you’re awesome ❤️
Hello Abbey. Been wanting to learn to play the spoons since I first watched your videos. Watched a few of your lessons but haven't tried yet. My grandkids leave me very little time, which is actually a very good thing. ML&R Abbey. Keep on keeping on.
Yes Abby, this place is almost sacred to me.
It really does bring out hidden goodness inside your heart you didn't know existed.
Abby! 👋🏻 🪕
Your a real American hero of mine Sir. Hobo or no. Not many have seen the US or any of the country as affordably and ethically as you have. I get a sense you really do love her and care for her and others. Thank you My friend.
#HoboShoestring Awesome Video 💯 Glad you and Larry had a great trip today 🙂 Thanks for the Shout-out to Me and Mom, she really enjoys watching your videos too, rest good and have a blessed night 🙏
Thanks for making it a good day my friend... Very interesting day today. The tunnel is amazing.. 👍
Some 20 years ago I was standing in that tunnel... those trains can move pretty fast, at least at night (though I know it's open the day you were there). Too cool, have fun!
The park guy in the tunnel you and Larry was talking to was one of my teachers back in middle and high school.
I shared three times. I would love to see your channel snowball into a million plus subscribers. In my humble opinion you deserve that and more.
This is exactly where I live. Just about 5 minutes away. I trout fish that creek every year. Awesome video Shoestring!!!
It would be nice to see a "best of" video of your different stories. Maybe one of just being on trains and another showing all your different camps. Something like this would be a good showcase to share with new viewers and friends.
Love your Sense of Humor as always. Ride on the Ski Lift looked Enjoyable. Thanks for Sharing.👍
Beautiful place, would love to see it for my self one day, be even better if I could out a house there...
Fab video. Have shared and will be shaing some others. Stunning location. That train set is unbelievable. Thanks for sharing that with us.
Awesome!!! Grab the popcorn and soda pop and sit back and watch a Shoestring premier video 🙂 45 minutes of pure bliss. Thanks String! Hope you are doing well
I'll never quit watching you shoestring be safe brother
Thanks Rhonda and John and Larry! Wow nature at its best! Beautiful! As always great video! Shoestring Nation #1........
Awesome Adventure...
Cool Cave 👍😎
Journey Well Brother...
Continued Prayers for your health and wellbeing... 🙏
Now I know for a fact your my kind of guy when I heard you say and I quote "I wish I was the only person on earth" I was actually looking at something else when I heard you say that and I just started busting out laughing cause I've often thought the same thing. Train on Brother!!!
Man that cave with the tracks in it is something else. So beautiful, I know exactly how you were thinking when you said I wish I was the only human alive. Thats what Id say too lol.
I'm not much of a people person, maybe that's why I like watching your videos, you're always finding and going to places where they're not. I was having a hard time watching with all those people around you. Lol.....
Hope you win hobo king, with your 30yrs of riding the rails and giving us a history lesson of all your stops you deserve it 👍
Brother what a Awesome Beautiful video I'm really glad you are feeling better
Good photography with your shadow in the tunnel.
You met 13 fans in one day! That's fantastic. It's kind of funny in a way. You've been enjoying freedom and solitude riding the rails, but you made so many friends across the country that your peace is being threatened by your popularity. You can't win for losing. There has to be some kind of irony going on here. Keep up the great work. I have been sharing your videos with many people. That's the least I can do.
Shoestring!! Awesome video! Nice Rock cut and cavern tunnel!! I've been listening to that same Cranberries song as well as their other hits last few day's! 😎 🎸🇺🇸
I was thinking that was the Cranberries! Awesome!
@@goodjohnhunting Yes, I think Shoestring was humming the intro melody to the Irish band Cranberries song (Ode to my Family??) But I could be wrong?. I'm a musician, that's how I caught that. 😎
So great to see and hear you in good health and spirits!!! Keep taking care of yourself!!
Love this type of stuff~! I'm new here not to You tube but this Channel. Need new content to watch great stuff.
I live about 30 minutes away from natural tunnel! It's truly breath taking!!!
I enjoy your video’s shoestring. Keep em comin.
This was incredible to see. I loved the model train set as well.
Wow Hobo! Right at 35:20 in this video you captured an E&LS (Escanaba & Lake Superior) boxcar on the model train set! The same RR that I film.. Where was this place?
Thanks again for your moderate angle on life. I'm trying to keep a moderate angle on this beer.At least until pay day or play day!
Glad to see you feeling so well, I know all about the back pain brother...I'll be sharing a few videos for you man, thanks
That was a great opening. Such a sense of humour! I definitely think all model railroad layouts need a hobo camp. Glad you’re feeling better.
Seems like every cliff tourist site was a native ‘lovers leap’
Nice skis…I mean boots. Wrong season I guess. Glad you are enjoying life in the area. Glad you are still in TN.
Shoestring, I enjoy your videos on surrounding areas and rail yard knowledge videos almost as much as your trips videos. Nice work.
Just wanted you to know I think that this has to be my favorite video so far. Also, where did your friend get his cool new boots?
What an amazing place. So majestically beautiful
Nice video. On that model Railroad I saw Keweenaw on one of the buildings. I was born and raised on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Kinda neat to see.
Those "little Caves" you see in and around the mouth of the natural tunnel are notches cut out by pioneers and confederate soldiers mining the salt peter from the bluff to make gunpowder. This is one of the most fascinating places I've ever been. Can't wait to go back! :)
Hey shoestring, "hobo king shoestring" that rhymes.
Hiya Shoestring! Your in my old stomping grounds. I grew up in SW Virginia and E TN. I was on the fire department in Appalachia when they dedicated the caboose. Never knew about the bearing oiler. I haven’t been to natural tunnel since before the lift was put in and you had to hike down to the tunnel. Take care my friend, good luck with the up coming surgery.
Truly awesome video Shoestring! I've been there a couple times but the chairlift wasn't working and we couldn't walk though it. I got to see a couple trains come through though. Awesome getting to see it inside! Thanks for sharing it with us!
The old bearing covers were called a hotbox, if they ran out of lube you'd find out quick why. thank you shoestring 😁
This is a video about Hotboxes. th-cam.com/video/_cTWHMm9VRk/w-d-xo.html
Cool video. I did not know about this place until now. I will have to go and visit soon.
Absolutely love your Videos you are the Hobo King far as l am concerned God Bless take care
My favorite video of you is when you jumped on that ferry and went to Alaska that was so cool I would love to do that sometime thank you for showing me how much fun you had
Great video ! Even saw a D/M boxcar and Keweenaw station (my neck of the woods) shared!
cool trees growing out of rock cliffs! shared this on GAB!
Even tho ima city boy (Philadelphia) I enjoy the outdoors n appreciate nature n also like the rails/trains, Thank You for ur videos
Great video...thankyou...take care
Stay strong brother you're going to get through this
Hey Shoestring . Another great Shoestring production !
Glad got finally meet you and Larry yesterday . Sorry speech was off I still have problems from my Stroke . I be looking cool stuff send you soon & one done seen .
Oh I've shared your TH-cam channel hope it helps .
Hello Shoestring from Linton Indiana you have good videos I am a big fan of you shoestring and stay safe out there on the rails!!!!!
This is a good one man. I will share it to my Facebook account my friend. I really appreciate the effort you put into these.
Great video Mark!! I looked at that area on google maps from your earlier vid but couldn't see much from the aerial photos.
This was a grand tour through it all... What an amazing natural cut.
As requested. I have sent a couple of your vids to some friends as well as posted links on a couple large forums. Hope to get some $$ coming your way.
I know a LOT of folks block ads. I block them myself, but, have opened them up for the channels I sub like Shoestring.If we could all do that it would put a few more dollars in Marks direction..
Looking forward to the Convention and seeing you as next King of the Hobos.
Good Luck, Take Care and Be Safe...
..JW..
Thank you
Cool video Shoestring!!!!👍That’s one BIG tunnel😳that would be cool to see a steam train going threw there puffing some smoke👍🚂💨💨💨💨Glad you and Larry got to get out and enjoy it!!!✋
Seems like an awful lot of nice folks there, thanks for the great video!
Might be a hobo with a campfire over there! Better introduce myself! Good stuff shoestring! Lol
Welcome aboard
Quite a difference from the last time you were here. The people are really out this summer. 😉Hail King Shoestring 👑
Hey Shoestring ! Believe we spoke about the Gate City East Bound and the Appalachia , West bound yesterday evening! Was awesome getting to meet my favorite Hobo / TH-camr!
Shoestring you are an amazing person with lots of knowledge we love you out here in Canada 🇨🇦 my brother. Stay healthy and safe always God Bless you brother. ❤❤❤
Great little vid Shoestring and Larry ... Only thing missing was Jaw tooth ... Lol ...
That is more like railroad cave than the tunnel, nature is beautiful over there.
Hey shoestring I shared your video a couple of times. Even sent one to Lawrence.
Really loved this one. Glad you're feeling so much better. Can't beleave how green the cave tunnel is very strange. CAN'T WAIT TI YOU START RIDEING AGAIN.
Amazing. I assume when ever a train comes or is due everyone has to move out the tunnel? Amazin place to watch trains.
I am from NS (living in Calgary) and I did not know that. You are such a smart man! Stay safe and well.
"KING" hobo shoestring always putting out great videos keep up the great work my brother,thank you! 👑 🚂 🤴 🏆 👍😀
great video hobo really enjoyed it thanks for making it.
Great video. Looking forward to many more.
Thanks for bring the beautiful train tunnel
Absolutely fantastic Mark, I was wondering what would happen if a train appeared until you said the line was closed and it was just a one day a year experience.
If I ever manage to get back to the USA this would be a place on my list to visit and hopefully meet up with you and Lawrence
So pleased you gave a shout out to Lawrence and his mom, I also follow him on u tube and enjoy his uploads as I do yours
Mike in the aUK
Shoestring, the tunnel is truly amazing. Being that they only usually run coal through this tunnel, I was wondering if you have ever ridden through this tunnel in your adventures? My next question is, in all of your travels, what is your favorite tunnel to ride through, if there is one? I also agree with the idea of camping in that tunnel, it would definitely be worth the effort.
The model train layout was really nice to see as well. Glad you were able to get out and start getting some exercise and being around the rails.
Hey Shoe, I've been binge watching your videos for the past 4 weeks and I love your stories. I'm currently up to last year's COVID test from Fremont. I had some questions/ideas that may be topics for future stories if you want to touch on them. 1. A few years ago when the Bull made you delete some of your videos, do you remember what the videos were about, and were there any stories associated with them? 2. The video with you and Gypsy Moon and Dutch sitting around the fire telling stories while remembering Colby was really cool. Any chance you can maybe do some more videos with other hobos all telling stories? It's so interesting to hear everyone. 3. We know how you lost your fingers. How and when did you start losing your hearing? What about your teeth? 4. Back when you were drinking, are there any really crazy, out of the ordinary stories from that time period that you can recall that might be learning experiences? 5. Do you recollect your first experiences with TH-cam, and what got you into uploading your videos for the world to see?
Thanks! - Andy
You becoming a rock star shoestring good for you. We watch you here in Belize lol
My god shoestring,u are a true daredevil!! First that spider on ur porch,I'd be done,and then the lift ,I hate heights,I'm so glad I'm the first commenter ,wish I could have met and got ur autograph, ur the best! Beautiful scenery!
Thanks for posting, good sir!
Nice fans in the mist, nice you mark the hobo shoestring, you are famous, love ya brother BigAl California.
I've rode a lot of chair lifts skiing,,, really steep some of them and long,,, you freeze your ass off going to the top of the mountain,,,,that one there is going pretty slow actually but I guess that's the scenic chair,,,LOL
It's da bat bat cave ya‼️
I don’t know if I’m seeing things but it looks like a face at 3:29 on the rock. Great video shoestring you never disappoint.
Thanks for the tour!
One of your best videos enjoyed it thanks.
👍👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Awesome video
Priceless day out on the track's Mark, absolutely interesting tunnel indeed so, ☺☺🚂🚂🚂🚃🚄🚅🚦🚦🚥👍👍👍.
i will share your videos with friends . I aspire to make videos and channels, I sure feel you, i became ill recently . thank you shoestring you rule !
Man your beard is getting long!
I shaved my 2 year 11 inch beard recently and I know it takes a lot of effort and maintenance.
Looking good bro!!!
The tunnel that is notched for a smokestack is the one at Devils Backbone. I started to bring my family up Saturday to the Natural Tunnel but I forgot until Friday night that it was the next day. It would be cool to meet you sometime.