I picked up a hitchhiker once and after a few minutes they looked at me and asked "How do you know I'm not a serial killer?" I replied "the chances of two serial killers being in the same car are astronomical". Great tips though and glad everything turned out safe for you.
I generally ask people before I get in the car if it's okay if I text their number plate home for security reasons. People always understand and are actually glad that I seem to care about safety. If they would decline, I'd politely say I'll wait for another ride.
If I was the driver, I would be wary of someone asking to photograph my license plate. It screams that someone is going to use this photo unethically to accuse me of something absurd. I would tell them to find another ride. I would then probably never even bother to stop for another hitchhiker.
@@sammyso4940 Lol, how are they going to use a license plate unethically? They're not taking your picture and it's not like the hitcher couldn't (or wasn't already) going to send the text message, but by stating it, they're letting the driver know that there's already a trail to him if he decides to do something. I think it's a great idea. If someone is uncomfortable with me taking a picture of their car then what are they planning on doing to me that they don't want a picture of the license plate.
Additional tip from former prosecutor: if you are getting into someone’s back seat (especially if you are solo) check and make sure the child safety locks are not engaged ( they are usually on the inside of the doors). If they are engaged you won’t be able to get out from the inside.
Coolest hitchhiking story that happened to me: I got picked up by some punk girl in humboldt CA hella years ago. And while she was driving she pulls out a bag from the glove box FULL of magic mushrooms and told me to take three handfuls. I threw them in my backpack and as we drove up to my destination (Arcata),she asked if she wanted to get a beer with me at her local haunt and I agreed. I bought the first round and just talked about hardcore music and just life in general. She was hella cool. Never saw her again...
I'm a native Portlander, a mountain goer and a section hiker of the PCT! I was training for and planing a thru hike when I got pregnant (almost exactly a year before my departure date). I was heart broken about my trip, but glad about my baby! Since then, every season I get on Instagram and fallow thru hikers as they journey up the west coast. I'm always happy to send support if they need to get off the trail for some reason or they get sick. I am always happy to meet them somewhere, as they get into the PNW section, to offer rides or bring replacement gear. I'm always willing to bring fresh or cold foods and cold beverages. I figure if I cant thru hike myself, the least I can do is be an Angle and create a little trail magic for someone else! If someone has been following your hike on social media, you've had some good conversations with them and they seam lagit to you, dont hesitate to let them help you! Many of us just want to hear your stories and fell like in some small way we made your trip a little easier.
All is not lost Abbijean, bring your child in 12 years I am planning the PCT next year ( ‘22) hopefully covid and wild fire free. I will be 73 years old and refusing to take my grandkids ! 1st refusal ever. I’m the worst in the world . yippee!
As someone who researches interpersonal violence at the intersections of animal cruelty and a hiker... you described quite a bit of power, control, domination, animal cruelty, anti-social behaviour, and aggression - all red flags. You handled this like a pro. Triggering this person likely would have brought out an adverse reaction. Glad you are safe and are using this as a learning experience.
Thanks for the story. I learned 3 things, 1 drink all the beer an old rodeo cowboy offers me. 2 don't let him hit me on the nose. 3 don't let him ride my horse.
I'm from a country (isreal) where hitchhiking is super super normal and the way most people get around. I Always ask the driver where they are going 1st. Don't tell them where your going until they tell you where they are going. That way 1 you have another excuse if the situation doesn't feel right and 2 they can't lie saying they're going where your going. I realize that doesn't always work on all roads but it's a really good rule.
Hi Elisheva, what you describing is only common to some regions. In these regions, 1: people are super nice and welcoming. 2: if they have a certain license plate, most likely it's safe. 3: you know someone that knows someone that knows him lol. The states are way different in that sense. FYI I'm from the same country.
As the driver I would insist you tell me where you are going first. It is more likely that someone who hitchhikes has bad intentions than someone who drives down the road "supposedly looking for hitchhikers."
@@sammyso4940 I think that makes sense for other countries. In isreal it's really only a threat for the person hitching. And thing's like this are what we use to make sure there not terrorists disguised. It seems like in other countries it's different.
@@MrAlexDavid regions of isreal.you mean? Ya people don't tremp in cities but aside from that most other places. I think your right that it's different in other countries. Sad it's that way, I don't know what I would do if I could get tremp.
Emma Cote Given he had already killed a person as well as a horse, sticking around a psycho in order to 'make him regret it' could be a fatal mistake. Also as much as retribution seems just, why nurture bad vibes? You'd be better off reporting the psycho to authorities and getting him out of your life.
1974 a friend & i were hitchhiking from Anaheim CA out to Cottonwood Cove on the Colorado river near Vegas. We got a few miles out of town then stuck on the Orange Show offramp for hours. And hours. And hours! After midnight a man in a Cadillac stopped. He was wasted drunk & said we could drive ourselves wherever we wanted to go. Huh? Wha? OK! Woke him up 3 hours later, said thanks, and off we went!
OMG! Part of me is screaming, "how much more creepy does he have to be before you get the heck out of there!" Another part of me is thoroughly enjoying the story of how much more creepy he gets as he keeps talking. For all of us, not just women, please remember that safety is more important than being nice. I know. I grew up in the south, too. Everyone should read Gavin de Becker's book the Gift of Fear. Love your channel and hearing about your adventures!!
One of Dixie's most informative videos, especially in that it addresses an aspect of thru-hiking that some people may give little thought to beforehand. Thanks, Dixie!
Wow, what a story! I loved how you thought on your feet and took pics and recordings and I noticed the video in the truck capturing landmarks. I am so glad you weren't alone (either of you) and that it had a good ending! I love the neck knife idea. I think I'd prefer to keep it hidden --- the element of surprise can be powerful. And yes, more stories! I loved it! Excellent video and tips. Thank you.
All good information. My method for declining a ride if the driver gives off a bad vibe is to ask, “are you Marty (or Ralph or Prestly or some other rare-ish name)? Then when he says no, “thanks for stopping, but I called for a shuttle and he expects me to be here. Thanks, again.” Works for me.
I had asked a while ago for you to share some stories from the trial...this one tops the most riveting of stories. So glad you had your friend and he had you.
Great story, very helpful information, all the do's and don'ts of hitching, where to keep valuables, courtesies, also the having a good story ready, in case someone looks too sketchy to accept a ride. I think grabbing for your phone, after a moment of looking confused, then going "dude, oh no, I think I left my phone back where we sat down back there," and then say "thanks anyway for stopping," and just directly run away to get your phone, aka escape. This only works if one person hides their phone in advance.
Dixie thank you for this..I know that I probably have more time to spend watching, but I feel that if you have taken the time to record and upload a video, I will spend the time to watch it all. I have viewed many of yours and enjoyed them all. This video was very informative and thought prevoking, I personally am very leery of picking up a single person, even one as beautiful as you, it can be almost as dangerous for the driver as the person being picked up. As 70 year old I can remember hitching across Canada several times, and had no problems. Things have changed lots over the years and not all for the good. I will continue to look forward to your vids and hope for many more. Luv you and all you do for us. I subscribed during my first vid and sponsored at the end of it. Keep it going.
I always like a good story, so thanks. It reminds me of a girl that would work for a travel magazine. She wanted to make a solo motorcycle trip from Holland to Australia - over land - and write articles about it. In Italy her motorcycle broke down. An Italian stopped, offered to help her and took her to his house. Well, jadajadajada it was the love of her life, after three days of traveling she stopped her world trip, never wrote an article. I think they married.
Sending pictures of the truck, it's tags and the guy was smart. If he became threatening, making him aware that a record existed would likely have prevented things getting worse. Well done.
Definitely interested in more stories from the trail. That's always a big part of the fun of meeting others on the trail or sharing a campsite with others. Watching you guys is like watching Jimmy Houston fish when the weather is too bad for me to go fishing. Taking care of my folks has curtailed my hiking and camping, so I love your's and Hiking Rev's videos. Glad you had a hiking buddy for that incident. God bless and stay safe, Dixie.
I’ve given a few backpackers and many back-country skiers rides. Here in Colorado, quite a few CT hikers have signs. Usually just cardboard, but many get quite creative with decorating it with colorful flowers or cute stick figure hikers. One side says “Hiker to town” and the the other side, “Hiker to trail” I like these as a driver, because it makes it very clear what the person needs. And they aren’t heavy at all.
Yes, more stories please. Kind of reminds me of one time when my truck had broken down and I had to catch some rides from co-workers. One of these was from the Woodlands (North of Houston) to Sabine Pass, about 125 miles. The guy picked me up in his Wrangler and stopped at a convenience store nearby and bought a case of beer. He drank the whole thing himself. This is at night. Needless to say when the job was done I got a taxi ride from the dock to airport and flew home instead of traveling with him again.
You'll be fine. I hope your doing it or getting ready to do it but now. Best of luck. Don't let fear stop you from doing thing. Words I wish I lived by.
This should be a MANDATORY video that every hiker has to watch before they step foot on any trail where there is a chance they will have to thumb a ride. Its just sad that there are people out there that prey on innocent, trusting people. Once again the information you shared here very well could have saved someone from becoming a statistic on a police blotter. Your video reminds me of something I learned way back when I was in Boy Scouts, Be Prepared.
I've picked up hitchers before and for the most part is was no issue. There are exceptions but I usually make that ride short (I'll tell them that I'm not going any further in the direction that they want to go even if I am). In getting a ride, making sure your pack is visible is a must and if possible, hitch near the trailhead (as it means you have a purpose for being out there). My two cents on your suspicious person story - if the person is that weird be sure to tell them that you have others waiting for you at your destination (if will mean you'll be missed) and don't have them drop you off at your actual destination (just drop me off in town because I have to pick some things up).
Loved it ... took me back to my long-haired 1970s cross-country hitching days. A few sketchy rides, a lot of awesome trail-angel-worthy rides. Here's a guaranteed-to-work phrase to use to either decline a ride before entering the car or to immediately terminate one: "Oh no ... my explosive diarrhea is back ... can't wait ... thanks, gotta run (or "Quick, stop the car)." Add appropriate facial expressions.
Was having the same flashbacks, but from the other side. Back in the late 70s, I used to drive long stretches in upstate NY. I would regularly pick up hitch-hikers, mostly guys like yourself, just out traveling. They would share their weed and their stories. Strange, I was a 20-something female and never once felt threatened (or I would have stopped). Different times and a world we have lost.
Wow, scary story. I agree with all of your advice, but, I do not feel obligated to have to justify my reason as to why I changed my mind about getting in their vehicle, if I get that vibe that they are dangerous. If they are truly dangerous people- I'm telling you, they will not care what your excuse is, they'll continue to follow and harass you. Don't waste your time in conversation with anyone you feel may harm you. Just get out of there.
There is no obligation to justify declining to accept a ride. Dixie's advice about making up a plausible excuse however, was very practical. It's probably either going to be someone who was generously offering to help or maybe it is some sort of a predator. If it is a predator, the last thing I'd want to do is let them know that I'm afraid of them. Fear is a trigger for predators. If it was a a sincere offer of help, maybe from someone with underdeveloped social skills, it is inexcusable to insult them if there is a gentler way to excuse yourself. I used to hitch rides when I was in Alaska 40 years ago. When I returned from Alaska, I picked up hitchhikers for many years. I stopped picking up single women because it seemed like more risk than I wanted to take. Eventually I stopped picking hitchhikers up all together because so few could hold an intelligent conversation and I prefer my own company over the company of dull people.
@@noyopacific With all due respect, as a woman who has been followed and grabbed twice by men on two separate occasions, I have learned that predators use conversation as a means to pull you in. Hikers- always trust your gut and avoid small talk if you feel you are in danger. Your ability to listen to your gut and trust your judgment becomes stronger the longer you are out on trail. Nature has a beautiful way of returning us home to ourselves in many ways, including this one. You do not owe anyone a reason if you have changed your mind, to keep yourself from safe from danger.
@@candicemitchell2963, It is hard to reason with someone who even wants to debate your points of agreement. You seem to essentially be a rather disagreeable person with limited social skills. If I were like you, I would try to avoid contact with other people, especially anyone I didn't already know.
You are not obligated but it is also true that an unstable person could have their switch flipped by the perceived rejection and then you’re in an isolated area with a lunatic who’s mad at you. It’d be different if they were in town. It’s a tightrope to walk. Dixie handled it in a way that it didn’t escalate but you can’t really know how it’s going to work out beforehand.
Great story and great advice! I live in Hiawassee GA near the AT(actually recognized the stretch of road near Dick's Creek Gap and Top of Georgia hostel in this video with the two smiling hitchers) and have picked up lots of hikers going to/from town. I've always had great interaction with those hikers and they're always super appreciative for the ride. Never a bad idea to take pics of licenses and vehicles and send those to a loved one or friend just in case. I do it all the time with suspicious looking characters... just a couple days ago at the Unicoi Gap AT trailhead while out for a day hike. Better safe than sorry! Love your videos and your southern accent! Keep em coming?
As a younger guy hiking Sobo the AT this past fall, I had trouble hitching into Luray from Throton gap, I pulled a, "Innocent Tactic", in which I started shivering while appearing to slowly walk/limp the 9 miles into town with the thumb up, within 5 minutes a van pulled up with two small children in it that demanded their mom to stop because they thought I was homeless, needless to say it worked and I was grateful!
Dixie, what a story, sure beats my hitching stories. I'm 68, so almost 50 years ago, hitching was a little more normal. A friend and I decided we would hitch to Daytona Beach for spring break. 900 miles, with only 5 hitches, one of which was a Florida state trooper. If we ever meet, I'll share the story (hitch #2, and #5, that you and Tom surpassed. We had a ride back, which is why we attempted to thumb that far.
I've been known to grab a hitcher or two in my day, as well as stop to render aide to a stranded motorist, but I won't do it when I have my daughter with me.
If the person who picks you up is just regular people, they shouldn't mind if you want to take a picture of their car, registration, and even of them, to send to your go to person. In fact, if they were a mum or dad type, they would maybe even suggest you actually did that so your parents/go to person didn't worry.
dixie, you rock. my days of dreaming that i might do a thruhike someday are over, but i live near a prominent trail crossing of the long trail and i pick up hikers going into two whether i'm going to town or not. they don't even have to be hitching. if i see people with big packs walking that way, i offer. i believe it brings good luck.
Yikes, glad you made it out of that situation safely, Dixie! Yes to more stories! I always learn more from a specific story than just straight advice and they're fun to listen to :)
Ha! That’s a great story. In the late 60s and early 70s as a teenager I hitched many times. And though there were a few troubling situations, nothing like what you went through. Thankfully you are ok, and you have a great story out of it. My biggest concerns were freezing to death and being picked up by the cops. And many times I wished for the later because of the former.
Your videos are spot on! Stuff people need to hear and want to hear! The reason you do so good at getting new subscribers and people continue to watch you is because your genuine. It also helps that you have that southern accent but I can tell before you post a video you actually think what would I want to know about backpacking if I was starting out. Keep doing what you do and keep grinding! Remember that the things you take for granite other people are wondering. Here are a few things as a new backpacker I wonder about maybe you can do a video on. Is drinking and bringing your own alcohol frowned upon on the trail? How do you carry your alcohol? What about hunting or killing game on the trail? Fishing in ponds you come across? Do you carry fishing gear? If so what is the best? What app do you use for GPS? Eating spots?
You are a lot more self reliant and self aware than most people. I used to hitchhike in high school all the time and had a few scary moments. Had a truck driver save my life when hitching through a tough neighborhood just after the MLK riots in the late 60’s.
If you're talking about Lake Elsinore in Riverside County then yeah, I concur. That place is sketchy even if you aren't hitch hiking. Most of the bad news ends up being from there or involving a resident from there.
When I was 17, I picked up two folks who were heading to Asheville, NC - and as you were talking I realized that part of why I picked them up was because one of them was a woman - so I'm glad you mentioned that later on in the video. As a young girl then, alone... I know I wouldn't have felt comfortable picking up just a dirty guy with a backpack, but as you said, the backpacks played a big role, too. They turned out to be Hare Krishnas and thanked me with a beautiful communal dinner and new friendly faces. It was a great experience and a glimpse into a world that I would probably have otherwise dismissed as some weird cult full of weird people that weren't like me. Instead, I gained some valuable perspective about how media generalizations aren't always accurate. Important life lesson. I was even home before midnight. I've picked up a few hitchhikers since then, but only in the back of my truck - which is a good barrier for people you might not be sure about. I would encourage anyone who drives a truck to be as open as possible to picking up hikers (if your state allows it). Everyone I've ever picked up has been nothing but thankful, and for most, I could tell that it really meant the world to them that day.
As a horse lover, this guy would have mortified me on more than just being a creep....he's an animal abuser as well (assuming of course that the story is true...which it might not be ~ weirdo may have just said it to see what your reaction was). At any rate, Thank You for telling this! I do think most folks are decent...but there's always that chance, and folks should be aware. The fear of being harmed on a hitch is only 2nd to being struck by lightning for me in terms of wanting to do a thru hike. I also worry about Animal attacks, but far less than the other two! 😲
He's lyin'. That's what he wished he would've done. Drunks rarely are men of action. And no one dies of a torn nose either. All fantasy land for poor ole Tom.
I hitched for years in college and a short time after I graduated. On long trips I would always make a sign with my ultimate destination figuring that if it looked like a I had a place to go my chances were better getting picked up. Also I tried to start t highway entrances if possible with enough pull off room. This worked great and sometimes I would get back to my home town in about the same amount of times as if I had driven.
I pretend I am talking on the phone with my boyfriend and I say, "Yes baby, I am riding with someone with the same type of car as you. The (description of the car) and he/she gave picked me by (where they pick me up) and he/she is driving me to (where I am going). I am so thank you for them. Ok, baby called you when I get there. This way they know, someone is waiting for me. I also have a knife in my pocket and I put my backpack between me and them.
I do this any time I see someone sketchy on the trail. Or at least talk about how I'm expected at x time at y place so they think I'd be missed quickly.
@@janicechiaretto7082 supposedly, it does make a difference to opportunists. If people know you are connected to someone else, it makes you less of a target because there is greater risk of them being caught. They really are doing that risk-reward math in their heads to see if it is worth it to try something.
Wow!! Freaky story indeed! I've had my share of sketchy hitches as well. I used to Hitch up and down the West coast in the early 80's. I had my first Hitch at 14 yrs old (which I do not recommend but the way!!) From Seattle to San Francisco. And then back to Seattle much later. I'm not going to get into all the stuff that happened to me, just trust and know I've had my share of really scary experiences, but I also have had some wonderful ones as well. I've met some really great people. And I've met and regretted having met and come across some messed up ones. I usually hitched but myself (once again, I do not recommend that either, especially as a young teen aged girl.. And it's always good to travel with someone). My other big mistakes that I had made back then was that I didn't tell anyone where I was going and when.. Bad idea. I got lucky, and lived thru these experiences. But it also could've gone really badly for me as well. Safe travels to you and everyone else!! One love!!❤️
Great tips and I think I will be more likely to pick up backpacking hitchhikers after watching a few of your videos and better understanding of what you are doing. Love the idea of taking a quick picture of the vehicle's license plate and texting it to a friend. If the driver starts giving you problems you can mention that you always text your rides license plates to friends for safety.
Good video, and as retired l.e.o. , I echo Dixie's suggestion to " go with your gut"...if you have an uneasy feeling, it's your subconscious picking up on things that you may not even be immediately aware of. A second suggestion I would add is, text a friend or loved on prior to the pickup that you are hitchhiking, and go ahead and share your location with them on Google maps. They can monitor your progress and God forbid something happens, they have a route and timeline to begin your rescue efforts. Along with that, keep a txt msg draft to that same person simply putting in 912, that you can quickly send should things turn ugly, and they can again, begin rescue efforts on your behalf. Be safe out there!
The child locks are in the door frame, the door has to be open to set them. It's just a little switch/knob in the side of the door. You can look for it on the back door of your car to see where it is. @@criticalmoment3859
Good to stick with the guy you know while are hiking. I got tense listening to the story dreading what would unfold next. The idea of the license plate photo and setting a pin and sending where you were on the way to are good things to be practiced at so those things go smooth in the moment. Those are good things to know backpacking or not. Another thing you can do is have a Google account and have it track you using the phone's GPS. You could share that account info with a friend so they can share it with people trying to locate you.
Great tips and well-told cautionary tale. On a hitch-hiking trip over the top of the Great Lakes my daughter always texted the license plate of the car they were getting into to a friend, and sometimes sent a bunch of messages suggesting she was expected somewhere by a certain time. With today's tech there's no reason not to take that kind of precaution. Of course, as a parent I only find out about these things years later...but glad she was savvy enough at the time :)
I liked the story and any helpful tips you can give are much appreciated. Everyone can give their 2 cents concerning gear or scenery, but this can actually save a life and also give guidance to proper etiquette. Thanks Dixie
I've lived in a few ski towns and have hitchhiked hundreds of times. My tip is to always remind the driver that you have a bag in the backseat, trunk, or pickup bed right as you're getting out. My biggest fear is having someone drive off with my skis or backpack because they forget I have more stuff and there's an opening in traffic as soon as I close the door. I always remind the driver I still need to grab some junk as I thank them one last time and (gently) close their door.
Back in the '70's hitching was an ordinary means of getting around. I have hitched thousands of miles and given nearly the same in rides in my VW vans. VW's were always good to see while hitching because not only were you going to get a ride, but an adventure too. One of my students asked me what I thought the biggest difference between then and now was. After thinking a bit, I told him that back then, we weren't afraid of one another.
Oh yeah, I’ve had experiences like that.. on a motorcycle trip, desolate area in Michigan’s U.P. (Big Two hearted river area) No gas , no Choice but to set up camp with only a psycho (found out after set up and it was dark) in the campground for uh.. company ?.... this was before cell phones... (Michigan’s wilderness roads)
Another quick out would have been to say you were already late in meeting your friend's in town.. A line ive used myself in uncomfortable/scary situation..because in the worst case scenario that they are bad, it lets them know people are expecting you.
Scary story. I used to hitch when I grew up in Phoenix all the time. I learned from a friend who taught me that if you are a guy, it is better to stand and look tired, and make sure they can see your face rather than be walking with your thumb out. I never got a ride when I was in motion trying to hitch. They only stopped when I was standing still. It's a useful skill to learn if you ever get stranded, but your advice is very correct on safety. It's always better to be with someone else.
I need to make a video of my hitching adventures from the 1960s. One was right out of Cheech & Chong, the car stopped, I ran to get in and when I opened the rear door smoke just poured out but, it was the 60s and they did share and I was only a teenager :). But the one that got to me was the time I totalled a car, in the middle of a cold Canadian Winter, in a relatively remote space and with it being very late there was no transportation, I had to hitch. I finally got a ride and was really thankful. However, the guy started talking about highway robbery, pulling over people, masquerading as undercover cops and taking their valuables. I figure the guy is just full of B.S. but he starts to describe how to do this in more detail, holly crap, this guy has thought this through. He says that he'd approach the car and I could guard him with the shotgun in the backseat - sure enough there is a shotgun in the back seat. I just tell him that I've gotta get home. Fortunately, nothing came of this and he dropped me where I needed to go. Never found out whether he was just screwing with me or how serious he was but to a teenage kid, he sure sounded serious!
Thanks for sharing your story and insights. I'd love to hear more of your experiences, both bad and good. Love your videos and look forward to your next one and to seeing you back on the trail. I will keep you in my prayers.
Thank goodness it turned out ok. I would love to hear more stories from your hikes. Helps us to love the trail and want to get out and keeps the memories alive and well in your mind too. Keep up the great work. :)
My fan belt broke and stranded me in the desert. the guy that picked me up was drunk as a skunk (beer cans all over the floor board) and was also pulling a horse trailer. He got me where I needed to go and was very friendly. Whew, glad to get out of his truck. :)
I've had two dodgy hitches. One: the guy was so tired he was falling asleep at the wheel and I had to keep poking him in the ribs with my elbow. He did buy us ice cream though. The second we were picked up after waiting for a whole 24hrs. But the guy didn't take us to the next town, he drove us into the middle of nowhere and stopped the car by an abandoned gas station. He said "Get out" to the both of us and we both leapt out of the car at the same time. As he drove off he shouted" don't get lost". We then had to walk 20 miles through French wheat fields in the blazing heat to find a tiny pub with a payphone. No mobiles back then.
I probably wouldn’t pickup a hitchhiker if I was alone, unless my wife is with me. I try to remember when I drive somewhere near a trail there may be hikers needing a ride. CDT or AZT.
Wow so glad that turned out well. I'm 64 now but years ago when I was just a kid of 15,16,17 I hitchhiked a lot. Running into dangerous people seems to go with the territory and by the same token running into incredibly generous people happens even more often. My last big hike took me from Fort Worth, Texas to Los Angeles, Ca. That trip was nothing but great rides especially the last ride from Flagstaff to Hollywood. Where life began anew. Now days I travel on 2 wheels with a sleeping bag and a tent. Subscribing
*pounds fists on table* STORIES! STORIES! STORIES! (unless of course you are saving some to write a book, in which case, I will absolutely wait and buy the book 👍🏻)
i had the weirdest hitchhiking encounter back in 1977, i was on my way to work and going up the interstate on ramp when i felt something crawling up my leg from my work boot and all the way up on my thigh. so i quickly crushed it with my hand through my pants and pulled over to the side of the ramp and pulled down my pants and it was a big palmetto bug that i had crushed and i got a napkin out of my glove box and began wiping my leg off. there was a guy and a girl that was hitchhiking at the bottom of the ramp that started running towards my car thinking i pulled over to give them a ride. when they got to my car door and saw me with my pants down wiping my leg off with a napkin they took off running back down the ramp. they left so fast they wouldnt give me a chance to explain what happened.
"Sketchy Tom" was sure enough sketchy. He just assumed you might be easy, thus the ride. The other stuff (about the killing a guy, riding horse to death, prison, etc.) was to intimidate your male pard. Smart to not go in his house. I think you are the same lady who made a video about not being armed (firearm). IF I were in a position to ask strangers for rides, I'd damn sure be armed, political correctness/extra weight or not.
Political correctness only goes so far to the point where your life literally hangs in the balance and then its game on. Trust me, when people find their very life is threatened they start to learn who they really are and how things really are.
@@alfredharrison597 I guess I'm in that group of "A former liberal who was mugged". Discovered, naively, at 20, that a young white man can make the mistake of "driving while white" in a black neighborhood. The woods are inherently much safer, but bad folks can be happened upon anywhere...in the projects or the great outdoors.
I hitchhiked so much in the late 70s. I loved this story so much. I know exactly what you're talking about. People talk to strangers in ways that they would never talk to others. I too had only one or two bad experiences. Well told story (from a writer, high praise!).
Hey, I'm a bushwalking guide, regular hiker, sometimes hitchhiker. In addition to Dixie's great tips, I've had success hitching by: - Waving around some chocolate bars while my thumb is out - Appearing presentable and having had a birdbath prior: I feel this is all that should have been said regarding differentiating backpackers from the chronically homeless. What is the difference, really, between us and them, except that we *choose* to wander? Having a tidy backpack and not holding plastic shopping bags or reeking like hell are things that *anybody* can do to hitch better, not just us the advantaged. - Dancing sometimes helps keep morale high when the hitching is slow, and your fun carefree vibes may appeal to drivers However I have to emphasise that above all else I feel safe hitchhiking alone or with others for two crucial reasons: 1) I'm an 80kg/5'1"/177cm/27yo male and I'm aware that more people are intimidated by me than I am by them, but even more importantly: 2) I'm comfortable defending myself under pressure - and, honestly, I think every hiker should be, no matter how small. I developed the confidence to go almost anywhere after about 1 year of consistent training, and now I'm at 2.5 years. I train in the sport of submission grappling (via Brazilian Jiujitsu) and it's one of the best things I've ever tried in my life. It engendered improvements in my diet, lifestyle, fitness, dextrosity, balance, and mental health. I'm stronger. I'm happier. And if anybody tries to attack me in their car or try to physically control me in any way, thanks to all the sparring I've done I'm now comfortable under duress and could likely choke out or otherwise injure my aggressor in quick order - and I'm not even that good for how long I've been training, I'm like, middle-of-the-field. Nevertheless I don't need to feel afraid unless somebody pulls a gun, and at that point only diplomacy or good luck and skill in a tussle will save you. Anyway, I *strongly* recommend that those intending to spend time in isolated places, alone or with strangers (hiking, backpacking overseas, hitchhiking, whatever) go attend free trials at your local combat sports gyms and see if you get hooked on anything - BJJ, MMA, Muay Thai, wrestling, boxing, judo, etc. Gyms which do lots of real, live sparring rounds. Avoid places that teach martial arts techniques without making you test yourself against resisting opponents every session. These are usually karate, aikido, taekwondo, kung fu, wing chun, and so on. Just my 2 cents.
I can see why this was scary at the time but man is it a funny story now! As far as bad hitchhiking experiences go, I was actually mentally preparing myself for this being a far worse story (like something dramatic where you were by yourself and had to ask someone to pull over somewhere random just to get out of the car). I'm planning my first thru-hike and hitchhiking is one of my biggest fears! I'm so glad you've had such good experiences while hitchhiking despite this frightening (and crazy) story.
I picked up a hitchhiker once and after a few minutes they looked at me and asked "How do you know I'm not a serial killer?" I replied "the chances of two serial killers being in the same car are astronomical".
Great tips though and glad everything turned out safe for you.
I'll have to remember this one!
@Off Grid Unhinged What was the name of the movie?
Good one... lol
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Hilarious
I generally ask people before I get in the car if it's okay if I text their number plate home for security reasons. People always understand and are actually glad that I seem to care about safety. If they would decline, I'd politely say I'll wait for another ride.
jintsuuriki what a great idea! I’ll pass to my daughter on the PCT.
If I was the driver, I would be wary of someone asking to photograph my license plate. It screams that someone is going to use this photo unethically to accuse me of something absurd. I would tell them to find another ride. I would then probably never even bother to stop for another hitchhiker.
@@sammyso4940 Lol, how are they going to use a license plate unethically? They're not taking your picture and it's not like the hitcher couldn't (or wasn't already) going to send the text message, but by stating it, they're letting the driver know that there's already a trail to him if he decides to do something.
I think it's a great idea. If someone is uncomfortable with me taking a picture of their car then what are they planning on doing to me that they don't want a picture of the license plate.
I picked up this backpacker once..OMG,it was so fun..drove them like 300miles to a job site.
@@sammyso4940 me too... no ride Clyde... lol
Additional tip from former prosecutor: if you are getting into someone’s back seat (especially if you are solo) check and make sure the child safety locks are not engaged ( they are usually on the inside of the doors). If they are engaged you won’t be able to get out from the inside.
Coolest hitchhiking story that happened to me:
I got picked up by some punk girl in humboldt CA hella years ago. And while she was driving she pulls out a bag from the glove box FULL of magic mushrooms and told me to take three handfuls. I threw them in my backpack and as we drove up to my destination (Arcata),she asked if she wanted to get a beer with me at her local haunt and I agreed. I bought the first round and just talked about hardcore music and just life in general. She was hella cool. Never saw her again...
I'm a native Portlander, a mountain goer and a section hiker of the PCT! I was training for and planing a thru hike when I got pregnant (almost exactly a year before my departure date). I was heart broken about my trip, but glad about my baby! Since then, every season I get on Instagram and fallow thru hikers as they journey up the west coast. I'm always happy to send support if they need to get off the trail for some reason or they get sick. I am always happy to meet them somewhere, as they get into the PNW section, to offer rides or bring replacement gear. I'm always willing to bring fresh or cold foods and cold beverages.
I figure if I cant thru hike myself, the least I can do is be an Angle and create a little trail magic for someone else!
If someone has been following your hike on social media, you've had some good conversations with them and they seam lagit to you, dont hesitate to let them help you! Many of us just want to hear your stories and fell like in some small way we made your trip a little easier.
All is not lost Abbijean, bring your child in 12 years I am planning the PCT next year ( ‘22) hopefully covid and wild fire free. I will be 73 years old and refusing to take my grandkids ! 1st refusal ever. I’m the worst in the world . yippee!
As someone who researches interpersonal violence at the intersections of animal cruelty and a hiker... you described quite a bit of power, control, domination, animal cruelty, anti-social behaviour, and aggression - all red flags. You handled this like a pro. Triggering this person likely would have brought out an adverse reaction. Glad you are safe and are using this as a learning experience.
Thanks for the story. I learned 3 things, 1 drink all the beer an old rodeo cowboy offers me. 2 don't let him hit me on the nose. 3 don't let him ride my horse.
lol Too funny, David. Bet you learned more than that...or maybe not.
@@luell2u : you are probably right, i am a slow learner.
😁
Good funny..... poor horse.
But he can hit me in the chest, that's fine
I'm from a country (isreal) where hitchhiking is super super normal and the way most people get around. I Always ask the driver where they are going 1st. Don't tell them where your going until they tell you where they are going. That way 1 you have another excuse if the situation doesn't feel right and 2 they can't lie saying they're going where your going. I realize that doesn't always work on all roads but it's a really good rule.
Hi Elisheva, what you describing is only common to some regions. In these regions, 1: people are super nice and welcoming. 2: if they have a certain license plate, most likely it's safe. 3: you know someone that knows someone that knows him lol. The states are way different in that sense. FYI I'm from the same country.
As the driver I would insist you tell me where you are going first. It is more likely that someone who hitchhikes has bad intentions than someone who drives down the road "supposedly looking for hitchhikers."
@@sammyso4940 I think that makes sense for other countries. In isreal it's really only a threat for the person hitching. And thing's like this are what we use to make sure there not terrorists disguised. It seems like in other countries it's different.
@@MrAlexDavid regions of isreal.you mean? Ya people don't tremp in cities but aside from that most other places. I think your right that it's different in other countries. Sad it's that way, I don't know what I would do if I could get tremp.
Elisheva In Yehuda & Shomron and the Arava maybe (haven’t been there for a while) it’s very common.
Within cities it’s less of a thing as you said.
I can understand why his wife left him
Scott Chelski Right?!
Emma Cote Given he had already killed a person as well as a horse, sticking around a psycho in order to 'make him regret it' could be a fatal mistake. Also as much as retribution seems just, why nurture bad vibes? You'd be better off reporting the psycho to authorities and getting him out of your life.
@@gregparrott And his 'jokes'!
> hostile, scary stuff
> Just kidding!
_shudder_
His wife is buried in back of the cabin.
@Emma Cote Emma perhaps the horse was mean,nasty and vicious like Tom and needed killing likeTom.
1974 a friend & i were hitchhiking from Anaheim CA out to Cottonwood Cove on the Colorado river near Vegas. We got a few miles out of town then stuck on the Orange Show offramp for hours. And hours. And hours! After midnight a man in a Cadillac stopped. He was wasted drunk & said we could drive ourselves wherever we wanted to go. Huh? Wha? OK! Woke him up 3 hours later, said thanks, and off we went!
Man, that was like the beginning of a spooky movie. I'm glad it turned out ok.
OMG! Part of me is screaming, "how much more creepy does he have to be before you get the heck out of there!" Another part of me is thoroughly enjoying the story of how much more creepy he gets as he keeps talking.
For all of us, not just women, please remember that safety is more important than being nice. I know. I grew up in the south, too.
Everyone should read Gavin de Becker's book the Gift of Fear.
Love your channel and hearing about your adventures!!
One of Dixie's most informative videos, especially in that it addresses an aspect of thru-hiking that some people may give little thought to beforehand. Thanks, Dixie!
Wow, what a story! I loved how you thought on your feet and took pics and recordings and I noticed the video in the truck capturing landmarks. I am so glad you weren't alone (either of you) and that it had a good ending! I love the neck knife idea. I think I'd prefer to keep it hidden --- the element of surprise can be powerful.
And yes, more stories! I loved it! Excellent video and tips. Thank you.
Safety in numbers, always hitch with
somebody else. Never be alone with'
a man in his vehicle.
All good information. My method for declining a ride if the driver gives off a bad vibe is to ask, “are you Marty (or Ralph or Prestly or some other rare-ish name)? Then when he says no, “thanks for stopping, but I called for a shuttle and he expects me to be here. Thanks, again.” Works for me.
Oh yes! I would love more personal stories from the trail! That would be wonderful. 👍
Please post your stories here on YT!!!
Probably saving them for her book. Wonder when it'll be out?
I had asked a while ago for you to share some stories from the trial...this one tops the most riveting of stories. So glad you had your friend and he had you.
As an older guy in some ways it’s easier, but dang glad you weren’t alone in this case Dixie!
Great story, very helpful information, all the do's and don'ts of hitching, where to keep valuables, courtesies, also the having a good story ready, in case someone looks too sketchy to accept a ride. I think grabbing for your phone, after a moment of looking confused, then going "dude, oh no, I think I left my phone back where we sat down back there," and then say "thanks anyway for stopping," and just directly run away to get your phone, aka escape. This only works if one person hides their phone in advance.
Dixie thank you for this..I know that I probably have more time to spend watching, but I feel that if you have taken the time to record and upload a video, I will spend the time to watch it all. I have viewed many of yours and enjoyed them all. This video was very informative and thought prevoking, I personally am very leery of picking up a single person, even one as beautiful as you, it can be almost as dangerous for the driver as the person being picked up. As 70 year old I can remember hitching across Canada several times, and had no problems. Things have changed lots over the years and not all for the good. I will continue to look forward to your vids and hope for many more. Luv you and all you do for us. I subscribed during my first vid and sponsored at the end of it. Keep it going.
I always like a good story, so thanks. It reminds me of a girl that would work for a travel magazine. She wanted to make a solo motorcycle trip from Holland to Australia - over land - and write articles about it. In Italy her motorcycle broke down. An Italian stopped, offered to help her and took her to his house. Well, jadajadajada it was the love of her life, after three days of traveling she stopped her world trip, never wrote an article. I think they married.
lol
or she's buried out in a desert somewhere.
Sending pictures of the truck, it's tags and the guy was smart. If he became threatening, making him aware that a record existed would likely have prevented things getting worse. Well done.
You should have blown your trusty harmonica. That thing is lethal. 😂
Hah that was funny!
It did repel a mountain lion.
😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂
She'll sound like a weak critter, lol😂🤣
Two words come to mind:
Edmond Kemper
I grew up in the 70’s, I don’t think I could hitch even if my life depended on it 😬
i hitched to tennessee from wisconsin in 1977. 1st half was great. 2nd half - lucky i'm alive! never again.
same. theres also Dahmer, son of sam, JWG just to name a few
So did I. Is it any safer now with cell phones? Well maybe, but don't wish to test that. Especially if I were still a pretty young woman. nonononno.
Dahmer had a pretty specific demographic targeted...
@@paisleydreamzzz Tell us more!
Definitely interested in more stories from the trail. That's always a big part of the fun of meeting others on the trail or sharing a campsite with others. Watching you guys is like watching Jimmy Houston fish when the weather is too bad for me to go fishing. Taking care of my folks has curtailed my hiking and camping, so I love your's and Hiking Rev's videos. Glad you had a hiking buddy for that incident. God bless and stay safe, Dixie.
Yes on the stories! Anything anytime anywhere. Thanks!
I’ve given a few backpackers and many back-country skiers rides. Here in Colorado, quite a few CT hikers have signs. Usually just cardboard, but many get quite creative with decorating it with colorful flowers or cute stick figure hikers. One side says “Hiker to town” and the the other side, “Hiker to trail” I like these as a driver, because it makes it very clear what the person needs. And they aren’t heavy at all.
You are a fantastic story teller...very engaging..in fact, you got me hooked...I now want Chapter Two of the book TOMFOOLERY...WRITE IT
Quirky Girl Thank you!!
As much as we'd like to hear it, hopefully she never gains another story to tell! Lol
Yes, more stories please.
Kind of reminds me of one time when my truck had broken down and I had to catch some rides from co-workers.
One of these was from the Woodlands (North of Houston) to Sabine Pass, about 125 miles. The guy picked me up in his Wrangler and stopped at a convenience store nearby and bought a case of beer.
He drank the whole thing himself. This is at night.
Needless to say when the job was done I got a taxi ride from the dock to airport and flew home instead of traveling with him again.
besides the bears, mountain lions, and Tom....im struggling with my fear of doing the PCT
You'll be fine. I hope your doing it or getting ready to do it but now. Best of luck. Don't let fear stop you from doing thing. Words I wish I lived by.
Just don't hitchhike
My two primary concerns are water crossings & hitching.
This should be a MANDATORY video that every hiker has to watch before they step foot on any trail where there is a chance they will have to thumb a ride. Its just sad that there are people out there that prey on innocent, trusting people. Once again the information you shared here very well could have saved someone from becoming a statistic on a police blotter. Your video reminds me of something I learned way back when I was in Boy Scouts, Be Prepared.
Oh. My. Gosh. Bless you and Dibs, and bless your mom who had to endure that from afar! So glad you made it thru OK. Yes, yes, yes to more stories!
Dixie's Mom ..you are very brave. I dont think I could do this for my girls.
I've picked up hitchers before and for the most part is was no issue. There are exceptions but I usually make that ride short (I'll tell them that I'm not going any further in the direction that they want to go even if I am). In getting a ride, making sure your pack is visible is a must and if possible, hitch near the trailhead (as it means you have a purpose for being out there). My two cents on your suspicious person story - if the person is that weird be sure to tell them that you have others waiting for you at your destination (if will mean you'll be missed) and don't have them drop you off at your actual destination (just drop me off in town because I have to pick some things up).
Loved it ... took me back to my long-haired 1970s cross-country hitching days. A few sketchy rides, a lot of awesome trail-angel-worthy rides.
Here's a guaranteed-to-work phrase to use to either decline a ride before entering the car or to immediately terminate one: "Oh no ... my explosive diarrhea is back ... can't wait ... thanks, gotta run (or "Quick, stop the car)."
Add appropriate facial expressions.
Was having the same flashbacks, but from the other side. Back in the late 70s, I used to drive long stretches in upstate NY. I would regularly pick up hitch-hikers, mostly guys like yourself, just out traveling. They would share their weed and their stories. Strange, I was a 20-something female and never once felt threatened (or I would have stopped). Different times and a world we have lost.
@@felinespirits no chit... trick or treating comes to mind... lol... the world has changed... lol
I hitched a lot back in the day and "Stop the car, I'm going to be sick" always worked.
Definitely loved the story at the beginning! Favorite part. Would love to hear more stories from the trail like this.
Jessica, you are a wonderful storyteller. I don't usually watch podcasts at all, but would definitely watch regular TH-cam videos of your stories.
You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience but also providing the tips on how to stay secured.
Wow, scary story. I agree with all of your advice, but, I do not feel obligated to have to justify my reason as to why I changed my mind about getting in their vehicle, if I get that vibe that they are dangerous. If they are truly dangerous people- I'm telling you, they will not care what your excuse is, they'll continue to follow and harass you. Don't waste your time in conversation with anyone you feel may harm you. Just get out of there.
There is no obligation to justify declining to accept a ride. Dixie's advice about making up a plausible excuse however, was very practical. It's probably either going to be someone who was generously offering to help or maybe it is some sort of a predator. If it is a predator, the last thing I'd want to do is let them know that I'm afraid of them. Fear is a trigger for predators. If it was a a sincere offer of help, maybe from someone with underdeveloped social skills, it is inexcusable to insult them if there is a gentler way to excuse yourself. I used to hitch rides when I was in Alaska 40 years ago. When I returned from Alaska, I picked up hitchhikers for many years. I stopped picking up single women because it seemed like more risk than I wanted to take. Eventually I stopped picking hitchhikers up all together because so few could hold an intelligent conversation and I prefer my own company over the company of dull people.
@@noyopacific With all due respect, as a woman who has been followed and grabbed twice by men on two separate occasions, I have learned that predators use conversation as a means to pull you in.
Hikers- always trust your gut and avoid small talk if you feel you are in danger. Your ability to listen to your gut and trust your judgment becomes stronger the longer you are out on trail. Nature has a beautiful way of returning us home to ourselves in many ways, including this one. You do not owe anyone a reason if you have changed your mind, to keep yourself from safe from danger.
@@candicemitchell2963, It is hard to reason with someone who even wants to debate your points of agreement. You seem to essentially be a rather disagreeable person with limited social skills. If I were like you, I would try to avoid contact with other people, especially anyone I didn't already know.
You are not obligated but it is also true that an unstable person could have their switch flipped by the perceived rejection and then you’re in an isolated area with a lunatic who’s mad at you. It’d be different if they were in town. It’s a tightrope to walk. Dixie handled it in a way that it didn’t escalate but you can’t really know how it’s going to work out beforehand.
Great story and great advice! I live in Hiawassee GA near the AT(actually recognized the stretch of road near Dick's Creek Gap and Top of Georgia hostel in this video with the two smiling hitchers) and have picked up lots of hikers going to/from town. I've always had great interaction with those hikers and they're always super appreciative for the ride. Never a bad idea to take pics of licenses and vehicles and send those to a loved one or friend just in case. I do it all the time with suspicious looking characters... just a couple days ago at the Unicoi Gap AT trailhead while out for a day hike. Better safe than sorry! Love your videos and your southern accent! Keep em coming?
I highly recommend the book The Gift of Fear.
That book is awesome.!
As a younger guy hiking Sobo the AT this past fall, I had trouble hitching into Luray from Throton gap, I pulled a, "Innocent Tactic", in which I started shivering while appearing to slowly walk/limp the 9 miles into town with the thumb up, within 5 minutes a van pulled up with two small children in it that demanded their mom to stop because they thought I was homeless, needless to say it worked and I was grateful!
Great video Dixie! I feel so informed now, glad you weren’t alone and got to town safely, eventually. So sketchy though
Dixie, what a story, sure beats my hitching stories. I'm 68, so almost 50 years ago, hitching was a little more normal. A friend and I decided we would hitch to Daytona Beach for spring break. 900 miles, with only 5 hitches, one of which was a Florida state trooper. If we ever meet, I'll share the story (hitch #2, and #5, that you and Tom surpassed. We had a ride back, which is why we attempted to thumb that far.
I've been known to grab a hitcher or two in my day, as well as stop to render aide to a stranded motorist, but I won't do it when I have my daughter with me.
If the person who picks you up is just regular people, they shouldn't mind if you want to take a picture of their car, registration, and even of them, to send to your go to person. In fact, if they were a mum or dad type, they would maybe even suggest you actually did that so your parents/go to person didn't worry.
Holy cow! 🐮 What a story!!! As always, thanks for all the great content!
dixie, you rock.
my days of dreaming that i might do a thruhike someday are over, but i live near a prominent trail crossing of the long trail and i pick up hikers going into two whether i'm going to town or not.
they don't even have to be hitching. if i see people with big packs walking that way, i offer. i believe it brings good luck.
Yes please more stories
Yikes, glad you made it out of that situation safely, Dixie! Yes to more stories! I always learn more from a specific story than just straight advice and they're fun to listen to :)
Ha! That’s a great story. In the late 60s and early 70s as a teenager I hitched many times. And though there were a few troubling situations, nothing like what you went through. Thankfully you are ok, and you have a great story out of it. My biggest concerns were freezing to death and being picked up by the cops. And many times I wished for the later because of the former.
Your videos are spot on! Stuff people need to hear and want to hear! The reason you do so good at getting new subscribers and people continue to watch you is because your genuine. It also helps that you have that southern accent but I can tell before you post a video you actually think what would I want to know about backpacking if I was starting out. Keep doing what you do and keep grinding! Remember that the things you take for granite other people are wondering. Here are a few things as a new backpacker I wonder about maybe you can do a video on. Is drinking and bringing your own alcohol frowned upon on the trail? How do you carry your alcohol? What about hunting or killing game on the trail? Fishing in ponds you come across? Do you carry fishing gear? If so what is the best? What app do you use for GPS? Eating spots?
Your polite response to the stranger inviting you into his house shows good raising in Alabama.
You are a lot more self reliant and self aware than most people. I used to hitchhike in high school all the time and had a few scary moments. Had a truck driver save my life when hitching through a tough neighborhood just after the MLK riots in the late 60’s.
That area by Walker pass and Lake Elsinore is pretty sketchy anyway. Probably one place I’d definitely hitch with a partner!
Glad you got through it.
You are correct... eastern Kern county is sketchy... lol
If you're talking about Lake Elsinore in Riverside County then yeah, I concur. That place is sketchy even if you aren't hitch hiking. Most of the bad news ends up being from there or involving a resident from there.
When I was 17, I picked up two folks who were heading to Asheville, NC - and as you were talking I realized that part of why I picked them up was because one of them was a woman - so I'm glad you mentioned that later on in the video. As a young girl then, alone... I know I wouldn't have felt comfortable picking up just a dirty guy with a backpack, but as you said, the backpacks played a big role, too. They turned out to be Hare Krishnas and thanked me with a beautiful communal dinner and new friendly faces. It was a great experience and a glimpse into a world that I would probably have otherwise dismissed as some weird cult full of weird people that weren't like me. Instead, I gained some valuable perspective about how media generalizations aren't always accurate. Important life lesson. I was even home before midnight. I've picked up a few hitchhikers since then, but only in the back of my truck - which is a good barrier for people you might not be sure about. I would encourage anyone who drives a truck to be as open as possible to picking up hikers (if your state allows it). Everyone I've ever picked up has been nothing but thankful, and for most, I could tell that it really meant the world to them that day.
As a horse lover, this guy would have mortified me on more than just being a creep....he's an animal abuser as well (assuming of course that the story is true...which it might not be ~ weirdo may have just said it to see what your reaction was). At any rate, Thank You for telling this! I do think most folks are decent...but there's always that chance, and folks should be aware. The fear of being harmed on a hitch is only 2nd to being struck by lightning for me in terms of wanting to do a thru hike. I also worry about Animal attacks, but far less than the other two! 😲
He's lyin'. That's what he wished he would've done. Drunks rarely are men of action. And no one dies of a torn nose either. All fantasy land for poor ole Tom.
I hitched for years in college and a short time after I graduated. On long trips I would always make a sign with my ultimate destination figuring that if it looked like a I had a place to go my chances were better getting picked up. Also I tried to start t highway entrances if possible with enough pull off room. This worked great and sometimes I would get back to my home town in about the same amount of times as if I had driven.
I pretend I am talking on the phone with my boyfriend and I say, "Yes baby, I am riding with someone with the same type of car as you. The (description of the car) and he/she gave picked me by (where they pick me up) and he/she is driving me to (where I am going). I am so thank you for them. Ok, baby called you when I get there.
This way they know, someone is waiting for me.
I also have a knife in my pocket and I put my backpack between me and them.
I do this any time I see someone sketchy on the trail. Or at least talk about how I'm expected at x time at y place so they think I'd be missed quickly.
Yep done that! Worked really well!
Do crazy people really care?? Sorry, too many horror stories out there to make hitching look like anything other than wacko-roulette.
@@janicechiaretto7082 supposedly, it does make a difference to opportunists. If people know you are connected to someone else, it makes you less of a target because there is greater risk of them being caught. They really are doing that risk-reward math in their heads to see if it is worth it to try something.
Moar stories. I love your videos! Also, I appreciate how real you are without being crass or crude - unlike most of the rest of the Internet.
Wow!! Freaky story indeed! I've had my share of sketchy hitches as well. I used to Hitch up and down the West coast in the early 80's. I had my first Hitch at 14 yrs old (which I do not recommend but the way!!) From Seattle to San Francisco. And then back to Seattle much later. I'm not going to get into all the stuff that happened to me, just trust and know I've had my share of really scary experiences, but I also have had some wonderful ones as well. I've met some really great people. And I've met and regretted having met and come across some messed up ones. I usually hitched but myself (once again, I do not recommend that either, especially as a young teen aged girl.. And it's always good to travel with someone). My other big mistakes that I had made back then was that I didn't tell anyone where I was going and when.. Bad idea. I got lucky, and lived thru these experiences. But it also could've gone really badly for me as well. Safe travels to you and everyone else!! One love!!❤️
Great tips and I think I will be more likely to pick up backpacking hitchhikers after watching a few of your videos and better understanding of what you are doing. Love the idea of taking a quick picture of the vehicle's license plate and texting it to a friend. If the driver starts giving you problems you can mention that you always text your rides license plates to friends for safety.
I would love to see a "stories from the trail" series!
Good video, and as retired l.e.o. , I echo Dixie's suggestion to " go with your gut"...if you have an uneasy feeling, it's your subconscious picking up on things that you may not even be immediately aware of. A second suggestion I would add is, text a friend or loved on prior to the pickup that you are hitchhiking, and go ahead and share your location with them on Google maps. They can monitor your progress and God forbid something happens, they have a route and timeline to begin your rescue efforts. Along with that, keep a txt msg draft to that same person simply putting in 912, that you can quickly send should things turn ugly, and they can again, begin rescue efforts on your behalf. Be safe out there!
dang the desert has some kooky "Toms". I'm stressed about this because I have to hike alone. Check for child locks before you get into the back seat.
The child locks are in the door frame, the door has to be open to set them. It's just a little switch/knob in the side of the door. You can look for it on the back door of your car to see where it is. @@criticalmoment3859
I never would have thought of the child locks
DO NOT HITCHIKE ALONE!!!. LIFE IS SHORT ENOUGH.
Excellent tip!
Good to stick with the guy you know while are hiking. I got tense listening to the story dreading what would unfold next. The idea of the license plate photo and setting a pin and sending where you were on the way to are good things to be practiced at so those things go smooth in the moment. Those are good things to know backpacking or not. Another thing you can do is have a Google account and have it track you using the phone's GPS. You could share that account info with a friend so they can share it with people trying to locate you.
Wow, what a crazy story. Glad you both made it out safe. Thanks for the tips.
Great tips and well-told cautionary tale. On a hitch-hiking trip over the top of the Great Lakes my daughter always texted the license plate of the car they were getting into to a friend, and sometimes sent a bunch of messages suggesting she was expected somewhere by a certain time. With today's tech there's no reason not to take that kind of precaution. Of course, as a parent I only find out about these things years later...but glad she was savvy enough at the time :)
I liked the story and any helpful tips you can give are much appreciated. Everyone can give their 2 cents concerning gear or scenery, but this can actually save a life and also give guidance to proper etiquette. Thanks Dixie
I've lived in a few ski towns and have hitchhiked hundreds of times. My tip is to always remind the driver that you have a bag in the backseat, trunk, or pickup bed right as you're getting out. My biggest fear is having someone drive off with my skis or backpack because they forget I have more stuff and there's an opening in traffic as soon as I close the door. I always remind the driver I still need to grab some junk as I thank them one last time and (gently) close their door.
Great story this kinda thing could really catch on
Back in the '70's hitching was an ordinary means of getting around. I have hitched thousands of miles and given nearly the same in rides in my VW vans. VW's were always good to see while hitching because not only were you going to get a ride, but an adventure too. One of my students asked me what I thought the biggest difference between then and now was. After thinking a bit, I told him that back then, we weren't afraid of one another.
Yep. I'm 59 and have hitchiked from Arkansas to New Jersey in a day.
Hitchhiked all the time in Jersey to get around. Lot's of us did it.
Oh yeah, I’ve had experiences like that.. on a motorcycle trip, desolate area in Michigan’s U.P.
(Big Two hearted river area)
No gas , no Choice but to set up camp with only a psycho (found out after set up and it was dark) in the campground for uh.. company ?.... this was before cell phones... (Michigan’s wilderness roads)
Thank God you and your friend were both safe in the end. God bless you Dixie and please be safe out there.
The neck knife is a great idea for many reasons/situations. Thanks!
Okay Rob, you can carry the knife, I'll take the pepper spray. 👍
Another quick out would have been to say you were already late in meeting your friend's in town.. A line ive used myself in uncomfortable/scary situation..because in the worst case scenario that they are bad, it lets them know people are expecting you.
I LOVE "Story time" with Dixie! MORE STORIES!!!
Scary story. I used to hitch when I grew up in Phoenix all the time. I learned from a friend who taught me that if you are a guy, it is better to stand and look tired, and make sure they can see your face rather than be walking with your thumb out. I never got a ride when I was in motion trying to hitch. They only stopped when I was standing still. It's a useful skill to learn if you ever get stranded, but your advice is very correct on safety. It's always better to be with someone else.
I need to make a video of my hitching adventures from the 1960s.
One was right out of Cheech & Chong, the car stopped, I ran to get in and when I opened the rear door smoke just poured out but, it was the 60s and they did share and I was only a teenager :).
But the one that got to me was the time I totalled a car, in the middle of a cold Canadian Winter, in a relatively remote space and with it being very late there was no transportation, I had to hitch. I finally got a ride and was really thankful. However, the guy started talking about highway robbery, pulling over people, masquerading as undercover cops and taking their valuables. I figure the guy is just full of B.S. but he starts to describe how to do this in more detail, holly crap, this guy has thought this through. He says that he'd approach the car and I could guard him with the shotgun in the backseat - sure enough there is a shotgun in the back seat. I just tell him that I've gotta get home. Fortunately, nothing came of this and he dropped me where I needed to go. Never found out whether he was just screwing with me or how serious he was but to a teenage kid, he sure sounded serious!
Thanks for sharing your story and insights. I'd love to hear more of your experiences, both bad and good. Love your videos and look forward to your next one and to seeing you back on the trail. I will keep you in my prayers.
With tales like that, you gotta write a book! Very entertaining, very well told.
Thank goodness it turned out ok. I would love to hear more stories from your hikes. Helps us to love the trail and want to get out and keeps the memories alive and well in your mind too. Keep up the great work. :)
Awesome... keep those footsteps in the dirt
My fan belt broke and stranded me in the desert. the guy that picked me up was drunk as a skunk (beer cans all over the floor board) and was also pulling a horse trailer. He got me where I needed to go and was very friendly. Whew, glad to get out of his truck. :)
Having lived near there I can confirm, there are sketchy people around Kern Valley!
YIKES. This was not a story I expected. So glad you had Dibs with you.
Great story. Reminds me of the hitch with the drunk hillbillies in Bill Bryson's "Walk in the Woods" Be sure to include this in your book!
I've had two dodgy hitches. One: the guy was so tired he was falling asleep at the wheel and I had to keep poking him in the ribs with my elbow. He did buy us ice cream though. The second we were picked up after waiting for a whole 24hrs. But the guy didn't take us to the next town, he drove us into the middle of nowhere and stopped the car by an abandoned gas station. He said "Get out" to the both of us and we both leapt out of the car at the same time. As he drove off he shouted" don't get lost". We then had to walk 20 miles through French wheat fields in the blazing heat to find a tiny pub with a payphone. No mobiles back then.
Very informative! Thanks Dix
Love hearing your story. Glad it all worked out ok for you. Yes, more stories please!
I probably wouldn’t pickup a hitchhiker if I was alone, unless my wife is with me. I try to remember when I drive somewhere near a trail there may be hikers needing a ride. CDT or AZT.
Wow so glad that turned out well. I'm 64 now but years ago when I was just a kid of 15,16,17 I hitchhiked a lot. Running into dangerous people seems to go with the territory and by the same token running into incredibly generous people happens even more often. My last big hike took me from Fort Worth, Texas to Los Angeles, Ca. That trip was nothing but great rides especially the last ride from Flagstaff to Hollywood. Where life began anew. Now days I travel on 2 wheels with a sleeping bag and a tent. Subscribing
*pounds fists on table* STORIES! STORIES! STORIES! (unless of course you are saving some to write a book, in which case, I will absolutely wait and buy the book 👍🏻)
Tell me some of yours, I'll share some of mine...lol. Not may scary ones, most people are decent, or I am just not an eady target.....😂
i had the weirdest hitchhiking encounter back in 1977, i was on my way to work and going up the interstate on ramp when i felt something crawling up my leg from my work boot and all the way up on my thigh. so i quickly crushed it with my hand through my pants and pulled over to the side of the ramp and pulled down my pants and it was a big palmetto bug that i had crushed and i got a napkin out of my glove box and began wiping my leg off. there was a guy and a girl that was hitchhiking at the bottom of the ramp that started running towards my car thinking i pulled over to give them a ride. when they got to my car door and saw me with my pants down wiping my leg off with a napkin they took off running back down the ramp. they left so fast they wouldnt give me a chance to explain what happened.
"Sketchy Tom" was sure enough sketchy. He just assumed you might be easy, thus the ride. The other stuff (about the killing a guy, riding horse to death, prison, etc.) was to intimidate your male pard. Smart to not go in his house. I think you are the same lady who made a video about not being armed (firearm). IF I were in a position to ask strangers for rides, I'd damn sure be armed, political correctness/extra weight or not.
Political correctness only goes so far to the point where your life literally hangs in the balance and then its game on.
Trust me, when people find their very life is threatened they start to learn who they really are and how things really are.
@@alfredharrison597 I guess I'm in that group of "A former liberal who was mugged". Discovered, naively, at 20, that a young white man can make the mistake of "driving while white" in a black neighborhood. The woods are inherently much safer, but bad folks can be happened upon anywhere...in the projects or the great outdoors.
I hitchhiked so much in the late 70s. I loved this story so much. I know exactly what you're talking about. People talk to strangers in ways that they would never talk to others. I too had only one or two bad experiences. Well told story (from a writer, high praise!).
You’re such a good storyteller!
Hey, I'm a bushwalking guide, regular hiker, sometimes hitchhiker.
In addition to Dixie's great tips, I've had success hitching by:
- Waving around some chocolate bars while my thumb is out
- Appearing presentable and having had a birdbath prior: I feel this is all that should have been said regarding differentiating backpackers from the chronically homeless. What is the difference, really, between us and them, except that we *choose* to wander? Having a tidy backpack and not holding plastic shopping bags or reeking like hell are things that *anybody* can do to hitch better, not just us the advantaged.
- Dancing sometimes helps keep morale high when the hitching is slow, and your fun carefree vibes may appeal to drivers
However I have to emphasise that above all else I feel safe hitchhiking alone or with others for two crucial reasons:
1) I'm an 80kg/5'1"/177cm/27yo male and I'm aware that more people are intimidated by me than I am by them, but even more importantly:
2) I'm comfortable defending myself under pressure - and, honestly, I think every hiker should be, no matter how small. I developed the confidence to go almost anywhere after about 1 year of consistent training, and now I'm at 2.5 years. I train in the sport of submission grappling (via Brazilian Jiujitsu) and it's one of the best things I've ever tried in my life. It engendered improvements in my diet, lifestyle, fitness, dextrosity, balance, and mental health. I'm stronger. I'm happier. And if anybody tries to attack me in their car or try to physically control me in any way, thanks to all the sparring I've done I'm now comfortable under duress and could likely choke out or otherwise injure my aggressor in quick order - and I'm not even that good for how long I've been training, I'm like, middle-of-the-field. Nevertheless I don't need to feel afraid unless somebody pulls a gun, and at that point only diplomacy or good luck and skill in a tussle will save you.
Anyway, I *strongly* recommend that those intending to spend time in isolated places, alone or with strangers (hiking, backpacking overseas, hitchhiking, whatever) go attend free trials at your local combat sports gyms and see if you get hooked on anything - BJJ, MMA, Muay Thai, wrestling, boxing, judo, etc. Gyms which do lots of real, live sparring rounds. Avoid places that teach martial arts techniques without making you test yourself against resisting opponents every session. These are usually karate, aikido, taekwondo, kung fu, wing chun, and so on.
Just my 2 cents.
Outstanding info !! Love the stories. PEACE
I can see why this was scary at the time but man is it a funny story now! As far as bad hitchhiking experiences go, I was actually mentally preparing myself for this being a far worse story (like something dramatic where you were by yourself and had to ask someone to pull over somewhere random just to get out of the car). I'm planning my first thru-hike and hitchhiking is one of my biggest fears! I'm so glad you've had such good experiences while hitchhiking despite this frightening (and crazy) story.