Texas Roadrunner Interview (2024)
DH: It’s been a few years since the last interview, how have you and the pups been?
TR: Cold. But we love it. Better than being in the bad East Texas heat. 27 now and still going.
DH: Last year you had a run in with law enforcement in Missouri, how has this changed your perspective on cops?
TR: At one time I was big supporter of law enforcement even as a hobo. After the incident, I really don’t trust them anymore for anything. I’m still friends with a few and normally in situations like this l’d go to them for advice and guidance on dealing with cops.
DH: Last time we didn’t get into your gear, what do you carry and is there any must have items for you?
TR: Normally the three things I worry about the most with gear is sleep, food, and water. I carry a swagroll/bedroll for shelter which uses 4 blankets and a sleeping bag for warmth along with an East German strichtarn tarp as shelter. I carry a long pillow case used as a tucker bag for food, enough for me for 5-6 days walking and enough for the dogs as well until we reach the next towns walking. I carry a litter of water in a plastic water bottle under my arm held by a rope. Most of our routes have creeks and rivers for us to let the dogs drink from so l don’t normally worry about their water needs as much. The most important though is my large hunting knife which I use for bushcraft and defense.
DH: You travel with three dogs. What are the pros and cons of hoboing with animals?
TR: I’m a loner for the most part. I prefer the quiet solitude of being in the wilderness but I also prefer to have the pups with me. Solitude is a double edged sword. You want to be left alone but also don’t like being by yourself so in my situation having dogs is the best for me. I can’t see my self not having dogs on the road or any other animals. The only con I can think of is people trying to steal them from me. I already lost my dogs twice because people won’t leave us alone.
DH: How do you make money while traveling? I never see you flying signs? How do you feed yourself and the pups?
TR: We look for work in most towns we go through. Farming, ranching, mowing, etc. but we also dumpster dive as well for our food which is how we eat most of the time. The good thing is over time I taught my dogs how to hunt for themselves and I love foraging when I’m in the wilderness.
DH: Speaking of food, what are a few of your go to jungle recipes?
TR: Of course everyone knows of mulligan stew but two favorites is ashcakes and oatcakes along with hardtack and bannock bread.
DH: The last time we talked I asked you about the National Hobo Convention and running for King. You never ended up attending, or running in 2023. Have your thoughts on becoming king changed and if so why?
TR: I had other stuff come up that I felt were more important. Also the reason I wanted to be king was because I felt that I could do more things for people with that title but reality hit me later as l realized I can still do it weather I’m king or not.
DH: You’ve been living the hobo lifestyle since 2014. What is your advice to anyone looking to get into traveling or riding the rails like you?
TR: Don’t be a bum. Don’t think that every town and city you go through you need to fly a stupid sign to get by because if that’s all your gonna do then your in this for the wrong reasons. Being creative and having a good imagination will take you a long way with anything you’re trying to get or do.
DH: What are your plans for 2024?
TR: My plans is to keep doing what I always do. Right now though we are on our way to Ohio to meet up with a fellow YouTuber, Waypoint Survival, to do some videos so those will be released later this year.
DH: Thanks for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
TR: Nope, just love your family and keep your heads on right, will push through the insane world we find ourselves in.
Read the original interview with The Texas Roadrunner HERE.