And so the prophecy was fulfilled. I began hitchhiking everywhere I went. “Buses!” People would tell me. “Strangers!” I would reply. It’s much more fun than a bus, because you cant just sit in your corner and ignore everyone. No, you have to make actual conversation. Plus it gets you out of your comfort zone, which is where all the fun is! It’s cheaper, too.

I moved out and moved in. Away from an ex-girlfriend, in with a close friend. He gave me a month to find a job; I found one in 2 weeks. Hitchhiking to the nearby town searching almost every day, until Taco Bell was nice enough to bless me with minimum wage and eventually a second home. It just so happened that it was just off the main highway. One stretch of road I had to traverse to and fro. Convenience I can appreciate.

Thus began my real test. I wasn’t just hitchhiking to and from for pleasure, I actually depended on strangers to get me to and from work. This took planning, being prepared, and having my thumb out there at least an hour early. It took looking my best for random people to scrutinize me and decide whether I was worth the risk. It took the right spot, so the cars were going slow enough to stop and go without damaging the fragile infrastructure of our roads. It took a nice smile, clean clothes, and a good attitude.

Again, I found myself very lucky. The perfect place happened to be practically across the street. 

It’s only about 15 miles…

But those 15 miles have completely altered my way of thinking, my personal beliefs, and has inspired in me the will to travel and see more. Much, much more.

Over the following weeks I’ll tell you many stories and experiences I’ve had. From successful business men who never even finished school yet manage a huge business, people drunk or drugged out, stealth camping after dark, and everything in between. 

Then, when I begin my adventure I’ll use this to document everything I do.