On The Road
Sometimes the hardest thing to find is the road that takes you home…
Freight
Colorado
February 18th, 2023
It was cold, brutally cold. The wind slapped my neck with the force of a thousand men as I burrowed myself deeper into the dirty train car. I had been on the run for nearly 7 hours and was praying we would stop for a crew change soon. I took a peep around the edge of my cart and was met with an eerie peace. I watched as the darkness swallowed each tree one by one as we sped through the night, almost as if it was beckoning me to join. Suddenly, I was thrown against the edge of my cart as I felt my train rapidly decelerating. As the breaks ceased to squeal, I was swallowed by a deafening silence and the occasional crackle in the brush from an unsuspecting critter. I relaxed and admired the stars above, laid out as if they were painted just for me.
Utah
Image by: @denver_dave_
June 15th, 2023
All good things end, but for the first time in my life I sensed a new beginning. The cold wind blowing my hair, masking the sound of our joyous screams as we flew across The Great Salt Lake. As my body was overtaken by intense emotion, I didn’t know whether to cry, scream or just be still. The sun danced over the water as we thundered down the line. There were storms building in the distance, but we didn’t mind. Nothing could take away the sense of freedom and joy I felt in that moment, this was my world. My next chapter was just beginning, one without influence or judgment. I watch as my dreams slowly became reality. I feel as if I’m the master of the glistening water that surrounds me.
Nevada
June 27th, 2023
My face is hot almost as if an invisible heater is pointed directly on it. I feel the heat enter my lungs, my body immediately crying for help as it barely receives any oxygen back. The diesel fumes fill my eyes, causing them to water as I hold onto the top of the locomotive with all my strength. Life is beautiful isn't it, a collection of moments that can fade in a moment, but remain in the mind forever. The desert flashed by me as our train picked up speed. This was the fastest our train had been this trip and no feeling could compare to it. My hair was plastered to my head by a mix of rushing wind and diesel exhaust. The sun began to set as we continued through the canyon of perfectly carved golden rock.
Life Moments
Utah
March 20th, 2022
I found myself fleeing my small town in hopes of new experiences and a greater purpose. I craned my neck as I peeked around the train's rusty ladder, and as I gripped it tighter, I spotted a man wearing a yellow vest walking toward my cart. My blood ran cold with anticipation. Suddenly, the carts jerked and the train began to slowly pick up speed. I was saved, at least for now. From the time I was young, I never really felt that I belonged anywhere. I ventured from town to town, my soul as light as a feather. The sound of an unmovable freight train barreling down the tracks was more relaxing than a night at the bar. The second I step into an empty auditorium or a silent church, my mind is set at ease. As I grew older, I ventured farther and farther outside my comfort zone. I wanted to see it all. Suddenly I hear the squealing of breaks as my train grinds to a halt. I sneak a glance from behind my hiding spot, and all I see is endless possibilities. A new world to be explored.
United States
June 30th, 2023
After train hopping nearly 5 days over 1500 miles we began to settle into the rhythm of this foreign city. Luckily we were able to find a small hidden roof to call our home for the week. The days were warm and the nights moderate, we kept warm and lived off a local 7/11 for food. Life was good.
January 22nd, 2023
I remember trudging through the rain, quickly jogging and laughing as we splashed through puddles trying to get back to the abandoned hotel we temporarily called home that week. As I closed my eyes that night in our makeshift bedroom I felt true happiness. I was a little wet from the storm, but it didn’t bother me because in that moment I was truly free. The next 7 days would be spent running rampant through St. Louis exploring every nook and cranny.