Hitchhiking 101: Update September 2016

Monday, September 19, 2016

Update September 2016

I am still hitchhiking...and I am now 61 years old. My feet swell, my knees ache and I sit in a walker/wheeler now while I wait for someone to pull over and offer me a ride.

I traveled to Illinois and back this year. I spent time hanging out in Montana and
Iowa along the way.

And this year, for the first time...I was told by the powers-that-be that I can no longer hitchhike through Wisconsin or Illinois. The walls are slowly closing in on one more long-standing
freedom in the United States.

I am back out in Oregon now...where hitchhiking is more acceptable. And after spending two
oppressive months in the heat of Eastern Oregon...I moved over to the Western side again. While
I was in the Vale area, nary a drop fell from the sky. Now that I have returned to the West
Coast, it sprinkles or outright pours every day. It is lush and green here. Compared to the high desert in Malheur County, this area is a hydrated
paradise.

People still stop and pick me up and they take me home to their house. I also slept in a church building, rest areas and a converted school bus this year.

If you have any questions, send them to me via email: ruth.rader@gmail.com

I will probably respond.

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HITCHHIKING 101

This isn't just an info piece about how females solicit rides. This is a snapshot of my life between 1993 and 2015.

Are you considering "jumping out on the road?" Then get ready to live your own, personal reality show: In full drama and in your face.

1.) Money: Don't flash it if you've got it and if someone besides a cop asks you if you have any...don't answer. Hide it on your person, especially if you eat at a soup kitchen or sleep at a shelter. If someone offers you some, take it. If someone asks you for some, consider what you'll lose if you give it away. Remember: SURVIVAL! A debit card, in many cases, is a wise alternative to cash. And never share your Social Security number, date of birth or your financial source with anyone unless it is absolutely necessary.

2.) Druggin', Drinkin', Smokin' And Stupid Thinkin': I quit smoking cigarettes years ago. I've never regretted that decision. I found that I couldn't share my wallet with or stake my health on that bad habit. I never carry or use booze on the road. And I NEVER carry or use illegal drugs on the road, either. NO ONE should ever hitchhike anywhere while under the influence. Taking that type of risk is just plain stupid. Either go out to the on ramp straight and sober, or forget it.

3.) The Law Of Enforcement: I've gotten along with most of the police that I've dealt with over the years. By that I mean that I've allowed the local po-po to search my backpack and me. I don't consider it to be any big deal...since I have nothing to hide. I always hand over my ID card when asked and appreciate the courtesy ride that I sometimes get from an officer. I am polite but I won't tolerate being the victim of some Dudley Do-Wrong's abuse of power. No cop has the right to throw my possessions around, detain me without just cause, transport me to a dangerous location or ignore my request for a basic human need such as drinking water.

4.) ASK: It doesn't hurt or cost anything to ask for shelter, food, drink or medical assistance. But it might if you don't. Severe weather, dehydration, exhaustion and any debilitating illness are reasons to get offroad help right away. Heat stroke and hypothermia can be avoided. You have just as much right as everyone else to be in a safe place during extreme or severe weather. And nobody has to go without a proper meal or medical care in the United States. ASK! Go to a church, a library, a hospital, a convenience store or call 911. When the situation is close to critical, MAKE YOUR NEED KNOWN!

5.) What To Carry With You: A cell phone (One Equipped With AccuWeather and GPS is best and include a standard outlet and "cigarette lighter" charger, too), a radio with a NOAA Weather Band (and batteries), a pocket road atlas (like Rand McNally), 100% DEET spray, a well-stocked first aid kit in a zipper mini-pak, a rain poncho, at least 70 SPF sunscreen, a water bottle (filled), a medium-size LED flashlight (and batteries) and a smile.

6.) What Not To Take: A dog, a cat, more than one pack, bongos, a guitar or anything that will either keep you from getting rides or that will make you a target. Don't carry a gun! You most likely will get away with packing a small blade knife. But don't advertise that you have it unless you plan to use it.

7.) ALWAYS let someone responsible know your travel itinerary and your ETA to your final destination. Keep that person informed of any changes in your travel plans. Yes, hitchhiking can be wonderful...but it has its challenges: Suspicious people who won't pick you up, perverts who try to pick you up and act out their hidden agenda, plastic bottles filled with urine and plastic bags filled with feces left by truckers on the side of the road, people who stop and then drive off again laughing, drunks who try to run you into the trees...and it isn't an activity to be taken lightly. Hitchhiking requires that you have a thick skin. But it is one heck of an amazing adventure!