[pct-l] Resupply and Hitchhiking...

[dude at fastmail.ca (dude)]

> Listers, what are your hints [for hitch-hiking]?  

I agree with all of your suggestions.  here are some things that I try 
to do when in need of a ride on the trail or in trail towns:

1.  At the trailhead, be slightly aggressive.  Don't be afraid to ask 
another hiker who is leaving for a ride. Strike up a conversation with 
people and ask them about their trip and where they went and how long 
they've been out, etc.  When they reciprocate and ask you where you 
started and you reply "Mexico", they will usually FREAK OUT and want to 
know all about the thru-hike.  After talking with you for  just a few 
minutes and learning about your quest, most people will want to help 
you acheive your goal and will offer a ride.

2.  We always targeted pick-up trucks because you can ride in the bed, 
which seems safer to many people (although I inderstand this is 
apparently illegal in California).  This seemed to work for us quite 
well.

2.  Also at the trailhead, if there is not alot of cars/people where 
everyone parks, find the place where every car has to pass in order to 
get back on the highway.  Even if you have to hike a few extra miles to 
get there, it will probably help, especially if the road services 
multiple trailheads and campsites.

3.  SMILE!  ...and look friendly and try not to smell.  You'd be 
surprised how far a friendly smile will get you, but if you really 
smell bad that could be the "deal-killer".  If you know that you will 
be hitching at the end of the day or tomorrow, try to bathe a little 
before you get to the trailhead.  Even if you just swim in a stream or 
lake, that will be better than nothing.  If you aren't wearing a hat, 
comb your hair (or at least make it look better than it would 
otherwise).  Like royrobin said, show your face and look confident.

4.  Try to make your pack look as small as possible.  For many 
ultralight thru-hikers, this will not be a problem because their packs 
will be tiny.  But if you have a huge external frame pack with pots, 
pans, sleeping bag, foam pad, etc all hanging off of it, thsi will ruin 
your chances of getting a ride because people see all that gear and 
think "there is no way that guy's gear will fit in my tercel".

5.  Once in a trail town and you need a ride back to the trailhead, its 
more difficult to strike up a conversation because there is no common 
demominator.  Occasionally, there might be a ranger station, and if 
there is, then that's a good place to try an find other hikers who may 
be headed to the trailhead.  In lieu of the ranger station, I've had 
100% success with the following technique:  Go to a store that sells 
magic markers (most convenience stores will have them).  Ask where 
their magic markers are and go get one.  When you get to the counter, 
tell the cashier that you just need the marker to make a sign to the 
trailhead and that you don't wnat to carry the marker in your pack and 
ask if he or she has one you can borrow.  Half the time, they will have 
one.  If they do not have a marker for you to borrow, then buy the 
marker.  Then ask the cashier if they have a box you can have. They 
always do have one laying around.  Take the box and rip off one side 
that is large enough to make a sign that people on the highway will be 
able to see while driving down the road.  Make a sign that says exactly 
where you are going, such as "Onion Valley Trailhead".  Then park your 
butt on the road and show your sign to passing cars.  Doing this has 
never taken me more than 3-4 hrs to get a ride and often procures a 
ride in less than 1 hr.

6.  If you are really dirty and nasty-looking, then in addition to the 
above, head over to a Wal-Mart or any general merchandice store and buy 
a plain white t-shirt for a few dollars (and a disposable razor, if you 
are male).  If you are a male, then find a bathroom and shave.  Put on 
the brand new clean t-shirt and go stand on the side of the road with 
your sign.  (be sure not to buy the "wife-beater" type of t-shirt.  
lol.)


HTH.

peace,
dude

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