This photo, though unexciting, marks a huge moment in my life. Growing up next to the railroad, the rattle and rumble of the freight trains would always lul me to sleep. I would watch them roar by, knowing each one led to adventure. I've always wanted to join the fraternity of Hobos, Tramps, scum, adventurers, and all the other forgotten people who had the same burning wanderlust I do. This photo is the only thing I have from my first time riding the rails (other than a backpack stained with coal).
I took this coal car from Denver, 8 hours South along the entirety of the Colorado Rockies. I saw some of the most beautiful sites I've ever seen and had one of the best/worst nights sleep I've ever slept. I got off the train at 5 am and hitch-hiked the rest of the way. 4 awesome people, 1 super awesome ex coke head, 1 messed up meth trafficker/junky/gay porn recruiter and 26 hours later I made it home. In one piece.
--Skem3
