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Snapshots from the Rail

If you're on Insta, help advance our reach by following, commenting, and sharing. If not, that's cool.  Check out our most recent IG post below.

Scroll down for notes from the WayOut experience. If we don't study ourselves, we get studied. Often, with a lot of misunderstanding and misrepresentation. We're side launching a community ethnographic endeavor-- out of the ivory tower and into the grassroots. The snapshots below are excerpts from written and audio field notes. Join the research. Not as subjects, but as intellectuals. Post your reactions, insights, analysis and similar experiences. 

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Getting our popcorn ready to see the stunning changes over at @off_gridish! Make sure you tune i....
Getting our popcorn ready to see the stunning changes over at @off_gridish! Make sure you tune in. Catch them on #iglive next Tuesday at 7:30pm EST right before the episode airs!
We love to see the Aboveground Railroad community thrive. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Can’t wait to visit again soon!
#blacktravel #blacktravelfeed #blacknomads #blackvanlife #travelnoire #blackhomesteaders #blackhomesteads #blackfarmers #blackfarmersmarket #blackcampers # Read More
Save the Date!📅 On Juneteenth weekend, @sgrbpatch is hosting a nature-filled good time at the....
Save the Date!📅 On Juneteenth weekend, @sgrbpatch is hosting a nature-filled good time at their blueberry farm in Tuskeegee, Alabama!
Pick your own blueberries, fill up on some down-home cookin', turn up with some good music and fun outdoor activities, and then warm up gathered around the bonfire!
You can come just for the daytime festivities or extend the fun by camping out on the farm.
Stay tuned for more details and registration!
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#blacktravel #blacktravelfeed #blacknomads #blackvanlife Read More
It's going down once again at Unity Family Farm May 19-21 in Gibson, GA!Garrett invites all for ....
It's going down once again at Unity Family Farm May 19-21 in Gibson, GA!
Garrett invites all for a weekend of community camping and relaxation at his homestead. Free camping and free food!
Save the date OR better yet, put in your RSVP now! RSVP is required by May 1st. See flyer for contact info.
#blackhomesteaders #blacknomads #blacktravel #blacktravelfeed #blackvanlife #travelnoire
Stay toasty warm on those chilly outdoor nights and help us raise funds to continue building the....
Stay toasty warm on those chilly outdoor nights and help us raise funds to continue building the Aboveground Railroad community!
We need your support to continue making this vision a reality. Check out the Solidarity Shop and grab an Aboveground Railroad hoodie, magnet, keychain, or engraved compass! Link in bio.
Here's your chance to show us some love and provide support as we continue this wonderful work of building a nationwide community centered around providing safe and affirming outdoor Read More
@deadprez said it best. Sound on!Visit the solidarity shop (link in bio) to help raise funds for....
@deadprez said it best. Sound on!
Visit the solidarity shop (link in bio) to help raise funds for groups and organizers working hard to make sure that there is NO Cop City anywhere!
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#stopcopcity #defendatlantaforest
Yoooo this is dope! Share this! We spotted this protest sign and just love the idea!Taking a sti....
Yoooo this is dope! Share this! We spotted this protest sign and just love the idea!
Taking a sticker and turning a public sign that can be found everywhere into a protest sign for Stop Cop City is just brilliant! Simple, yet powerful! We were so inspired we added stickers to the Solidarity Shop. Love to see people getting more creative with the ways we take action and show solidarity.
Visit the Solidarity Shop to help raise funds and join the movement to Stop Cop City from happening anywher Read More
We are thrilled to launch the Solidarity Shop! Swipe through the slides for details! (Link in bi....
We are thrilled to launch the Solidarity Shop! Swipe through the slides for details! (Link in bio)
The first movement we're providing action tools and raising funds for is Stop Cop City!
This Black History Month, let's celebrate and build upon the legacy and traditions of the Black freedom struggle by taking action now!
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#stopcopcity #defendatlantaforest #solidarityshop #abovegroundrailroad #blackhomesteaders #blacktravel #blacknomads #blacktravelfeed #travelnoire
400 acres of an Atlanta forest in a Black community is scheduled to be destroyed and replaced wi....
400 acres of an Atlanta forest in a Black community is scheduled to be destroyed and replaced with a massive police training compound. 😠😡🤬!
The plans include military-grade facilities, a mock city to practice urban tactical operations, explosives testing areas, dozens of shooting ranges, and a Black Hawk helicopter landing pad.
We took a trip down to walk through the forest and got a chance to talk with protestors who have been camping in the forest near the proposed Cop City building site.
Read More
Get a GRAND start to the New Year! Come camp out and connect with @blkdreamcamp in Apache County....
Get a GRAND start to the New Year! Come camp out and connect with @blkdreamcamp in Apache County, AZ just a few miles from the Grand Canyon. Dec 30 - Jan 1
*Repost*
Join us on New Years Eve for a celebration of new energy, life, abundance and manifesting in Nature at BLK Dream Camp!
We will be emersed into the wonders of nature and will participate in:
🔵 A Vision Board Ceremony
🔵 Open Mic (Bring your talents)
🔵 Midnight Paper Lantern Release
🔵Bonfire
🔵 Meditation and Yoga practice (New Year Read More
Bring in the new year under the stars at @kidogo_farms in Georgetown, SC! Fri, Dec 30 - Mon, Jan....
Bring in the new year under the stars at @kidogo_farms in Georgetown, SC! Fri, Dec 30 - Mon, Jan 2 (You can camp 1, 2, or all 3 nights!)
Aboveground Railroad community members get the hookup! 35% off! Current members, check your inbox for the coupon code. Not a member yet? Come on through and register today! Link in bio.
Campout, relax, and meet some new people. Includes tent site, breakfast and dinner, and entertainment. Your entry fee includes breakfast and dinner, a foraging walk in the wo Read More
We arrived at night at @kidogo_farms. We were prepared. Or so we thought. Things got wild!Ventur....
We arrived at night at @kidogo_farms. We were prepared. Or so we thought. Things got wild!
Venturing way out gives us the space and clarity needed to connect more meaningfully with nature. It encourages us to see and feel the extraordinary that lies within the ordinary.
Good times on the Aboveground Railroad with our fam at Kidogo.
Y'all going high or low vibrational with your plates today? It's all good 😁🤤. Grateful to ....
Y'all going high or low vibrational with your plates today? It's all good 😁🤤. Grateful to be on this journey.
#blacknomads #travelnoire #Blacktravelfeed #blackhomesteaders #blackvanlife #blackfarmers
We soaked up some Gullah Geechee love at @kidogo_farms in Georgetown, SC! Check out the full vid....
We soaked up some Gullah Geechee love at @kidogo_farms in Georgetown, SC! Check out the full video with highlights from our trip on our Youtube channel. Link in bio!
Kidogo Farms was the first place we visited when set out to build the Aboveground Railroad and it was truly an affirming experience. Coming back after over a year of travel camping truly felt like returning home.
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#blackvanlife #vanlife #blackhomesteaders #blackfarmers #travelnoire #blacktravel #blacknomads #blacktravelfeed
One of the best things about travel camping in our van is it gives us opportunities to step away....
One of the best things about travel camping in our van is it gives us opportunities to step away from the usual daily routines and reflect on life.
Check out our latest Youtube video where we explore some WayOut Thoughts on work vs living. Link in bio.
#blackvanlife #blackhomesteaders #livingwell #blacknomads #blacktravel #blacktravelfeed #travelnoire #blackfarmers
This is the only pic I have of the amazing campout and workshops I attended at Brightwood BEDZ--....
This is the only pic I have of the amazing campout and workshops I attended at Brightwood BEDZ-- a perfect spot to do my (Aasha) first solo trip in Turtle, our van.
I was much too busy enjoying myself to stop and take photos. But, I couldn't resist a pic of this little mew who cozied up by the fire with all of us. 
Skip, our host, was a wealth of knowledge as we learned how to identify the right trees to use for various parts of firebuilding, from starting a fire with kindling to long smolderi Read More
Here’s what we’re FOR. If this resonates with you, build with us.....#blackvanlife #blacktra....
Here’s what we’re FOR. If this resonates with you, build with us.
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#blackvanlife #blacktravel #blacktravelfeed #blacktravelmovement #blackcampers #blackhomesteaders #blackfarmers #blacknomads #travelnoire
Your time and talent is invaluable. Shine your unique light to help the Aboveground Railroad flo....
Your time and talent is invaluable. Shine your unique light to help the Aboveground Railroad flourish.
We want to build with you. Get involved by joining the community platform or simply DM/email us so we can set up a chat and explore how we can move forward together as a community.
If you’ve been observing our progress and like what you’ve seen so far, just imagine what we can get accomplished when you bring your brilliance to the community.
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#blackvanlife #blacktravel #blacktravelfee Read More
Y'all coming thru?! Let’s immerse ourselves in nature and Black love on November 5th at a smal....
Y'all coming thru?! Let’s immerse ourselves in nature and Black love on November 5th at a small, family-friendly event way out at @kidogo_farms homestead in Georgetown, SC! Link in bio.
First-time campers are encouraged to come! If you need gear, just holla and we’ll help you get what you need.
It's gonna be down-to-earth family cookout vibes with some fun outdoor skills activities throughout the day! Come on through and dap it up, hug it out, eat some Gullah farm-fresh home-cooking, and enjo Read More
Let’s go look for food in the woods! Might sound cray, but this used to be the norm for most p....
Let’s go look for food in the woods! Might sound cray, but this used to be the norm for most people and still is for many.
Just being present in nature helps us to reconnect with what truly matters. That connection deepens when we find ways to directly engage with nature. Foraging for wild foods and useful plants is a great way to reshape the way we look at “the woods”.
It doesn’t take long to retrain your eyes to see the forest for the actual trees (and plants, fungi, animals, etc).
Don’t Read More
Check out the feature article on WayOut in Fodors Travel Guide! Good lookin’ out @yvonnemcbrid....
Check out the feature article on WayOut in Fodors Travel Guide! Good lookin’ out @yvonnemcbridelitlife ! Thanks for writing the article and shining more light on the AboveGround Railroad! So delighted to see some of our partner campgrounds, homesteads, and farms get some shine. Looking forward to shining more light your way!
It takes a community to build a community. Much love to those who are bringing their unique skills and resources to the table to help further this cause. We give because th Read More
Come join us on the Aboveground Railroad wayout @kidogo_farms in Georgetown, SC on Nov 5th! This....
Come join us on the Aboveground Railroad wayout @kidogo_farms in Georgetown, SC on Nov 5th! This is our first Community CampOut! Link in Bio.
Let’s connect in person to relax, recharge, eat good, laugh hard, and have fun exploring some outdoor survival skills. We can’t wait for you to experience the joy of the AboveGround Railroad firsthand and soak up some Gullah-Geechee love!
Space is limited so secure your spot ASAP. RSVP is on a sliding scale. Because, We Got Us!
www.wayoutdoors.org/cam Read More
Abundance. Walking into the house last night, we spotted a deer 🦌 just hanging out in the yar....
Abundance. Walking into the house last night, we spotted a deer 🦌 just hanging out in the yard. Normally when people come closer, they move on. But she was just chillin', looking back at us like "Sup, y'all good?".
This morning, we realized why she didn't move on. Some fresh ringless honey Mushroom had popped up in the yard. She wasn't about to miss out on a great meal! Was gonna grab some for lunch but decided to let it be.
This evening, she brought her babies with her to feast. Again, the Read More
We haven't posted in a minute, but we assure you we're still hard at work building this communit....
We haven't posted in a minute, but we assure you we're still hard at work building this community!
We've been welcoming new community members, increasing our exposure via our new YouTube channel, planning some community camping events, and ironing out our fall and winter travel plans.
We're loving this journey and we hope to connect with you somewhere way out very soon! Link in bio for more info about the AboveGround Railroad community!
#blacknomads #blackvanlife #vanlife #blacktravel #blac Read More
We've been getting SO MUCH love on YouTube...and, as expected, a little negativity. Here's our r....
We've been getting SO MUCH love on YouTube...and, as expected, a little negativity. Here's our response.
We are focused on what we are FOR.
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Link in bio.
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#blackvanlife @blacktravel #blacktravelfeed #blacknomads #travelnoire #blackcampers #blackhikers #blackinnature
IG fam, it's been really going down on YouTube lately. Hop on over and check us out! Link in bio....
IG fam, it's been really going down on YouTube lately. Hop on over and check us out! Link in bio.
Our Van Tour video has brought in over 4,000 subscribers and 115,000+ views in ten days! Today we posted our second video taking a deep dive into the DIY shower and toilet setup in our self-built van.
Subscribe to our channel! We launched this channel because we want you to get to know us better and get a glimpse into how we're travel camping throughout the US to build the AboveGround Railroad!
Read More
That feeling when YouTube suggests that you watch yourself! 😆Delighted to see our video pop u....
That feeling when YouTube suggests that you watch yourself! 😆
Delighted to see our video pop up in suggestions today. Thank you for all the love shown for our Van Tour video on our new YouTube Channel. Almost 7,000 views in 5 days!
Haven't seen it? Come on thru and see what all the hoopla is about! (Link in bio)
While you're there please Like, Comment, and Subscribe to help boost our content!
#blacknomads #travelnoir #blackfarmers #blackcampers #blackvanlife #blackhomesteaders #vanlife #b Read More
Yea, we know. It took us forever but, great things take time. Check out our van tour!There’s n....
Yea, we know. It took us forever but, great things take time. Check out our van tour!
There’s nothing else like it out there!
That’s why we had to build it ourselves. Kinda like the Aboveground Railroad ;)
Like and Subscribe to our YouTube channel to support.
Link in bio!
https://youtu.be/7rDBQL9sexo
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#blackvanlife #blacktravel #blacktravelfeed #blacktravelmovement #blackcampers #blackhomesteaders #blackfarmers #blacknomads #travelnoir #vantour #vanlife #diy
How do you build a real community? The same way you drive down a muddy road with two-wheel drive....
How do you build a real community? The same way you drive down a muddy road with two-wheel drive. Intentionally!
It’s a delicate, yet deliberate process.
You have to be cautious, but not afraid. Approaching each puddle, you decisively press on the gas and confidently wield the steering wheel.
You have to be patient, but not hesitant. This isn’t a time for speeding. You move at a pace that allows you to clearly see and consider how to best navigate what is directly ahead.
Careful though. Sl Read More
No mosquitoes? In the middle of August in Maryland? Near a large body of water. You jiving! Nope....
No mosquitoes? In the middle of August in Maryland? Near a large body of water. You jiving! Nope- it can happen…in a truly magical place. 
We had a great time connecting with Derek (Host) and Jayden (Grounds Keeper) at @farmzen_ in Newburg, MD. We were truly inspired to hear how Derek reclaimed 133 acres of his grandfather's land which included a rough time evicting people taking advantage of the land after his grandfather’s death.
Farm Zen now offers group camping, an outdoor event space, a n Read More
Are you wondering how we and our two teens eat, sleep, play (shower and poop!) in our small van ....
Are you wondering how we and our two teens eat, sleep, play (shower and poop!) in our small van without mayhem and madness? 4 people in one van?
Well, we have a year’s worth of experience to show that it can be done with a lot of family fun and a van layout you have never seen anywhere else!
We’re not YouTubers, but we are going to post our tour video on our newly created channel that we hope will help us share more stories about the people stewarding and visiting the lands of the Aboveground Read More

"I’m worried about listing it on AirBnB."

After we walked around the land, the owner showed us a beautiful little tiny one room cabin. In addition to the rv hookups and rustic sites for tent and car campers, she wanted shelters for people who need a little luxury to consider camping in the woods. The little cabin has a small bathroom with a flush toilet and shower as well as wall mounted tv. I told her it was lovely and asked if it was a nice draw to her campground. She paused in her response and said “I’m worried about listing it on Air BnB.”  She had heard from other landowners that some listing services err on the side of the renter without investigating and that you could easily be required to give a full refund for minor issues. She shared a concern about people coming to stay there and the potential they would leave a negative review because they found a bug or something minor she didn’t yet know about because she was just starting out. She couldn’t risk reviews written in bad faith and full refunds.

While we laughed at the absurdity of someone being upset by a bug in a tiny cabin in the middle of the woods, she wasn’t the only landowner that held the concern of graceless reviews with us. They all felt comforted knowing that the WayOut Railroad would be a community where they could trust that a member would not sweat the small stuff and would at least give them a chance to fix unexpected mishaps that are bound to occur. Capitalism is built on prioritizing the value of money over the value of relationships. For small business owners just starting out this can leave them in a difficult place. For Black small business owners, stereotypes and bias due to race adds another unfair disadvantage as people are less likely to give those they do not relate to,  the grace we all deserve. As such, after talking with landowners, WayOut Railroad has a “Business is Personal" policy. We ask our members to talk to their hosts, give them a chance to fix real issues before formally complaining, and put grace, relationships, and care for people back into the heart of business.  For many of us, business is indeed personal and that's good for community.

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Thursday, 23 March 2023