Create Our World

I have hitched over a thousand miles now!!!  The official count is probably closing in on 1500 miles!

My skills at being able to spot which cars are going to pick me up and which will not are getting better.  As I was standing at the truck stop in New Jersey a few days ago, I started to come up with a list of the people most likely to NOT pick me up and also a list of those most to like to pick me up.  Today’s list will be the NOT’s and tommorrow I will post the PICKER UPPERS.

5 People NOT picking me up (from what I can tell as they whiz past!):

1.  A Car full of Women! 

Rightly so!  This one makes total sense.  It doesn’t matter if there is one woman in the car or many these are the least likely to pick me up.

2.  Non-Caucasian’s!!!

I don’t want to offend, but so far true.  I have rarely gotten a ride with someone whom wasn’t Caucasian.  The explanation for this could be that there are simply more Caucasians than other races, but it even seems lower than the percentage of the population.  I need help coming up with an explanation for this one.  Any ideas? Comment, post, email.

3.  Loud Music!!!

If  I can hear the car a mile or so down the road, this car is not picking me up.  They can not be bothered with me, they are jammin’ too much!

4.  Performance Sports Cars!!!

Not nice cars, a lot of people in Lexus’, BMW’s, pick me up, but rarely anyone with a car which looks like they buy custom parts for, work on themselves, or really really love their car.  These folks probably don’t want me stinking up their ride.

5.  People whom recline their seats back far!!!

If anyone has to sit up to see me as they pass, 80% of the time their face resembles an expression like they have seen a carnival freak.  Nose squished, blank stare, mouth open.  These people not only are not picking me up, but will never understand why I would hitchhike.

***Major disclaimer:  I have been picked up by single women, African-American men, Hispanic men (Carlos!), a Mazda Miata, and some other exceptions to the rule.  These are the majority.  

Will this change depending on where I am in the country and after I have more experience hitchhiking???

Tommorrow, 

5 People that are PICKING ME UP!!!

Create Our World,

Ben.

“Individually, we are one drop.  Together, we are an ocean.” – Ryunosuke Satoro

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Monday 9:57pm.
Farmville, VA.

Tommorrow, I am going to get up. Pack my bag quickly. Water my lawn (and leave a note for my roommates to water it) and then walk west with my thumb out. See how far I can get West in One Day!

I’m going on a gear test run. I am going to see exactly what gear I am going to need to buy for the journey.

Meaning when I return I am going to be writing Blue Ridge Mountain Sports, Patagonia, North Face, Moosejaw Mountaineering, Apple Computers, and any other companies that would be willing to sponsor me gear. But I want to know what I need so gear that I currently have that I need to test and see what makes me uncomfortable and what i can live with:

1. Shoes – Nike’s that look retro, old. need boots.
2. Sleeping Bag -40 degrees, very small but is it warm enough.
3. Tarp – thinking of buying a small tent or bivy sack for journey
4. Video Camera – just “bought” today from Wal-mart. Flip Video HD hooks directly to the computer. small. this is nice.
5. Trash Bag – to keep my laptop waterproof, this definitely needs an upgrade but for a couple days should be okay.

My goal also is to spend less than 5 dollars a day.

Will write tommorrow from the road. Davey and Robbie hey guys thanks for joining, my goal is to have 10,000 members of my actual page after a year so cheers to your pioneers. If you have any feedback please send it. This facebook page is all about ideas! You guys rock on!

Change your world,
ben.

“When we are dreaming alone, it’s only a dream. When we are dreaming with others, it is the beginning of Reality.”
-Dan Helder Camora