| Original Message |
Jake
Posted Jul 3, 2009 4:20 PM
I know it's somewhat dangerous.
I just got out of the Army last year. I've seen a ton of this world but very little of the U.S. I've been wanting to wander for awhile yet, and since I'm getting disability checks every month (got shot), the finaces are there.
I've been taking the train so far. Started in Houston, went to Denver, then to Denver, KS, WY, MT, UT, Boise, even as far out as Seattle.
But funds don't last forever, and I'm actually intrigued about the meeting of random strangers on the road. I did an experiment and hitched from Boise to Bend, the Bend to Boise, and the experience rocked. Met some cool people, took some pics, and wrote it all up. Who knows, it may bcome a book.
Mainly I've been using Craigslist rideshare for hookups, although I have used my good old thumb. Small problems so far.
Got the travel itch and am thinking about heading to Reno, then on to CA and to a little fishing area outside of Bridgeport called Virginia Lakes.
It's not like I scream "victim, take advantage of me." I'm 6'2, 220 of muscle, and in terrific shape. I do have a gun, but it's way concealed I'm also personable, and can make people feel at home. I was an officer, so conversation on all sorts of topics is easy. And I always help pay for gas or driving is the driver will accept.
So what are your thoughts? Am I rolling the russian roulette wheel before I meet a serial killer? Has anyone else done any major hitchhiking lately? Picked up a hitchhicker? What would make you pick one up the other? I have a tentative map, part of which I'm heading to Yosemite for the rest of the summer.
If I had the right netwrk I'd hit them up for different legs of the trip. Alas, 20 years in, All my compadres are still in Iraq, or dead.
So, your thought? Being an idiot? Safe thing? Anyone else done this for a long period of time, long distance?
Feedback is welcome. |
|
