I picked up a hitchhiker once and after a few minutes they looked at me and asked "How do you know I'm not a serial killer?" I replied "the chances of two serial killers being in the same car are astronomical". Great tips though and glad everything turned out safe for you.

I generally ask people before I get in the car if it's okay if I text their number plate home for security reasons. People always understand and are actually glad that I seem to care about safety. If they would decline, I'd politely say I'll wait for another ride.

Additional tip from former prosecutor: if you are getting into someone’s back seat (especially if you are solo) check and make sure the child safety locks are not engaged ( they are usually on the inside of the doors). If they are engaged you won’t be able to get out from the inside.

Coolest hitchhiking story that happened to me: I got picked up by some punk girl in humboldt CA hella years ago. And while she was driving she pulls out a bag from the glove box FULL of magic mushrooms and told me to take three handfuls. I threw them in my backpack and as we drove up to my destination (Arcata),she asked if she wanted to get a beer with me at her local haunt and I agreed. I bought the first round and just talked about hardcore music and just life in general. She was hella cool. Never saw her again...

I'm a native Portlander, a mountain goer and a section hiker of the PCT! I was training for and planing a thru hike when I got pregnant (almost exactly a year before my departure date). I was heart broken about my trip, but glad about my baby! Since then, every season I get on Instagram and fallow thru hikers as they journey up the west coast. I'm always happy to send support if they need to get off the trail for some reason or they get sick. I am always happy to meet them somewhere, as they get into the PNW section, to offer rides or bring replacement gear. I'm always willing to bring fresh or cold foods and cold beverages. I figure if I cant thru hike myself, the least I can do is be an Angle and create a little trail magic for someone else! If someone has been following your hike on social media, you've had some good conversations with them and they seam lagit to you, dont hesitate to let them help you! Many of us just want to hear your stories and fell like in some small way we made your trip a little easier.

I can understand why his wife left him

As someone who researches interpersonal violence at the intersections of animal cruelty and a hiker... you described quite a bit of power, control, domination, animal cruelty, anti-social behaviour, and aggression - all red flags. You handled this like a pro. Triggering this person likely would have brought out an adverse reaction. Glad you are safe and are using this as a learning experience.

Wow, what a story! I loved how you thought on your feet and took pics and recordings and I noticed the video in the truck capturing landmarks. I am so glad you weren't alone (either of you) and that it had a good ending! I love the neck knife idea. I think I'd prefer to keep it hidden --- the element of surprise can be powerful. And yes, more stories! I loved it! Excellent video and tips. Thank you.

Man, that was like the beginning of a spooky movie. I'm glad it turned out ok.

Thanks for the story. I learned 3 things, 1 drink all the beer an old rodeo cowboy offers me. 2 don't let him hit me on the nose. 3 don't let him ride my horse.

1974 a friend & i were hitchhiking from Anaheim CA out to Cottonwood Cove on the Colorado river near Vegas. We got a few miles out of town then stuck on the Orange Show offramp for hours. And hours. And hours! After midnight a man in a Cadillac stopped. He was wasted drunk & said we could drive ourselves wherever we wanted to go. Huh? Wha? OK! Woke him up 3 hours later, said thanks, and off we went!

OMG! Part of me is screaming, "how much more creepy does he have to be before you get the heck out of there!" Another part of me is thoroughly enjoying the story of how much more creepy he gets as he keeps talking. For all of us, not just women, please remember that safety is more important than being nice. I know. I grew up in the south, too. Everyone should read Gavin de Becker's book the Gift of Fear. Love your channel and hearing about your adventures!!

One of Dixie's most informative videos, especially in that it addresses an aspect of thru-hiking that some people may give little thought to beforehand. Thanks, Dixie!

Oh yes! I would love more personal stories from the trail! That would be wonderful. 👍

Safety in numbers, always hitch with somebody else. Never be alone with' a man in his vehicle.

You should have blown your trusty harmonica. That thing is lethal. 😂

As an older guy in some ways it’s easier, but dang glad you weren’t alone in this case Dixie!

Dixie thank you for this..I know that I probably have more time to spend watching, but I feel that if you have taken the time to record and upload a video, I will spend the time to watch it all. I have viewed many of yours and enjoyed them all. This video was very informative and thought prevoking, I personally am very leery of picking up a single person, even one as beautiful as you, it can be almost as dangerous for the driver as the person being picked up. As 70 year old I can remember hitching across Canada several times, and had no problems. Things have changed lots over the years and not all for the good. I will continue to look forward to your vids and hope for many more. Luv you and all you do for us. I subscribed during my first vid and sponsored at the end of it. Keep it going.

I'm from a country (isreal) where hitchhiking is super super normal and the way most people get around. I Always ask the driver where they are going 1st. Don't tell them where your going until they tell you where they are going. That way 1 you have another excuse if the situation doesn't feel right and 2 they can't lie saying they're going where your going. I realize that doesn't always work on all roads but it's a really good rule.

Two words come to mind: Edmond Kemper I grew up in the 70’s, I don’t think I could hitch even if my life depended on it 😬

Sending pictures of the truck, it's tags and the guy was smart. If he became threatening, making him aware that a record existed would likely have prevented things getting worse. Well done.

Yes on the stories! Anything anytime anywhere. Thanks!

I had asked a while ago for you to share some stories from the trial...this one tops the most riveting of stories. So glad you had your friend and he had you.

Yes, more stories please. Kind of reminds me of one time when my truck had broken down and I had to catch some rides from co-workers. One of these was from the Woodlands (North of Houston) to Sabine Pass, about 125 miles. The guy picked me up in his Wrangler and stopped at a convenience store nearby and bought a case of beer. He drank the whole thing himself. This is at night. Needless to say when the job was done I got a taxi ride from the dock to airport and flew home instead of traveling with him again.

Oh. My. Gosh. Bless you and Dibs, and bless your mom who had to endure that from afar! So glad you made it thru OK. Yes, yes, yes to more stories!

You are a fantastic story teller...very engaging..in fact, you got me hooked...I now want Chapter Two of the book TOMFOOLERY...WRITE IT

Definitely loved the story at the beginning! Favorite part. Would love to hear more stories from the trail like this.

Your polite response to the stranger inviting you into his house shows good raising in Alabama.

Great video Dixie! I feel so informed now, glad you weren’t alone and got to town safely, eventually. So sketchy though

Jessica, you are a wonderful storyteller. I don't usually watch podcasts at all, but would definitely watch regular KZfaq videos of your stories.

All good information. My method for declining a ride if the driver gives off a bad vibe is to ask, “are you Marty (or Ralph or Prestly or some other rare-ish name)? Then when he says no, “thanks for stopping, but I called for a shuttle and he expects me to be here. Thanks, again.” Works for me.

Great story, very helpful information, all the do's and don'ts of hitching, where to keep valuables, courtesies, also the having a good story ready, in case someone looks too sketchy to accept a ride. I think grabbing for your phone, after a moment of looking confused, then going "dude, oh no, I think I left my phone back where we sat down back there," and then say "thanks anyway for stopping," and just directly run away to get your phone, aka escape. This only works if one person hides their phone in advance.

I always like a good story, so thanks. It reminds me of a girl that would work for a travel magazine. She wanted to make a solo motorcycle trip from Holland to Australia - over land - and write articles about it. In Italy her motorcycle broke down. An Italian stopped, offered to help her and took her to his house. Well, jadajadajada it was the love of her life, after three days of traveling she stopped her world trip, never wrote an article. I think they married.

Loved it ... took me back to my long-haired 1970s cross-country hitching days. A few sketchy rides, a lot of awesome trail-angel-worthy rides. Here's a guaranteed-to-work phrase to use to either decline a ride before entering the car or to immediately terminate one: "Oh no ... my explosive diarrhea is back ... can't wait ... thanks, gotta run (or "Quick, stop the car)." Add appropriate facial expressions.

As a horse lover, this guy would have mortified me on more than just being a creep....he's an animal abuser as well (assuming of course that the story is true...which it might not be ~ weirdo may have just said it to see what your reaction was). At any rate, Thank You for telling this! I do think most folks are decent...but there's always that chance, and folks should be aware. The fear of being harmed on a hitch is only 2nd to being struck by lightning for me in terms of wanting to do a thru hike. I also worry about Animal attacks, but far less than the other two! 😲

Wow, scary story. I agree with all of your advice, but, I do not feel obligated to have to justify my reason as to why I changed my mind about getting in their vehicle, if I get that vibe that they are dangerous. If they are truly dangerous people- I'm telling you, they will not care what your excuse is, they'll continue to follow and harass you. Don't waste your time in conversation with anyone you feel may harm you. Just get out of there.

Holy cow! 🐮 What a story!!! As always, thanks for all the great content!

besides the bears, mountain lions, and Tom....im struggling with my fear of doing the PCT

Great story and great advice! I live in Hiawassee GA near the AT(actually recognized the stretch of road near Dick's Creek Gap and Top of Georgia hostel in this video with the two smiling hitchers) and have picked up lots of hikers going to/from town. I've always had great interaction with those hikers and they're always super appreciative for the ride. Never a bad idea to take pics of licenses and vehicles and send those to a loved one or friend just in case. I do it all the time with suspicious looking characters... just a couple days ago at the Unicoi Gap AT trailhead while out for a day hike. Better safe than sorry! Love your videos and your southern accent! Keep em coming?

You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience but also providing the tips on how to stay secured.

I highly recommend the book The Gift of Fear.

dang the desert has some kooky "Toms". I'm stressed about this because I have to hike alone. Check for child locks before you get into the back seat.

Ha! That’s a great story. In the late 60s and early 70s as a teenager I hitched many times. And though there were a few troubling situations, nothing like what you went through. Thankfully you are ok, and you have a great story out of it. My biggest concerns were freezing to death and being picked up by the cops. And many times I wished for the later because of the former.

Wow, what a crazy story. Glad you both made it out safe. Thanks for the tips.

That area by Walker pass and Lake Elsinore is pretty sketchy anyway. Probably one place I’d definitely hitch with a partner! Glad you got through it.

I LOVE "Story time" with Dixie! MORE STORIES!!!

dixie, you rock. my days of dreaming that i might do a thruhike someday are over, but i live near a prominent trail crossing of the long trail and i pick up hikers going into two whether i'm going to town or not. they don't even have to be hitching. if i see people with big packs walking that way, i offer. i believe it brings good luck.

Definitely interested in more stories from the trail. That's always a big part of the fun of meeting others on the trail or sharing a campsite with others. Watching you guys is like watching Jimmy Houston fish when the weather is too bad for me to go fishing. Taking care of my folks has curtailed my hiking and camping, so I love your's and Hiking Rev's videos. Glad you had a hiking buddy for that incident. God bless and stay safe, Dixie.

Wow!! Freaky story indeed! I've had my share of sketchy hitches as well. I used to Hitch up and down the West coast in the early 80's. I had my first Hitch at 14 yrs old (which I do not recommend but the way!!) From Seattle to San Francisco. And then back to Seattle much later. I'm not going to get into all the stuff that happened to me, just trust and know I've had my share of really scary experiences, but I also have had some wonderful ones as well. I've met some really great people. And I've met and regretted having met and come across some messed up ones. I usually hitched but myself (once again, I do not recommend that either, especially as a young teen aged girl.. And it's always good to travel with someone). My other big mistakes that I had made back then was that I didn't tell anyone where I was going and when.. Bad idea. I got lucky, and lived thru these experiences. But it also could've gone really badly for me as well. Safe travels to you and everyone else!! One love!!❤️

Yes please more stories

You are a lot more self reliant and self aware than most people. I used to hitchhike in high school all the time and had a few scary moments. Had a truck driver save my life when hitching through a tough neighborhood just after the MLK riots in the late 60’s.

I’ve given a few backpackers and many back-country skiers rides. Here in Colorado, quite a few CT hikers have signs. Usually just cardboard, but many get quite creative with decorating it with colorful flowers or cute stick figure hikers. One side says “Hiker to town” and the the other side, “Hiker to trail” I like these as a driver, because it makes it very clear what the person needs. And they aren’t heavy at all.

I liked the story and any helpful tips you can give are much appreciated. Everyone can give their 2 cents concerning gear or scenery, but this can actually save a life and also give guidance to proper etiquette. Thanks Dixie

I would love to see a "stories from the trail" series!

This should be a MANDATORY video that every hiker has to watch before they step foot on any trail where there is a chance they will have to thumb a ride. Its just sad that there are people out there that prey on innocent, trusting people. Once again the information you shared here very well could have saved someone from becoming a statistic on a police blotter. Your video reminds me of something I learned way back when I was in Boy Scouts, Be Prepared.

I've picked up hitchers before and for the most part is was no issue. There are exceptions but I usually make that ride short (I'll tell them that I'm not going any further in the direction that they want to go even if I am). In getting a ride, making sure your pack is visible is a must and if possible, hitch near the trailhead (as it means you have a purpose for being out there). My two cents on your suspicious person story - if the person is that weird be sure to tell them that you have others waiting for you at your destination (if will mean you'll be missed) and don't have them drop you off at your actual destination (just drop me off in town because I have to pick some things up).

Awesome... keep those footsteps in the dirt

Great story this kinda thing could really catch on

Moar stories. I love your videos! Also, I appreciate how real you are without being crass or crude - unlike most of the rest of the Internet.

Yikes, glad you made it out of that situation safely, Dixie! Yes to more stories! I always learn more from a specific story than just straight advice and they're fun to listen to :)

The neck knife is a great idea for many reasons/situations. Thanks!

Great story. Reminds me of the hitch with the drunk hillbillies in Bill Bryson's "Walk in the Woods" Be sure to include this in your book!

Dixie, what a story, sure beats my hitching stories. I'm 68, so almost 50 years ago, hitching was a little more normal. A friend and I decided we would hitch to Daytona Beach for spring break. 900 miles, with only 5 hitches, one of which was a Florida state trooper. If we ever meet, I'll share the story (hitch #2, and #5, that you and Tom surpassed. We had a ride back, which is why we attempted to thumb that far.

Loved the story! Yes! Story time with Dixie 🙌🏻 So glad you included the etiquette of hitching in your vid. Great stuff

With tales like that, you gotta write a book! Very entertaining, very well told.

WOW... glad you both made it out of that Jam ok. Do please share good and bad stories that we all can learn from as we get ready for PCT2020. Thank you Dixie :)

Your videos are spot on! Stuff people need to hear and want to hear! The reason you do so good at getting new subscribers and people continue to watch you is because your genuine. It also helps that you have that southern accent but I can tell before you post a video you actually think what would I want to know about backpacking if I was starting out. Keep doing what you do and keep grinding! Remember that the things you take for granite other people are wondering. Here are a few things as a new backpacker I wonder about maybe you can do a video on. Is drinking and bringing your own alcohol frowned upon on the trail? How do you carry your alcohol? What about hunting or killing game on the trail? Fishing in ponds you come across? Do you carry fishing gear? If so what is the best? What app do you use for GPS? Eating spots?

YIKES. This was not a story I expected. So glad you had Dibs with you.

I need to make a video of my hitching adventures from the 1960s. One was right out of Cheech & Chong, the car stopped, I ran to get in and when I opened the rear door smoke just poured out but, it was the 60s and they did share and I was only a teenager :). But the one that got to me was the time I totalled a car, in the middle of a cold Canadian Winter, in a relatively remote space and with it being very late there was no transportation, I had to hitch. I finally got a ride and was really thankful. However, the guy started talking about highway robbery, pulling over people, masquerading as undercover cops and taking their valuables. I figure the guy is just full of B.S. but he starts to describe how to do this in more detail, holly crap, this guy has thought this through. He says that he'd approach the car and I could guard him with the shotgun in the backseat - sure enough there is a shotgun in the back seat. I just tell him that I've gotta get home. Fortunately, nothing came of this and he dropped me where I needed to go. Never found out whether he was just screwing with me or how serious he was but to a teenage kid, he sure sounded serious!

Oh yeah, I’ve had experiences like that.. on a motorcycle trip, desolate area in Michigan’s U.P. (Big Two hearted river area) No gas , no Choice but to set up camp with only a psycho (found out after set up and it was dark) in the campground for uh.. company ?.... this was before cell phones... (Michigan’s wilderness roads)

Thanks for sharing your story and insights. I'd love to hear more of your experiences, both bad and good. Love your videos and look forward to your next one and to seeing you back on the trail. I will keep you in my prayers.

Love hearing your story. Glad it all worked out ok for you. Yes, more stories please!

Hello Dixie, thank you for this intriguing video. The plot sound like an academy award winning movie. It is good that you were ok. Always take good care of yourself. You offered some great pointers. 🤗

I pretend I am talking on the phone with my boyfriend and I say, "Yes baby, I am riding with someone with the same type of car as you. The (description of the car) and he/she gave picked me by (where they pick me up) and he/she is driving me to (where I am going). I am so thank you for them. Ok, baby called you when I get there. This way they know, someone is waiting for me. I also have a knife in my pocket and I put my backpack between me and them.

"Mr. Toad's Wild Ride." Hahahahahahahaha!!! I'm glad you made it out of there, safe and sound, Dixie!

Thank goodness it turned out ok. I would love to hear more stories from your hikes. Helps us to love the trail and want to get out and keeps the memories alive and well in your mind too. Keep up the great work. :)

Having lived near there I can confirm, there are sketchy people around Kern Valley!

*pounds fists on table* STORIES! STORIES! STORIES! (unless of course you are saving some to write a book, in which case, I will absolutely wait and buy the book 👍🏻)

You’re a blooming super hero! Dixie you must be the bravest,calmest person ever!!, special services missed an amazing operator you’re a natural! Thanks for these awesome vlogs

Good to stick with the guy you know while are hiking. I got tense listening to the story dreading what would unfold next. The idea of the license plate photo and setting a pin and sending where you were on the way to are good things to be practiced at so those things go smooth in the moment. Those are good things to know backpacking or not. Another thing you can do is have a Google account and have it track you using the phone's GPS. You could share that account info with a friend so they can share it with people trying to locate you.

Very informative! Thanks Dix

I've been known to grab a hitcher or two in my day, as well as stop to render aide to a stranded motorist, but I won't do it when I have my daughter with me.

Yes, share stories! I've been dying for more stories! I'm planning my AT2020 thru-hike and found your channel and would love to hear all of the stories! Appreciate this video! I have hitched before, with my brother, (while backpacking around Hawaii) and all those were good encounters but I know that isn't always the case and you have given me good ideas of ways to prepare if I ever encounter a bad one!

Great tips and I think I will be more likely to pick up backpacking hitchhikers after watching a few of your videos and better understanding of what you are doing. Love the idea of taking a quick picture of the vehicle's license plate and texting it to a friend. If the driver starts giving you problems you can mention that you always text your rides license plates to friends for safety.

Maybe I shouldn’t watch this one!!

Outstanding info !! Love the stories. PEACE

Back in the '70's hitching was an ordinary means of getting around. I have hitched thousands of miles and given nearly the same in rides in my VW vans. VW's were always good to see while hitching because not only were you going to get a ride, but an adventure too. One of my students asked me what I thought the biggest difference between then and now was. After thinking a bit, I told him that back then, we weren't afraid of one another.

Yes share more hiking stories with us!!! One suggestion of topic: what is the rudest thing/thing that upset you the most that another backpacker did ?

That story sounds like every county music song I've ever heard.

You’re such a good storyteller!

As a younger guy hiking Sobo the AT this past fall, I had trouble hitching into Luray from Throton gap, I pulled a, "Innocent Tactic", in which I started shivering while appearing to slowly walk/limp the 9 miles into town with the thumb up, within 5 minutes a van pulled up with two small children in it that demanded their mom to stop because they thought I was homeless, needless to say it worked and I was grateful!

When I was 17, I picked up two folks who were heading to Asheville, NC - and as you were talking I realized that part of why I picked them up was because one of them was a woman - so I'm glad you mentioned that later on in the video. As a young girl then, alone... I know I wouldn't have felt comfortable picking up just a dirty guy with a backpack, but as you said, the backpacks played a big role, too. They turned out to be Hare Krishnas and thanked me with a beautiful communal dinner and new friendly faces. It was a great experience and a glimpse into a world that I would probably have otherwise dismissed as some weird cult full of weird people that weren't like me. Instead, I gained some valuable perspective about how media generalizations aren't always accurate. Important life lesson. I was even home before midnight. I've picked up a few hitchhikers since then, but only in the back of my truck - which is a good barrier for people you might not be sure about. I would encourage anyone who drives a truck to be as open as possible to picking up hikers (if your state allows it). Everyone I've ever picked up has been nothing but thankful, and for most, I could tell that it really meant the world to them that day.

I am so scared straight by this story I think I will just road walk if it ever comes to it!

I would've been out at the beers while drinking part. You got some grit girl :)

I hitched for years in college and a short time after I graduated. On long trips I would always make a sign with my ultimate destination figuring that if it looked like a I had a place to go my chances were better getting picked up. Also I tried to start t highway entrances if possible with enough pull off room. This worked great and sometimes I would get back to my home town in about the same amount of times as if I had driven.

Great tips and well-told cautionary tale. On a hitch-hiking trip over the top of the Great Lakes my daughter always texted the license plate of the car they were getting into to a friend, and sometimes sent a bunch of messages suggesting she was expected somewhere by a certain time. With today's tech there's no reason not to take that kind of precaution. Of course, as a parent I only find out about these things years later...but glad she was savvy enough at the time :)

I'm not even half way through this and am squirming in my work chair with my heart pounding... am I sweating? Im sweating.

"Sketchy Tom" was sure enough sketchy. He just assumed you might be easy, thus the ride. The other stuff (about the killing a guy, riding horse to death, prison, etc.) was to intimidate your male pard. Smart to not go in his house. I think you are the same lady who made a video about not being armed (firearm). IF I were in a position to ask strangers for rides, I'd damn sure be armed, political correctness/extra weight or not.

Yes, please, tell more stories! I was on the edge of my seat. You must put that story in a book some day.

Good video, and as retired l.e.o. , I echo Dixie's suggestion to " go with your gut"...if you have an uneasy feeling, it's your subconscious picking up on things that you may not even be immediately aware of. A second suggestion I would add is, text a friend or loved on prior to the pickup that you are hitchhiking, and go ahead and share your location with them on Google maps. They can monitor your progress and God forbid something happens, they have a route and timeline to begin your rescue efforts. Along with that, keep a txt msg draft to that same person simply putting in 912, that you can quickly send should things turn ugly, and they can again, begin rescue efforts on your behalf. Be safe out there!