Train Hopping with Owen

So how have I spent the pandemic?

I've been down strange and unfamiliar YouTube rabbit holes.

I've been riding freight trains.

I hopped a train from Bakersfield to Barstow, CA.
Rode the roof of a boxcar through famous Tehachapi Pass.
Best views ever.

I'm addicted to the RanOnARail channel on YouTube.

"Owen" is the anonymous videographer/desperado who jumps trains in the US/Mexico/Canada and posts his trips to the web.

He haunts yards and depots, hopping freights.
A clear example--click above--shows how it works.

My guess: these are hours of real time trips, beautifully edited into 30-70 minute Epics. The dude's skills are impressive.
That jet trail in the opening minute?
The dangerous climb to a better view?

Only the rumble and clunk of rail cars is the soundtrack.

In a way, it's ASMR.

I click one of his rides late at night and clickety-click into zzz-land--with thousands of other home screen train-hoppers.

If you like the above ride, you'll go nuts to ride thru the Rockies from Denver to Grand Junction. 
No dome car produces views like these.
Gore Canyon at the five minute mark, below...

 https://youtu.be/2HkSMWxEUuA

There's a great-paying job for Owen at any TV/film production house. But until then, it's him and a camo knapsack.

These are glorious rides thru amazing landscapes.
And for any railroad buff ... probably better than sex.
Okay. Not "probably."
They're better.