A Secret History of American River People Posted on November 16, 2019 (November 24, 2023) by Wes Modes A project to build a collection of personal stories of people who live and work on the river from the deck of a recreated mid-century shantyboat over a series of epic river voyages…
Inspiration Comes in the Night Posted on November 18, 2019 (October 3, 2024) by Wes Modes A weblog about art, technology, and the creative process…
Freight Train Riding Posted on November 9, 2019 (October 3, 2024) by Wes Modes I’ve hopped freight trains for transportation and adventure since 1992 all over the West Coast and Midwest, attending annual hobo gatherings in various places….
the secret life of trains Posted on October 3, 2024 (October 10, 2024) by Wes Modes a hobbyist’s guide to hopping freight We’re on a northbound Southern Pacific freight. This is Philip and Michele’s first ride and my sixth. It still has the initial thrill. I…
Nashville, Tennessee Posted on October 3, 2024 (October 10, 2024) by Wes Modes a round-trip journey to nowhere It’s raining. It shouldn’t be raining. It isn’t supposed to be raining. Though I have to thank the skies for a clear night while I…
how to hop a freight train Posted on October 3, 2024 (October 3, 2024) by Wes Modes a brief guide to riding the rails what to worry about Safety is a big deal on the railroad. It is real easy to get good and hurt. You are…
