I was recently invited to learn how to hop a freight train out of Los Angeles with master hobo Bo Keely. I’ve mentioned Bo before: veterinarian, world traveler of over 100 countries, racquetball champion, writer, desert rat and man of infinite inspiration. I admit that the train hop was one of the most intense series of scary moments I’ve ever experienced, but it was also exhilarating and a chance to truly learn how to weave all five of my senses into a powerful antenna. Bo is over 60 years old and has been hopping trains since he was in his late 20s. He knows what he’s doing and I had a hard time keeping up with him although I’m more than 30 years younger. He posted our story on Daily Speculations.

Before our trip we spend some time with two other “executive hobos” in the desert. We hiked up to Panamint City and hung out with old miners in the ghost town of Ballarat.

Our crew in Panamint City:

The smelter stack built in the 1860s still stands:

George the gold miner in Ballarat:

Bo describing the hike up:

I’ve spent the last week sharing my life with Bo and I’ve been inspired to travel, live more healthfully and to open my mind to all the adventures this world has to offer us.