The Lost Art of Hitchhiking

I have lots to say about this topic, but first, a gentle reminder: Resupply here in super-remote central Maine is rare and very expensive.

Some hikers were complaining that this is 'gouging' but it's what the market will bare.

I'm so close to finishing my third thru of the AT; I just need a little bit more help. I'll make you a deal: If you hit that 'donate' button, I'll PM you with details about my Top Secret (and controversial?) plans for hiking this spring!

Now for the obvious yet obligatory disclaimers: Hitchhiking is inherently dangerous and often illegal. You should not do it. Nor should you pick up hitchhikers. And yet, hitchhiking is part of almost every long distance hike. If you're going to attempt a hike of more than say, five hundred miles, eventually, you're going to need to get off the trail and get to a town for supplies. If the town is close enough, you might be able to walk there. Otherwise, stick out your thumb and hope for the best.

Having noted that hitchhiking could be dangerous, it's a little different when you're hitching close to a well-known trail. People see the big backpack and they know what you're up to. So location makes a big difference. If you see a guy like me trying to hitch in Downriver Detroit, think twice about letting him in your car. If you see a guy like me carrying a giant backpack near the Appalachian Trail, chances are that I'm just trying to get to town - or back to the trail.

With a little planning and a lot of luck, you can get to your destination and possibly meet some really cool people along the way. Here are some hints for a safe and successful hitch:

- Make sure you make your intentions clear: Stick out your thumb and smile. It helps to have a 'Hiker to Town' or a 'Hiker to Trail' sign. I have a bandana with that on it (thanks, Christina Ray!). Or write your destination on a piece of cardboard - or on your folded-up ground cloth, like I do. People are more likely to give you a ride if they know where you're going.

 - Stand well off the road and make sure that any car that slows for you has plenty of room to safely pull over. Don't hitch on a curve or the crest of a hill. Pick a spot where people have a chance to see you to see what you're doing. Sometimes, I walk in the direction of the town/trail and I only stick out my thumb when it is safe to do so. I think people are more likely to give you a lift if they see that you are trying, at least, to get your destination

- Never be negative towards drivers that don't pull over. Occasionally, people have passed me by but picked me up on their return trip. No one is going to do that if you gave them the finger for not pulling over the first time by. Be positive... Smile... Let them see your face and wave back to people who wave at you.

- Be prepared to offer some gas money. I keep a few singles in my pocket, separate from my main stash in my wallet, just for this purpose.

- When someone pulls over, hurry (run!) to their car; Don't waste their time. Have your pack in order and ready to throw in a trunk or the bed of a truck. Have your phone out and a map of where you're trying to get to.

- I always approach the passenger side of the vehicle and wait for a window to come down or the door to open. BEFORE you get in, thank the person for pulling over. Make sure you both agree on where you are trying to get to and how close they can get you. I also warn drivers if I am particularly stinky, wet or muddy. You don't want to mess up their nice car!

- Most people who give rides to hikers are like-minded people. I often see trekking poles or hiking boots in their cars. Sometimes, they're just curious about who you are and what you're doing. And sometimes, they're flat-out crazy. Be prepared for political or religious rants, off-the-wall questions and bad music. Sometimes, people are just looking for some company and, in exchange for a ride, it's the least you can provide.

- Have an excuse to stop the car and get out. For example, if I ever got a really bad vibe from someone, I would say, "I just remembered that my buddy has my wallet! I was supposed to wait for him at the trailhead. I have to walk back there." This tells the driver that a)You have no money and b) Someone is looking for you. That should be enough to convince them to pull over and let you out. I've never had to use this.

- Finally, when you get to your destination, thank the driver appropriately, offer the gas money and ALWAYS double check that you have all your gear: Trekking poles, phone, wallet... I forgot my phone in a guy's truck one time. Read that story here.

People often seem to feel good about themselves for having helped you and they should! They feel good and you are grateful for the ride - let it be a positive situation! I sometimes say something like, "I hope someone does something nice for you like you did for me."

I have met some of the nicest people through hitchhiking. I've had people open their homes to me and invite me to stay. I've met people with whom I've stayed in touch with for years. And I've had some pretty memorable characters that made for a great story later on.

Obviously, I can't add the female perspective. The best I can do is refer you back to the guest blog post by Brazil's own Denise Stolnik. You can read that post here.

Got a great hitchhiking story? Leave a comment below!

Do you know me because you gave me a ride in the past? Leave a comment below!

Do you completely disagree with me and wish I wouldn't encourage people to hitch? Leave me a comment below!

Wanna know what my super-secret plans are for this spring? Hit that 'donation' button!

Thank you!