One of my big passions when it comes to photography is street photography.   I love walking around a city and taking photos of whatever interests me.  Generally, I find the subject matters that are difficult for others, such as the disparity between poverty and affluence, to be the most interesting and worth-while.  This last March I was in St. Paul doing a little street photography. It had begun to snow and the temp. quickly dropped. I was over in the lowertown area, there’s a gas station just up the street from the blackdog cafe and farmers market, I decided to head over there and grab a cup of hot chocolate.  As I was walking in, I noticed a man who was dressed differently outside chatting with a gentleman who was filling up his tank. I went inside and bought myself my hot chocolate.  Upon walking back out I noticed that the  gentleman had stopped talking; so, I walked over there and struck up a conversation. Seriously, it was one of the most worthwhile and enjoyable decisions I had made in a while. What ensued was a very interesting conversation and impromptu photo session.

Over the course of the next hour I learned a bunch.

• This guy’s name was Carl, he is what many people would call a track rider.
• He’s been everywhere from california all the way up to Alaska. He’s also done all the odd jobs that one could imagine.
• He’s been to prision multiple times for trespassing on railway property (it’s illegal to ride the rails)
• He’s part of a brotherhood of riders called the freight train riders of america (ftra).
• On the rails one day, his best friend and fellow track rider was murdered by the infamous serial killer of the rails named Robert Silveria. This was in the 1980’s days before silveria cut the break lines on a train that derailed it and killed him in the process.  He rode alone after that.
• Rrack riders have rail names. For example, the rail rider murder’s track name was “Side Track.” Carl’s track name was… well… I promise I wouldn’t tell anyone : )

Doing what I probably shouldn’t have done, I went with him and checked out the location he was camped out in.  Towards the end of our time together I asked him why he had done this for 43 years.  He said that he had a great job once, it payed well, he lived in a nice house, had friends.  He said he left all of that behind to ride the rails though, because something inside him drove him to always be on the move. The rails called to him, they were his highway to freedom.  It hadn’t been an easy life he said but he wouldn’t change a thing.

Carl, here’s to you man.  Thanks for a truly life changing experience. Wherever you are, I hope times are good for you.

Evan

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