Gosh, are we all forgetting those traditional wayfarer lifestyles of decades past? During the Depression of the 1930s "riding the rails" was quite the norm.
In fact, as recently as the 1980s I've run across quite a number of guys who mentioned routinely "hopping freights" to travel cross-country (not everyone can afford airline tickets or bus fare you know).
Throw in a few "wayfarer" anthems by the likes of Gordon Lightfoot (usually "filler tracks" on albums) and one can see a possible influence for inspiring curious upstarts to try their luck at this anachronistic outmoded type of "freelanceness".
I find it interesting that some people have turned fright train hopping into an extreme sport. In the past it was the preserve of homeless people, migrant workers and various other groups that live on the margins of society. Those people tended to do it out of necessity because they either had no money to pay for regular transport or they wanted to stay off the grid for various reasons. While these groups still exist they have been joined by an odd group of middle class thrill seekers who are doing it for simply for fun and bragging rights.
5 comments:
Gosh, are we all forgetting those traditional wayfarer lifestyles of decades past?
During the Depression of the 1930s "riding the rails" was quite the norm.
In fact, as recently as the 1980s I've run across quite a number of guys who mentioned routinely "hopping freights" to travel cross-country (not everyone can afford airline tickets or bus fare you know).
Throw in a few "wayfarer" anthems by the likes of Gordon Lightfoot (usually "filler tracks" on albums) and one can see a possible influence for inspiring curious upstarts to try their luck at this anachronistic outmoded type of "freelanceness".
yeah but somehow i dont think most who ride trains in that fashion would have a go pro and helmet......just saying
He's getting around
I find it interesting that some people have turned fright train hopping into an extreme sport. In the past it was the preserve of homeless people, migrant workers and various other groups that live on the margins of society. Those people tended to do it out of necessity because they either had no money to pay for regular transport or they wanted to stay off the grid for various reasons. While these groups still exist they have been joined by an odd group of middle class thrill seekers who are doing it for simply for fun and bragging rights.
When is Darwin going to dispose of people like that guy.
Post a Comment