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.
@sammyso49405 жыл бұрын
I'll have to remember this one!
@HikerJohn3165 жыл бұрын
@Off Grid Unhinged What was the name of the movie?
@ronaldstarkey43365 жыл бұрын
Good one... lol
@kerrimcvinney60815 жыл бұрын
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
@BeneyGesserit4 жыл бұрын
Hilarious
@jintsuuriki39155 жыл бұрын
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.
@vgastinel5 жыл бұрын
jintsuuriki what a great idea! I’ll pass to my daughter on the PCT.
@sammyso49405 жыл бұрын
If I was the driver, I would be wary of someone asking to photograph my license plate. It screams that someone is going to use this photo unethically to accuse me of something absurd. I would tell them to find another ride. I would then probably never even bother to stop for another hitchhiker.
@MissTrixie295 жыл бұрын
@@sammyso4940 Lol, how are they going to use a license plate unethically? They're not taking your picture and it's not like the hitcher couldn't (or wasn't already) going to send the text message, but by stating it, they're letting the driver know that there's already a trail to him if he decides to do something. I think it's a great idea. If someone is uncomfortable with me taking a picture of their car then what are they planning on doing to me that they don't want a picture of the license plate.
@richardf.dossii39005 жыл бұрын
I picked up this backpacker once..OMG,it was so fun..drove them like 300miles to a job site.
@ronaldstarkey43365 жыл бұрын
@@sammyso4940 me too... no ride Clyde... lol
@ChristopherMarshburn5 жыл бұрын
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.
@spookymulder9453 жыл бұрын
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...
@abstract11264 жыл бұрын
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.
@davidmurphy46763 жыл бұрын
All is not lost Abbijean, bring your child in 12 years I am planning the PCT next year ( ‘22) hopefully covid and wild fire free. I will be 73 years old and refusing to take my grandkids ! 1st refusal ever. I’m the worst in the world . yippee!
@scottchelski96325 жыл бұрын
I can understand why his wife left him
@HomemadeWanderlust5 жыл бұрын
Scott Chelski Right?!
@gregparrott5 жыл бұрын
Emma Cote Given he had already killed a person as well as a horse, sticking around a psycho in order to 'make him regret it' could be a fatal mistake. Also as much as retribution seems just, why nurture bad vibes? You'd be better off reporting the psycho to authorities and getting him out of your life.
@russianbotfarm30365 жыл бұрын
@@gregparrott And his 'jokes'! > hostile, scary stuff > Just kidding! _shudder_
@daymaker54605 жыл бұрын
His wife is buried in back of the cabin.
@daymaker54605 жыл бұрын
@Emma Cote Emma perhaps the horse was mean,nasty and vicious like Tom and needed killing likeTom.
@georgecostanza23775 жыл бұрын
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.
@CarolynsRVLife5 жыл бұрын
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.
@melindaadams65205 жыл бұрын
Man, that was like the beginning of a spooky movie. I'm glad it turned out ok.
@davidniven6865 жыл бұрын
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.
@luell2u5 жыл бұрын
lol Too funny, David. Bet you learned more than that...or maybe not.
@davidniven6865 жыл бұрын
@@luell2u : you are probably right, i am a slow learner.
@bearanoia6735 жыл бұрын
😁
@thistleLJ5 жыл бұрын
Good funny..... poor horse.
@sketroux45804 жыл бұрын
But he can hit me in the chest, that's fine
@socalgal7145 жыл бұрын
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!
@LAVA-el5yt2 жыл бұрын
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!!
@TaoJones1015 жыл бұрын
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!
@Mtnsunshine5 жыл бұрын
Oh yes! I would love more personal stories from the trail! That would be wonderful. 👍
@1faithful2Him5 жыл бұрын
Please post your stories here on YT!!!
@russianbotfarm30365 жыл бұрын
Probably saving them for her book. Wonder when it'll be out?
@TheChuckoluck5 жыл бұрын
Safety in numbers, always hitch with somebody else. Never be alone with' a man in his vehicle.
@spartywarriors5 жыл бұрын
You should have blown your trusty harmonica. That thing is lethal. 😂
@joetexas15465 жыл бұрын
Hah that was funny!
@joelprange34985 жыл бұрын
It did repel a mountain lion.
@HomemadeWanderlust5 жыл бұрын
😂😂😂😂😂
@thescrambler66845 жыл бұрын
😂😂
@joannb63304 жыл бұрын
She'll sound like a weak critter, lol😂🤣
@stalkmoe5 жыл бұрын
As an older guy in some ways it’s easier, but dang glad you weren’t alone in this case Dixie!
@johndavidson68675 жыл бұрын
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.
@elisheva35235 жыл бұрын
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.
@MrAlexDavid5 жыл бұрын
Hi Elisheva, what you describing is only common to some regions. In these regions, 1: people are super nice and welcoming. 2: if they have a certain license plate, most likely it's safe. 3: you know someone that knows someone that knows him lol. The states are way different in that sense. FYI I'm from the same country.
@sammyso49405 жыл бұрын
As the driver I would insist you tell me where you are going first. It is more likely that someone who hitchhikes has bad intentions than someone who drives down the road "supposedly looking for hitchhikers."
@elisheva35235 жыл бұрын
@@sammyso4940 I think that makes sense for other countries. In isreal it's really only a threat for the person hitching. And thing's like this are what we use to make sure there not terrorists disguised. It seems like in other countries it's different.
@elisheva35235 жыл бұрын
@@MrAlexDavid regions of isreal.you mean? Ya people don't tremp in cities but aside from that most other places. I think your right that it's different in other countries. Sad it's that way, I don't know what I would do if I could get tremp.
@MrAlexDavid5 жыл бұрын
Elisheva In Yehuda & Shomron and the Arava maybe (haven’t been there for a while) it’s very common. Within cities it’s less of a thing as you said.
@curlygirl38705 жыл бұрын
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 😬
@paisleydreamzzz4 жыл бұрын
i hitched to tennessee from wisconsin in 1977. 1st half was great. 2nd half - lucky i'm alive! never again.
@alfredharrison5973 жыл бұрын
same. theres also Dahmer, son of sam, JWG just to name a few
@janicechiaretto70823 жыл бұрын
So did I. Is it any safer now with cell phones? Well maybe, but don't wish to test that. Especially if I were still a pretty young woman. nonononno.
@mrsmelons55532 жыл бұрын
Dahmer had a pretty specific demographic targeted...
@kellyann35315 ай бұрын
@@paisleydreamzzz Tell us more!
@frank-to7lu5 жыл бұрын
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.
@100_zwe5 жыл бұрын
Yes on the stories! Anything anytime anywhere. Thanks!
@lisapaine17335 жыл бұрын
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.
@IronmanV55 жыл бұрын
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.
@susiehilsman13605 жыл бұрын
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!
@elizabethgallaher19194 жыл бұрын
Dixie's Mom ..you are very brave. I dont think I could do this for my girls.
@MissTree225 жыл бұрын
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
@HomemadeWanderlust5 жыл бұрын
Quirky Girl Thank you!!
@nickmeriweather5874 жыл бұрын
As much as we'd like to hear it, hopefully she never gains another story to tell! Lol
@KatrinaOutside5 жыл бұрын
Definitely loved the story at the beginning! Favorite part. Would love to hear more stories from the trail like this.
@dankappus70043 жыл бұрын
Your polite response to the stranger inviting you into his house shows good raising in Alabama.
@SpacialMeg5 жыл бұрын
Great video Dixie! I feel so informed now, glad you weren’t alone and got to town safely, eventually. So sketchy though
@dennisobrien36185 жыл бұрын
Jessica, you are a wonderful storyteller. I don't usually watch podcasts at all, but would definitely watch regular KZfaq videos of your stories.
@vickhines63024 жыл бұрын
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.
@smileyhappyradio4 жыл бұрын
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.
@horizontaal5 жыл бұрын
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.
@kkfoto5 жыл бұрын
lol
@alfredharrison5973 жыл бұрын
or she's buried out in a desert somewhere.
@JonJaeden5 жыл бұрын
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.
@felinespirits5 жыл бұрын
Was having the same flashbacks, but from the other side. Back in the late 70s, I used to drive long stretches in upstate NY. I would regularly pick up hitch-hikers, mostly guys like yourself, just out traveling. They would share their weed and their stories. Strange, I was a 20-something female and never once felt threatened (or I would have stopped). Different times and a world we have lost.
@ronaldstarkey43365 жыл бұрын
@@felinespirits no chit... trick or treating comes to mind... lol... the world has changed... lol
@paulmcfarland774 жыл бұрын
I hitched a lot back in the day and "Stop the car, I'm going to be sick" always worked.
@Horsecampr15 жыл бұрын
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! 😲
@janicechiaretto70823 жыл бұрын
He's lyin'. That's what he wished he would've done. Drunks rarely are men of action. And no one dies of a torn nose either. All fantasy land for poor ole Tom.
@candicemitchell29635 жыл бұрын
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.
@noyopacific5 жыл бұрын
There is no obligation to justify declining to accept a ride. Dixie's advice about making up a plausible excuse however, was very practical. It's probably either going to be someone who was generously offering to help or maybe it is some sort of a predator. If it is a predator, the last thing I'd want to do is let them know that I'm afraid of them. Fear is a trigger for predators. If it was a a sincere offer of help, maybe from someone with underdeveloped social skills, it is inexcusable to insult them if there is a gentler way to excuse yourself. I used to hitch rides when I was in Alaska 40 years ago. When I returned from Alaska, I picked up hitchhikers for many years. I stopped picking up single women because it seemed like more risk than I wanted to take. Eventually I stopped picking hitchhikers up all together because so few could hold an intelligent conversation and I prefer my own company over the company of dull people.
@candicemitchell29635 жыл бұрын
@@noyopacific With all due respect, as a woman who has been followed and grabbed twice by men on two separate occasions, I have learned that predators use conversation as a means to pull you in. Hikers- always trust your gut and avoid small talk if you feel you are in danger. Your ability to listen to your gut and trust your judgment becomes stronger the longer you are out on trail. Nature has a beautiful way of returning us home to ourselves in many ways, including this one. You do not owe anyone a reason if you have changed your mind, to keep yourself from safe from danger.
@noyopacific5 жыл бұрын
@@candicemitchell2963, It is hard to reason with someone who even wants to debate your points of agreement. You seem to essentially be a rather disagreeable person with limited social skills. If I were like you, I would try to avoid contact with other people, especially anyone I didn't already know.
@jenniferlawrence13725 жыл бұрын
You are not obligated but it is also true that an unstable person could have their switch flipped by the perceived rejection and then you’re in an isolated area with a lunatic who’s mad at you. It’d be different if they were in town. It’s a tightrope to walk. Dixie handled it in a way that it didn’t escalate but you can’t really know how it’s going to work out beforehand.
@stephaniew25455 жыл бұрын
Holy cow! 🐮 What a story!!! As always, thanks for all the great content!
@therealjeff-04595 жыл бұрын
besides the bears, mountain lions, and Tom....im struggling with my fear of doing the PCT
@bryanmathis2245 жыл бұрын
You'll be fine. I hope your doing it or getting ready to do it but now. Best of luck. Don't let fear stop you from doing thing. Words I wish I lived by.
@Ryz4144 жыл бұрын
Just don't hitchhike
@kimkremer89154 жыл бұрын
My two primary concerns are water crossings & hitching.
@dalejohnson95653 жыл бұрын
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?
@jessicahenao59114 жыл бұрын
You are amazing! Thank you for sharing your experience but also providing the tips on how to stay secured.
@user-qm1gr3eh2e5 жыл бұрын
I highly recommend the book The Gift of Fear.
@lyseanthony79865 жыл бұрын
That book is awesome.!
@SinMore5 жыл бұрын
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.
@labmjnj5 жыл бұрын
The child locks are in the door frame, the door has to be open to set them. It's just a little switch/knob in the side of the door. You can look for it on the back door of your car to see where it is. @@criticalmoment3859
@marthagregory38524 жыл бұрын
I never would have thought of the child locks
@janicechiaretto70823 жыл бұрын
DO NOT HITCHIKE ALONE!!!. LIFE IS SHORT ENOUGH.
@jackt61123 жыл бұрын
Excellent tip!
@wendalwarren61314 жыл бұрын
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.
@TheWeekendHiker5 жыл бұрын
Wow, what a crazy story. Glad you both made it out safe. Thanks for the tips.
@kellirustin79445 жыл бұрын
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.
@ronaldstarkey43365 жыл бұрын
You are correct... eastern Kern county is sketchy... lol
@howardburleigh35684 жыл бұрын
If you're talking about Lake Elsinore in Riverside County then yeah, I concur. That place is sketchy even if you aren't hitch hiking. Most of the bad news ends up being from there or involving a resident from there.
@TwylaWorld5 жыл бұрын
I LOVE "Story time" with Dixie! MORE STORIES!!!
@flaskehrlenmeyer43495 жыл бұрын
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.
@rhsc38 Жыл бұрын
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.
@taniathorkelson4134 жыл бұрын
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!!❤️
@mattlockhart74515 жыл бұрын
Yes please more stories
@josephsener4203 жыл бұрын
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.
@izzyvet5 жыл бұрын
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.
@wesleykremer39165 жыл бұрын
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
@iriolexisbierle66975 жыл бұрын
I would love to see a "stories from the trail" series!
@John-of5sh4 жыл бұрын
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.
@MichaelLeBrun15 жыл бұрын
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).
@paulsmart51995 жыл бұрын
Awesome... keep those footsteps in the dirt
@robertforester79385 жыл бұрын
Great story this kinda thing could really catch on
@afterburne5 жыл бұрын
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.
@rachelh56415 жыл бұрын
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 :)
@RobFarrell175 жыл бұрын
The neck knife is a great idea for many reasons/situations. Thanks!
@noyopacific5 жыл бұрын
Okay Rob, you can carry the knife, I'll take the pepper spray. 👍
@dennyegstad14775 жыл бұрын
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!
@lanedouglas21655 жыл бұрын
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.
@JeremiahStringer5 жыл бұрын
Loved the story! Yes! Story time with Dixie 🙌🏻 So glad you included the etiquette of hitching in your vid. Great stuff
@winkscruises39115 жыл бұрын
With tales like that, you gotta write a book! Very entertaining, very well told.
@martingonzalez-ic8zh5 жыл бұрын
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 :)
@jayjennings70195 жыл бұрын
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?
@chandaharkins44185 жыл бұрын
YIKES. This was not a story I expected. So glad you had Dibs with you.
@donmartin95675 жыл бұрын
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!
@Patriot-14 жыл бұрын
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)
@luell2u5 жыл бұрын
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.
@timsbigadventure5 жыл бұрын
Love hearing your story. Glad it all worked out ok for you. Yes, more stories please!
@ronaldrose75935 жыл бұрын
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. 🤗
@ykasken5 жыл бұрын
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.
@RegrettablyLongwinded5 жыл бұрын
I do this any time I see someone sketchy on the trail. Or at least talk about how I'm expected at x time at y place so they think I'd be missed quickly.
@carolemayfield96195 жыл бұрын
Yep done that! Worked really well!
@janicechiaretto70823 жыл бұрын
Do crazy people really care?? Sorry, too many horror stories out there to make hitching look like anything other than wacko-roulette.
@CrossoverGenius3 жыл бұрын
@@janicechiaretto7082 supposedly, it does make a difference to opportunists. If people know you are connected to someone else, it makes you less of a target because there is greater risk of them being caught. They really are doing that risk-reward math in their heads to see if it is worth it to try something.
@russelljackman14134 жыл бұрын
"Mr. Toad's Wild Ride." Hahahahahahahaha!!! I'm glad you made it out of there, safe and sound, Dixie!
@Akeldamabloodfield5 жыл бұрын
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. :)
@chrisbonner80775 жыл бұрын
Having lived near there I can confirm, there are sketchy people around Kern Valley!
@rowanwalker99275 жыл бұрын
*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 👍🏻)
@robertfleming3875 жыл бұрын
Tell me some of yours, I'll share some of mine...lol. Not may scary ones, most people are decent, or I am just not an eady target.....😂
@mat57263 жыл бұрын
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
@jackt61123 жыл бұрын
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.
@RickStoneTravels5 жыл бұрын
Very informative! Thanks Dix
@skyetaylor15795 жыл бұрын
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.
@HappyGoLondons5 жыл бұрын
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!
@paterjo85613 жыл бұрын
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.
@rhondamills29195 жыл бұрын
Maybe I shouldn’t watch this one!!
@HomemadeWanderlust5 жыл бұрын
Maybe not, mom. Especially because you’re still at work 😂😂😂 Also, you’ll be hitching with me this summer 😬
@rbailey2945 жыл бұрын
@@HomemadeWanderlust Now that's pretty funny! Those Moms!!!
@djg59505 жыл бұрын
@@HomemadeWanderlust That's when you'll meet a guy who always wanted a mother daughter duo. Both of you need to carry bear spray or pepper spray, just in case. Make sure you ask them to pull over for a minute before you spray them, though.
@johndavidson68675 жыл бұрын
Mom I think what Jessica experienced was scary but nothing did happen that was bad. I wonder how many hikers catch rides that don't even think about anything being even close to what they experienced. My wish would be for all hikers when they need that ride it is a joyful and enriching endeavor that adds a level of pleasure to their trip.
@noneya63345 жыл бұрын
@@HomemadeWanderlust , dang... sounds like you are lucky you made to mile 700.. wow
@DrLove-vk7yx5 жыл бұрын
Outstanding info !! Love the stories. PEACE
@dat2ra4 жыл бұрын
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.
@jonasgrumby43934 жыл бұрын
Yep. I'm 59 and have hitchiked from Arkansas to New Jersey in a day. Hitchhiked all the time in Jersey to get around. Lot's of us did it.
@luanamendes47675 жыл бұрын
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 ?
@fosterwayne66845 жыл бұрын
That story sounds like every county music song I've ever heard.
@screamingXskittles5 жыл бұрын
You’re such a good storyteller!
@Faster_Fantastic_MrFox5 жыл бұрын
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!
@brithansgen5345 жыл бұрын
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.
@vindeloach98885 жыл бұрын
I am so scared straight by this story I think I will just road walk if it ever comes to it!
@noyopacific5 жыл бұрын
I think I heard banjos out there Vin! Did you hear 'em too? 😂
@littlejonoutdoors50605 жыл бұрын
I would've been out at the beers while drinking part. You got some grit girl :)
@bobmajewicz13563 жыл бұрын
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.
@whafrog5 жыл бұрын
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 :)
@DollarBlazing5 жыл бұрын
I'm not even half way through this and am squirming in my work chair with my heart pounding... am I sweating? Im sweating.
@sarahgreen36635 жыл бұрын
My heart's pounding and brain is flying in circles.. v scary story!! lol..
@DollarBlazing5 жыл бұрын
Finished the video. You're amazing and I am so glad you are ok. So many red flags, sometimes you gotta f*ck politeness. Way to #SSDGM !
@jenniferlawrence13725 жыл бұрын
It’s ok. She makes it out alive.
@flysubcompact5 жыл бұрын
"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.
@alfredharrison5973 жыл бұрын
Political correctness only goes so far to the point where your life literally hangs in the balance and then its game on. Trust me, when people find their very life is threatened they start to learn who they really are and how things really are.
@flysubcompact3 жыл бұрын
@@alfredharrison597 I guess I'm in that group of "A former liberal who was mugged". Discovered, naively, at 20, that a young white man can make the mistake of "driving while white" in a black neighborhood. The woods are inherently much safer, but bad folks can be happened upon anywhere...in the projects or the great outdoors.
@yingshell5 жыл бұрын
Yes, please, tell more stories! I was on the edge of my seat. You must put that story in a book some day.
@grobertson0075 жыл бұрын
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!