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I hitchhiked in Europe when I was in my 20s, mainly as a supplement to train travel when I needed to reach out-of-the-way places. While touring the Lake District in England I was picked up by a butcher in his truck. He hopped out to get the door for me and I was struck by his blood-splattered apron. I overruled by second-guesses and accepted the ride. A short way down the road he started to pull off into an even more remote area than we were already traveling in, and visions of horror films flashed through my mind. Turns out he simply wanted to show me one of the more breathtaking views of the lakes, and my trust in humanity was restored. I had other great experiences hitchhiking throughout the continent.

I don't think the US is any less safe than Europe for hitchhiking, but I still wouldn't do it here (then or now), unless I was in a real pinch. The attitudes toward hitchhiking are much more negative here, and the suspicion that surrounds hitchhikers and drivers who pick them up makes the whole experience seem somewhat sordid... sadly.

Wendy Ferguson

Portland

posted 2 years, 5 months ago
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