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.
Hitched from Oregon to Florida in the 70’s ... and today I wouldn’t even think about picking up a hiker ... it was a different time, we were a different Country and we dealt with deviance in a completely different way ...
I miss my Country
TT