there was a guy who walked across America in the 70’s and got wrote up in national geographic and readers digest . I forget his name now
That was me, I hitched long distances in the 1970s. Home to college 150 miles away, lots of times. Ireland to Spain and back, “a dedo gordo.” In spanish the fat thumb, hitching.
People still hitchhike. My kids have some friends that are fast becoming professional hobos. They tramp the country. One of them was just here visiting with his girlfriend and dog. He said he will start his panhandling up the road from her and the dog. People will pass him by but stop for her. And especially stop for the dog. People get them motel rooms, food, and give them money. They said some days they make several hundred bucks. They just want to see the country. And be bums.
Excellent review. That was me, and we’re nearly the same age now. I’d love to read his book to see how he now sees the USA. For sure worth a “waiting list” at the library. Or maybe it’s just sitting, waiting.
We’d have tried staying in Deadwood this past summer, but the rates were similar to downtown Manhattan’s.