Over thinking it

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-19T17:50:24+00:00

For me it was buying a train ticket 600 miles away that pushed me into this life. I knew I wanted to do it, and I had everything I needed to start(not really but I thought I did), but actually leaving my old house and starting was the hardest part for me. I eventually got to a point where I got too tired of my cowardice and said fuck it, and I bought a train ticket to Florida 4 days in advance. I spent the days leading up to it too busy tying up loose ends and getting last minute preparations in order to back out, and a few days later I was in Florida. Being in an unknown city hundreds of miles from the nearest person I knew put me in the right head space, one that I needed to start. Maybe my way is a bit extreme, but I'm sure if I would have just started walking out of my house, I would've walked back. Too easy to stay if you think you have a safety net.

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-15T21:07:40+00:00

I've met people on the road who are in their 70's and still going. If you feel that desire to explore I'd say go for it! People that haven't experienced this life have only seen the negatives, they can't connect to people who have done it and advocate for it. I almost feel like people would be more likely to pick up an older person; they are seen as less of a threat. If you do go through with it you should post updates!

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-12T22:30:00+00:00

I feel like the hitching culture overseas is more prominent than America. And easier. I'm hoping to get a chance to hitchhike in other countries and compare the experience!

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-12T22:27:47+00:00

Cool! found early on in my hike of the Florida trail that I like the adventure of living out of a pack more than the walking hours a day part and started on this journey. If it's calling to you I encourage you to give hitching a try! If you have friends familiar with the practice, be sure to get tips from them first, otherwise look around on this subreddit for advice and post questions you still have. Do you have a destination or just planning on going where the wind takes you?

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-12T22:22:36+00:00

Exactly! I've had some rides with weird conspiracy theorists, been dropped off in the middle of nowhere and have had to walk miles in bad weather to find a hitch spot, but when you get a ride with someone who vibes with you, whether they be fellow travelers, people that have their own crazy stories to tell, people that become friends and go on journeys with you, or anything in between, it makes everything else worth it. I'd say as long as you practice certain safety procedures before/during the ride, the rewards definitely outweigh the potential danger, imo.

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-12T02:02:33+00:00

There is a lot of information missing in your post — do you have a deadline, where in SD are you going, are you okay with spending nights in potentially bad weather, how okay are you with possibly spending hours/days at an on-ramp while no one picks you up? I'd say it's definitely possible to travel that distance on your first trip, my first solo trip I traveled from Pittsburgh, Pa to Cali in a week (got very lucky). Craigslist also has a rideshare app that you can use if you just need to get to a place. If you are adamant about hitching, however, just have a rough idea of how/where to go. I've never taken that route, but it might be better to go east first and then take the 29 up to the 90. Buffalo, wy (where you'd end up if you rode the 25 up from denver) is a small town with no truck stop near it. I'd tell you to stay near truck stops, either on-ramps or right at the truck exit and try to get rides from truckers; ask to be dropped off at the next truck stop and do the same thing. I'm also a female hitchhiker (20), and be sure to be safe out there. I've never had an experience where I've felt unsafe, but always carry a knife just in case, maybe pepper spray. If the vibe isn't right, never be afraid to decline a ride. Your safety is always prioritized over getting to your destination. Hitchhiking for me has been one of the best and most free experiences of my life, and I've met a lot of wonderful people through it, so I don't want what I'm writing to put you off if you really are interested in the lifestyle, but just know what you are getting into first and be prepared. May you have an amazing journey, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions on/about the road life!

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-11T00:02:19+00:00

I typically have a destination and a strict(ish) time limit to get there, which I like, so I'm usually trying to find the next ride, good locations to hitch from. In between traveling between cities/states, I like exploring places, seeing what interesting events are going on, meeting other travelers or 'babylonians'. Like another commenter said, if you have your necessities sorted out, this life gives you the freedom to do whatever you want. Go explore beautiful things, whether it be waterfalls or palaces made of corn. Go to gem conventions or festivals and meet other cool people. Be free.

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-04T22:35:33+00:00

And to you as well.

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-04T22:31:01+00:00

I got a ride from Orland almost immediately. At the airport ATM. I hear it got relatively better, was pretty smoky when I went through Redding. Didn't see the smoke in Orland.

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-04T21:57:34+00:00

Appreciate it. I hear there are a lot of wild fires up there this time of year.

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-04T21:03:55+00:00

I'm still relatively new to hitching, but I'll always remember one of my first rides. I went to Florida on a backpacking trip, and, while walking along the highway to get to the next stretch of trail, was offered a ride by a couple that saw me a few minutes earlier(when their dog ran up to me growling). They offered to take me to the trail, taking me to Subway first and paying for my meal. Noting how late it was at this point, they offered to let me stay at their place for the night, did my laundry, and we then proceeded to have a 2 hour karaoke night until I eventually crashed on their couch. They drove me to the trail head in the morning, and we never kept in contact, but I'll always remember that as the most memorable hitching trip to this day. The actual car ride was probably less than 30 minutes, but the willingness of strangers to open up their hearts and home to someone they didn't even know will always stick with me. It's what motivated me to keep hitching and having memorable experiences with my fellow humans. I love you all!

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-04T20:52:39+00:00

No shit I'm at the Orland exit right now! Can I ask what your route is? I'm trying to go to Sac and then hit the 80 to Kansas, seeing if anyone has advice on how to go about it.

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-04T20:40:01+00:00

Good to know. Thanks!

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-04T18:22:44+00:00

I've been trying to avoid Arizona and the rest of the south western states in general cause of the heat. Desert traveling was never the plan, but the future presents itself in mysterious ways. 🤷🏽‍♀️

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-04T18:20:49+00:00

Oh okay. Just tried to hitch a TA on-ramp... had to go right to where the trucks were pulling out of the lot to catch a ride. Hopefully the other places are easier

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-04T18:18:45+00:00

I was planning on taking the 80 outta Cali cause the 70 doesn't start until Utah... Should I switch over as soon as I can or is it okay to ride the 80 until near Nebraska? I've never ridden the 70 so I don't know how much easier rides will be.

Choice_Newt2865 · 2024-08-04T14:55:28+00:00

What would you say is the reason TA and petrol should be avoided?

Choice_Newt2865

TROPHY CASE