Create Our World

Matt and I hitchhike from Houston to New Orleans together.

“Certainly, travel is more than seeing the sights; it is a change, that goes on deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” – Miriam Beard

Meet Matt.

I have never had a hitchhiking partner.  I have hitched with people a couple times, but never have we set off together and were in it together.  

Matt and I meet in Houston and decide to head to New Orleans together.  He is heading up to Philly to see a friend.  

Matt is a musician, who has been traveling/drifting for about 2 years now.  It is nice to have someone who is in it with me.  I think I could get used to this partner thing.

We laugh, sweat, bicker, eat, and share life for a day and a half.  

Create Our World.

Ben

“Whether it’s the best of times or the worst of times, it’s the only time we’ve got.” – Art Buchwald 

The Wall's and I pose by their livestock trailer, Yellow Rose.

“No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.” – Francois Muriac

Meet The Wall’s.

In Amarillo, Texas, I am having a hard time getting a ride.  I tried at 4 different exits, before I decide to walk out of town a little on Route 287.  This road goes to Fort Worth and eventually Austin, Texas.  The cars are going fast, but they are all going where I am going.  

The Wall’s have to swing around on a side road to come pick me up.  They are headed to Fort Worth today and Houston tomorrow to pick up some new calves.  They agree to take me to Fort Worth.  I hop in the bed of the truck and we are off.

The Wall’s live in Amarillo, Texas.  Brian, the father, works in the oil industry. Christie, the mother, is about to become a teacher.  Cameron is a master calf wrangler and Katelin is going to school to become a large animal veterinarian.

At our first stop, I try riding in the livestock trailer (there are no animals in there and it is clean), but it is too bumpy.  They make room for me in the front and we ride in style.  They take me out for dinner at the Cracker Barrel and invite me to stay with them at Brian’s sister, Sharon’s, home in Fort Worth.  Brian says he can’t put me out into the night to do some camping near Fort Worth.

At ‘Aunt’ Sharon & Uncle Ray’s, we play their favorite game, Wahoo.  It was a heated game, that Sharon won and I feel lucky to have taken second place.  They set me up with a queen-sized Aerobed and new, silky, rose-embroidered sheets.  Ahhhh.

I feel lucky to be a part of this family for a day and miss my own family a bit.  

Thank you very, very much!

Create Our World.

Ben

“In family life, love is the oil that eases friction, the cement that binds closer together, and the music that brings harmony.” – Eva Burrows

Joe is heading home to Amarillo, Texas.

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious gift it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius

Meet Joe.

Joe has big hands covered in diesel fuel.  I know, because we shake hands as we start our drive from Santa Rosa, New Mexico to Amarillo, Texas.  

Joe is heading home to Amarillo from a day of work.  He fixes everything at truck stops, from cashiers to the pumps.  He has had to acquire over 20 different certifications.  Joe loves to work.

Joe also is a “tech guy.”  He knows much about computers and has an internet business on the side.  He is always looking for another way to make a buck.  

Joe once traveled the USA, but now he is married and has a baby boy.  His son idolizes him.  

Create Our World.

Ben

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and in reach of every hand.” – Mother Teresa