I have never hitchhiked, but I have picked up hh's on occasion. I first did it in Juneau, where there was a long road out to homes and shacks out on Douglas Island. Lots of folks in Juneau seemed like they could have fit into "Northern Exposure" (TV show). Easy-going spot back then.
This past Easter we picked up a homeless hitchhiker and ended up taking her with us to the dinner. She fit right in with the huge lot of my relatives. She even spent the night at my sister's, who took her the next a.m. to the town she'd been heading for (my sister works there).
I don't do this often, and I never pick up a guy when I'm alone. But occasionally, I think, "why not??!?" and find myself pulling over.
Have you any good (or bad) personal experiences as hitchhiker or driver?
When I was a teenager, I hitchhiked all over. From when I was 15 until I was maybe 19, I used to hitchhike all around where I used to live in Atlantic Canada.
I had some really interesting experiences. I even recall one freaky guy, who I'm sure wanted to do something either with me, or to me. He freaked me out. When he stopped his car, I bolted.
Anyways, it's funny, nowadays, I wouldn't do it. Too risky in my opinion. But to think 20+ years ago, I did it all the time.
Funny how time and age changes your view on things.
My husband and I broke down once. An the tow truck guy let us crash at his house. Due to the circumstances we were in. We did not have any cash on us, all the hotels were full convention, and we went to 5 different ATM's that were either broken, shut down for repairs, and one that was broken into!
This person went beyond the call of duty to help us.
Ray--I don't think I would recommend it either, actually, as a regular mode of transport! But occasionally, there's some odd situation that seems to warrant doing it/giving a ride. I'm half old-fogey, too. ...Glad you weren't hurt during your travels.
Xandria--I am always touched by folks that go above and beyond the call of duty. I love reading about others' experiences in this way, too. Thanks!
Going to college in the early 80's there were so many girls and boys hitchhiking in front of the college once their courses were finished.
Then, I drove my fathers big Chrysler New Yorker, and I always picked up a couple of them. (girls that is)
That trend lasted on a few years. By the end of the 80's, I just about never saw any more hitchhikers. Most people have a car today, but maybe people are afraid to hitchhike now.
Once a hitchhiker stole my calculator on the back seat. Grrrrrrrrr....
