In an era where the thumb's plea for a ride is often ignored, my wife and I have encountered a tapestry of human stories on the roadside. From the divine claimant to the wandering souls, each hitchhiker we've met has left an indelible mark on our journey. Here's a glimpse into the lives of those we've shared miles with, and the changing face of hitchhiking in today's world.
Once, in Gunnison, Colorado, we met a man who had been waiting for a ride for over two days. My wife, sensing his benign nature, suggested we stop. He introduced himself as Jesus Christ, destined for Montana on divine orders. Standing at five-foot-nine with a blend of blond and gray hair, this 64-year-old man embodied the image of a prophet, complete with a fish-headed staff. Despite his homelessness of 25 years and a past brain aneurysm, his spirit remained undeterred. He traveled light, save for a 60-pound suitcase, and lived off river water and the kindness of strangers. In exchange for a lift, he offered hours of biblical verses and a conviction that the end times were nigh.
Hitchhikers today are not the free-spirited adventurers of yore. We once aided a woman who learned the hard way that state prisons don't welcome pedestrian visitors. She needed a ride to procure a cell phone and arrange transportation to see her incarcerated husband. Another time, we encountered a 55-year-old carpenter who had aged beyond his years, wandering the country and relying on the generosity of drivers for sustenance.
Homelessness is a common thread among modern hitchhikers, yet it often seems a chosen path rather than a plight. The individuals we've met were sober, mentally sound, and surprisingly content with their nomadic existence. They've shown no inclination towards a conventional lifestyle, finding solace in the transient nature of their days.
The decision to offer a ride is a personal one. Our experiences have been mostly positive, even when they've led to unexpected situations, like the time we picked up two men and their hidden companion—a pregnant German Shepherd. Our Ford Escort was tested to its limits, carrying the trio, their dog, and their belongings across mountainous terrain. And while we've never encountered anyone with ill intentions, the unpredictability of hitchhiking is ever-present.
Hitchhiking is a gamble, both for the hitchhiker and the driver. It's a practice that has dwindled over the years, with studies showing a significant decline in the U.S. since the 1970s. The reasons are manifold, from safety concerns to the increased availability of transportation alternatives. Yet, for those who still extend their thumbs by the roadside, the world can be a harsh and lonely place. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, on any given night in 2020, over 580,000 people were homeless in the United States, a number that includes many who resort to hitchhiking as a means of travel.
Our journey with hitchhikers has been a testament to human resilience and the unexpected connections that can arise from a simple act of kindness. While my wife contemplates retiring from our roadside Samaritan ways, fearing we might one day encounter less benevolent spirits, our past experiences have only shown us the multifaceted nature of those who seek a ride. Each person has a story, and each ride is a chapter in the ever-unfolding narrative of the road.
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