II. LEAVING TEXAS
30.735607,-94.930089
FIRST DAY IN THE WIND
I left Conroe at 8:30am, walking East on Highway 105. After walking for about 2.5 hours, an obviously hungover Latino picked me up and dropped me off about six miles down the road.
I walked another couple hours, dodging the occasional rain storms. Eventually a man in a truck, filled to the brim with watermelons, stopped to give me a ride. He had a lot to say about watermelons. He wasn't slow, but he reminded me of Bubba Gump with shrimp. He dropped me off North of Cleveland, TX, at a truck stop on Highway 59.
After taking a break at the truck stop, I started walking north on Highway 59. A woman, named Melissa, stopped to pick me up. She explained it was about to start raining, and that is why she stopped. She was obviously weary of me. In an attempt to assuage her concerns, I introduced myself and offered a handshake. She introduced herself, and offered her hand, in return.
I have found the easiest way to calm a persons initial nervousness about picking up a hitchhiker is to share your story. Melissa- like most- would ask a question, which allowed me to share my story. It's much easier to talk about yourself when someone asks.
Some people, like the drunk Latino and the watermelon farmer, prefer to talk about themselves. Others, like Melissa, would rather hear about others. And, my personality easily accommodates both.
Melissa gave me a ride all the way to South Livingston, and dropped me off under the Highway 59 overpass. I stood under the overpass until the rain receded to a light mist.
I walked over to a shopping center, to get away from the highway, and still have shelter from the misting rain. While standing there, an older man sitting in the passenger seat of a minivan, began a conversation with me. I walked over and replied to his queries. While standing there, I noticed a very attractive young woman sitting in the back seat. I immediately found her gaze engaging. I found, while conversing with the older man, I was more intrigued with the woman. She seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say.
After talking with the older man, and to the intriguing woman, the man offered to buy me a sandwich from Subway. I gratefully accepted. We walked into Subway, and I ordered my sandwich. Once the sandwich was made, the clerk approached the register and announced the price. The man held out a $100 bill. The clerk explained, it was the beginning of the shift and she did not have change. He turned to me & half asked if Burger King would be okay.
We left the sandwich on the counter and walked over to Burger King. He approached the counter and asked for change to $100. After getting the change, he handed me a $20 bill. Amazed, I thanked him and offered my hand in gratitude. He took my hand, wished me luck, and left. I ordered my meal, and used the free wi-fi.
While browsing the web, I checked out the map, and decided I could make it to the North side of Livingston before sundown. I set out, after eating, heading north along Highway 59. After walking about four hours, I came across the city limit sign. There was an overpass nearby, and I decided this would be a good spot to rest for the night.
I set up camp under the overpass, and sat down. I sat there, meditating for about two hours, before I noticed some movement in my peripheral. I looked over and watched a man, a boy, and a dog walk out of the shadow.
The boy pointed toward me and said, "There."
They crossed the road barrier and walked over to me. The man displayed a jovial demeanor, and the boy took up a seat near me. The man explained his mother, and kid brother, saw me walking along the highway while going to the store; and, again- under the overpass- when returning home. He held out a plastic container and announced he brought some bar-b-q chicken, pasta, zucchini, and a couple bottles of water.
After talking for about an hour and a half, I learned he was a violent ex-con, living with his parents, was without power for more than a month and a half, and was the only one capable of working within the household.
After they left I ate the great, home cooked meal. With my belly full and my thirst quenched, I lay down for some much needed rest.
I left Conroe at 8:30am, walking East on Highway 105. After walking for about 2.5 hours, an obviously hungover Latino picked me up and dropped me off about six miles down the road.
I walked another couple hours, dodging the occasional rain storms. Eventually a man in a truck, filled to the brim with watermelons, stopped to give me a ride. He had a lot to say about watermelons. He wasn't slow, but he reminded me of Bubba Gump with shrimp. He dropped me off North of Cleveland, TX, at a truck stop on Highway 59.
After taking a break at the truck stop, I started walking north on Highway 59. A woman, named Melissa, stopped to pick me up. She explained it was about to start raining, and that is why she stopped. She was obviously weary of me. In an attempt to assuage her concerns, I introduced myself and offered a handshake. She introduced herself, and offered her hand, in return.
I have found the easiest way to calm a persons initial nervousness about picking up a hitchhiker is to share your story. Melissa- like most- would ask a question, which allowed me to share my story. It's much easier to talk about yourself when someone asks.
Some people, like the drunk Latino and the watermelon farmer, prefer to talk about themselves. Others, like Melissa, would rather hear about others. And, my personality easily accommodates both.
Melissa gave me a ride all the way to South Livingston, and dropped me off under the Highway 59 overpass. I stood under the overpass until the rain receded to a light mist.
I walked over to a shopping center, to get away from the highway, and still have shelter from the misting rain. While standing there, an older man sitting in the passenger seat of a minivan, began a conversation with me. I walked over and replied to his queries. While standing there, I noticed a very attractive young woman sitting in the back seat. I immediately found her gaze engaging. I found, while conversing with the older man, I was more intrigued with the woman. She seemed genuinely interested in what I had to say.
After talking with the older man, and to the intriguing woman, the man offered to buy me a sandwich from Subway. I gratefully accepted. We walked into Subway, and I ordered my sandwich. Once the sandwich was made, the clerk approached the register and announced the price. The man held out a $100 bill. The clerk explained, it was the beginning of the shift and she did not have change. He turned to me & half asked if Burger King would be okay.
We left the sandwich on the counter and walked over to Burger King. He approached the counter and asked for change to $100. After getting the change, he handed me a $20 bill. Amazed, I thanked him and offered my hand in gratitude. He took my hand, wished me luck, and left. I ordered my meal, and used the free wi-fi.
While browsing the web, I checked out the map, and decided I could make it to the North side of Livingston before sundown. I set out, after eating, heading north along Highway 59. After walking about four hours, I came across the city limit sign. There was an overpass nearby, and I decided this would be a good spot to rest for the night.
I set up camp under the overpass, and sat down. I sat there, meditating for about two hours, before I noticed some movement in my peripheral. I looked over and watched a man, a boy, and a dog walk out of the shadow.
The boy pointed toward me and said, "There."
They crossed the road barrier and walked over to me. The man displayed a jovial demeanor, and the boy took up a seat near me. The man explained his mother, and kid brother, saw me walking along the highway while going to the store; and, again- under the overpass- when returning home. He held out a plastic container and announced he brought some bar-b-q chicken, pasta, zucchini, and a couple bottles of water.
After talking for about an hour and a half, I learned he was a violent ex-con, living with his parents, was without power for more than a month and a half, and was the only one capable of working within the household.
After they left I ate the great, home cooked meal. With my belly full and my thirst quenched, I lay down for some much needed rest.
30.735607,-94.930089
AAHH, THE BIRDS, THE CRICKETS, AND THE HIGHWAY
I awoke early the next morning. I put everything back together, grabbed my gear, and started walking north around 6:30am. About two miles up the road, I found a convenience store and stopped for some coffee. With my 'go-juice' in hand, I headed north yet again.
After walking for more than four hours after the coffee break, I stopped to eat some peanuts and drink some water. Sitting in the grass next to Highway 59, I watched as the noon sun stole the shadows of the passing cars. By this time I am wondering why people with empty pickup trucks are not offering me a ride.
As I am sitting there, sipping my water and resting, a small pickup truck suddenly pulls over about a hundred yards after passing me. I quickly grabbed my gear and headed toward the truck as he began to reverse toward me. I approached his passenger window, and he offered me a ride.
We went through the customary introductions, and then he began to dominate the conversation. I was delighted he was a talker, since I was rather exhausted from my morning hike up Highway 59.
I sat there, listening to him spell out the finer points of his Christian beliefs; only occasionally interjecting with a reassuring 'uh-huh', and 'yep'. We continued in this manner for the sixty miles North to Lufkin.
We stopped at a gas station in South Lufkin, and he asked if he can pray with/for me before I go. I have come to enjoy peoples passions, and always accept prayers. We sat there, and he spoke a brief prayer of guidance and protection. I thanked him for the ride and the prayer, shook his hand, and left.
I walked into the gas station to use the restroom. It was time for me to change clothes and take a baby wipe/ splash bath. After freshening up, I bought another cup of coffee and headed North, along Highway 59 Business, through Lufkin. I stopped near a pond to sit and smoke a cigarette while finishing my coffee.
After I was done, I headed North, out of Lufkin. The cops seemed to get interested in me, but they never bothered me. I eventually made it out of Lufkin, and I found myself near a country motel. I stopped there to ask for water, and was given two cold bottles of water.
I awoke early the next morning. I put everything back together, grabbed my gear, and started walking north around 6:30am. About two miles up the road, I found a convenience store and stopped for some coffee. With my 'go-juice' in hand, I headed north yet again.
After walking for more than four hours after the coffee break, I stopped to eat some peanuts and drink some water. Sitting in the grass next to Highway 59, I watched as the noon sun stole the shadows of the passing cars. By this time I am wondering why people with empty pickup trucks are not offering me a ride.
As I am sitting there, sipping my water and resting, a small pickup truck suddenly pulls over about a hundred yards after passing me. I quickly grabbed my gear and headed toward the truck as he began to reverse toward me. I approached his passenger window, and he offered me a ride.
We went through the customary introductions, and then he began to dominate the conversation. I was delighted he was a talker, since I was rather exhausted from my morning hike up Highway 59.
I sat there, listening to him spell out the finer points of his Christian beliefs; only occasionally interjecting with a reassuring 'uh-huh', and 'yep'. We continued in this manner for the sixty miles North to Lufkin.
We stopped at a gas station in South Lufkin, and he asked if he can pray with/for me before I go. I have come to enjoy peoples passions, and always accept prayers. We sat there, and he spoke a brief prayer of guidance and protection. I thanked him for the ride and the prayer, shook his hand, and left.
I walked into the gas station to use the restroom. It was time for me to change clothes and take a baby wipe/ splash bath. After freshening up, I bought another cup of coffee and headed North, along Highway 59 Business, through Lufkin. I stopped near a pond to sit and smoke a cigarette while finishing my coffee.
After I was done, I headed North, out of Lufkin. The cops seemed to get interested in me, but they never bothered me. I eventually made it out of Lufkin, and I found myself near a country motel. I stopped there to ask for water, and was given two cold bottles of water.
31.384134,-94.713531
There was a bridge nearby, so I decided to stick my thumb out, and if I couldn't secure a ride I would just camp out under the bridge.
I stood next to the highway for about an hour, watching the thunder clouds get closer. I just about gave up when a red Dodge pickup truck, heading South, made a U-turn and pulled up next to me. He rolled down his window and offered me a ride. He got out of his truck to help me get my gear into the back of his pickup.
After introducing ourselves, he announced he was headed to Nacgodoches. He was also celebrating a new job, which put him in a very generous mood. He offered me his last beer, and I accepted. He drove about ten miles out of his way to drop me off in a better location; and, once he dropped me off he bought me two packs of Marlboro Lights, two large Dasani bottled waters, and handed me a $20 bill.
As he handed me the $20 bill, the manager of the truck stop walked out and told me she was going to call the cops if she saw me panhandling again. I tried to explain the situation, but she was stuck on her idea. My ride interrupted her and explained what was going on. She left without another word.
I grabbed my gear and headed to the nearby Highway 59 overpass. There was a country restaurant nearby, so I grabbed my gear and went to get something to eat. The waitress was polite, but not very driven.
After finishing my burger, I headed back over to the overpass and set up for the night.
WOULD YOU LIKE A RIDE TO MAMA'S COOKIN?
The following morning I arose to the thumps of the highway above me. The ground was still wet from the rain the day before. Nonetheless, I packed up and headed to the store for some coffee.
I grabbed my pack and headed to the on-ramp to 'thumb it' while sipping my coffee. No ride presented itself by the time I finished my coffee, so I dawned my pack and started North along Highway 59. I walked about two miles, to the next exit, and stopped at a church under construction. After using the port-a-can, I put more road behind me.
I finally reached Highway 259, and made my way across the busy interchange after stopping for a smoke and rest.
I walked North along the highway for about two miles before stopping to eat some canned chili for lunch. I finished my meal on the side of the highway, sipped my water, grabbed my gear, and headed out.
The ground was losing its flatness, and started giving way to the rolling hills of East Texas. I couldn't help but think how nice this would have been on a motorcycle.
As I was reminiscing on my riding days, I noticed a store up ahead. I crossed the highway, entered the store, and bought another cup of coffee. As I was in line to pay, an elder lady noticed my 'ARMY VET' sign I had hanging from my pack. She asked if I was is in the service, and I confirmed the sign is true. She asked me where I was walking from, and I told her Houston. Then, with a touch of bewilderment, she asked if I was headed to Longview, in obvious reference to my other sign which read 'LONGVIEW'. I also confirmed this sign to be true. Another man, ahead of me in the line to pay, turned and asked if I was headed to Longview.
Typically, I can get rather sarcastic when asked obvious questions. But, I have learned the quickest way to turn people off is to be sarcastic. Sarcasm is demeaning. It is a method of talking down to people.
So I bit my urge, and answered the man, "Yes, sir."
He explained he was on his way to Longview to drop off some equipment for repairs, and then offered me a ride. I gratefully accepted.
When we went to his truck, he introduced me to his son and his grandson. The grandson was about four or five, and I shared the back seat with him all the way to Longview. The conversation was typical and light. After about two hours we arrived in Longview.
I sent a text message to my mother, announcing I was in town. She relayed the message to my baby sister, who was working at the time. My sister said she would pick me up when she was released from work. About an hour and a half passed, and my sister still had not been released from work, so my mom came to pick me up.
While I was waiting for my mom to pick me up, a lady pulled up next to me. Her window was rolled down, and she offered me a smile and an extended hand.
I walked up to her, and she said, "I'm not sure what your situation is, but here; take this."
In her hand was a $10 bill. I thanked her with wide-eyed amazement. As she pulled out of the parking lot, my mother pulled in.
I have finally reached the end of the first leg of my travels.
A SHORT VISIT WITH FAMILY
When my mom picked me up, I was pretty funky, having not had a real shower in days. I saved the hugs for later.
It was Tuesday, July 3rd. I had traveled a three hour drive in two and a half days.
We talked about her new job, working for the mayor, on our way back to town. She said she was working in the police station. Since I have a history of bad encounters with law enforcement, she confronted the police chief with some information and a request. She informed the chief that I was coming through town, and she would really appreciate it if his officers would allow me to continue through town without incident. I greatly appreciated this, as my interactions with law enforcement are always uninvited.
After about a twenty minute drive, my mom dropped me off with my sister. By now, my sister was reaching the end of her shift. I rode with my sister to my mom's and step-dad's home. After a much needed shower, I started going through my gear. I washed what I could, and reorganized everything else.
My sister shared her sandwich and an iced espresso drink.
Later that evening, mom made spaghetti. We sat around eating, watching tv, and talking. It was nice.
My step-dad had a music practice session with his friends, and didn't arrive til much later in the evening. When he did arrive, he and I shared a hug and an always awkward exchange. It seems, to me, that we're just not quite sure how to take one another.
After a good night's sleep, I awoke and started another load of laundry. My sister finally started waking up, and we visited while she woke up, and then got ready for work.
My sister left after getting ready for work. When she left, I went out to the garage, where my gear was waiting for me. All my laundry was now clean, and it was time to put it all back together. I only had one more night at my mom's; I decided early on I was going to leave Thursday.
After a pleasant nite, and a good rest, I awoke Thursday morning.
I stood next to the highway for about an hour, watching the thunder clouds get closer. I just about gave up when a red Dodge pickup truck, heading South, made a U-turn and pulled up next to me. He rolled down his window and offered me a ride. He got out of his truck to help me get my gear into the back of his pickup.
After introducing ourselves, he announced he was headed to Nacgodoches. He was also celebrating a new job, which put him in a very generous mood. He offered me his last beer, and I accepted. He drove about ten miles out of his way to drop me off in a better location; and, once he dropped me off he bought me two packs of Marlboro Lights, two large Dasani bottled waters, and handed me a $20 bill.
As he handed me the $20 bill, the manager of the truck stop walked out and told me she was going to call the cops if she saw me panhandling again. I tried to explain the situation, but she was stuck on her idea. My ride interrupted her and explained what was going on. She left without another word.
I grabbed my gear and headed to the nearby Highway 59 overpass. There was a country restaurant nearby, so I grabbed my gear and went to get something to eat. The waitress was polite, but not very driven.
After finishing my burger, I headed back over to the overpass and set up for the night.
WOULD YOU LIKE A RIDE TO MAMA'S COOKIN?
The following morning I arose to the thumps of the highway above me. The ground was still wet from the rain the day before. Nonetheless, I packed up and headed to the store for some coffee.
I grabbed my pack and headed to the on-ramp to 'thumb it' while sipping my coffee. No ride presented itself by the time I finished my coffee, so I dawned my pack and started North along Highway 59. I walked about two miles, to the next exit, and stopped at a church under construction. After using the port-a-can, I put more road behind me.
I finally reached Highway 259, and made my way across the busy interchange after stopping for a smoke and rest.
I walked North along the highway for about two miles before stopping to eat some canned chili for lunch. I finished my meal on the side of the highway, sipped my water, grabbed my gear, and headed out.
The ground was losing its flatness, and started giving way to the rolling hills of East Texas. I couldn't help but think how nice this would have been on a motorcycle.
As I was reminiscing on my riding days, I noticed a store up ahead. I crossed the highway, entered the store, and bought another cup of coffee. As I was in line to pay, an elder lady noticed my 'ARMY VET' sign I had hanging from my pack. She asked if I was is in the service, and I confirmed the sign is true. She asked me where I was walking from, and I told her Houston. Then, with a touch of bewilderment, she asked if I was headed to Longview, in obvious reference to my other sign which read 'LONGVIEW'. I also confirmed this sign to be true. Another man, ahead of me in the line to pay, turned and asked if I was headed to Longview.
Typically, I can get rather sarcastic when asked obvious questions. But, I have learned the quickest way to turn people off is to be sarcastic. Sarcasm is demeaning. It is a method of talking down to people.
So I bit my urge, and answered the man, "Yes, sir."
He explained he was on his way to Longview to drop off some equipment for repairs, and then offered me a ride. I gratefully accepted.
When we went to his truck, he introduced me to his son and his grandson. The grandson was about four or five, and I shared the back seat with him all the way to Longview. The conversation was typical and light. After about two hours we arrived in Longview.
I sent a text message to my mother, announcing I was in town. She relayed the message to my baby sister, who was working at the time. My sister said she would pick me up when she was released from work. About an hour and a half passed, and my sister still had not been released from work, so my mom came to pick me up.
While I was waiting for my mom to pick me up, a lady pulled up next to me. Her window was rolled down, and she offered me a smile and an extended hand.
I walked up to her, and she said, "I'm not sure what your situation is, but here; take this."
In her hand was a $10 bill. I thanked her with wide-eyed amazement. As she pulled out of the parking lot, my mother pulled in.
I have finally reached the end of the first leg of my travels.
A SHORT VISIT WITH FAMILY
When my mom picked me up, I was pretty funky, having not had a real shower in days. I saved the hugs for later.
It was Tuesday, July 3rd. I had traveled a three hour drive in two and a half days.
We talked about her new job, working for the mayor, on our way back to town. She said she was working in the police station. Since I have a history of bad encounters with law enforcement, she confronted the police chief with some information and a request. She informed the chief that I was coming through town, and she would really appreciate it if his officers would allow me to continue through town without incident. I greatly appreciated this, as my interactions with law enforcement are always uninvited.
After about a twenty minute drive, my mom dropped me off with my sister. By now, my sister was reaching the end of her shift. I rode with my sister to my mom's and step-dad's home. After a much needed shower, I started going through my gear. I washed what I could, and reorganized everything else.
My sister shared her sandwich and an iced espresso drink.
Later that evening, mom made spaghetti. We sat around eating, watching tv, and talking. It was nice.
My step-dad had a music practice session with his friends, and didn't arrive til much later in the evening. When he did arrive, he and I shared a hug and an always awkward exchange. It seems, to me, that we're just not quite sure how to take one another.
After a good night's sleep, I awoke and started another load of laundry. My sister finally started waking up, and we visited while she woke up, and then got ready for work.
My sister left after getting ready for work. When she left, I went out to the garage, where my gear was waiting for me. All my laundry was now clean, and it was time to put it all back together. I only had one more night at my mom's; I decided early on I was going to leave Thursday.
After a pleasant nite, and a good rest, I awoke Thursday morning.
32.476958,-94.079846
TIME TO GET GOIN'
I had arranged, the night before, to have my sister give me a ride East on I20. I awoke around 7:30am to put the finishing touches on my packing. After getting a small breakfast and filling my water bottles, I took one last shower. I watched tv while waiting for my sister to wake up.
Eventually, my sister came into the world of the living. We ended up leaving mom's around 1:30pm. I wanted to stop at a discount store to pick up a rain parka, since the weather was forecasted to be wet from Texas to North Carolina.
After leaving the store we headed over to my mom's work to say my goodbyes. We stood there, talking, for about ten minutes. I gave my hugs, and my sister and I left.
Originally, my sister was going to drop me off on the East side of Marshal, Texas. But, as we headed East on I20 Marshal came and went. Eventually we took the Waskom, Texas exit. We pulled into a gas station, and I went in to get rid of my coffee. My sister went in behind me, and bought me a large bottled water. We said our goodbyes with a hug and some words of farewell and well-wishes, and I grabbed my gear and headed East.
I walked along the I20 frontage road for a few hours before stopping for a rest. I had some materials to make a sign, and while I was sitting on my pack on the side of the road making a sign, a couple of men in a pickup truck stopped and offered me a ride to the West side of Shreveport.
We drove East on I20 about thirty minutes, when he took an exit and dropped me off at a truck stop. I walked over to a nearby gas station, and set my gear down in the grass. Not five minutes passed before an elderly man, living in his mini-van, stopped and offered some advice. He asked where I was headed, and if I was hitchhiking. I answered East and yes, respectively.
He informed me, "You will probably have better luck at the truck stop one exit West."
I hesitantly accepted his invitation for a ride to the other truck stop, one exit in the wrong direction. When I arrived at the truck stop, I thanked the man for the ride, and set up a spot nearby to find a ride. While I was sitting there, I ate and finished making my signs. Once the signs were done, I tied them to my pack. I sat there a couple hours, hoping for a ride, but none came. Frustrated, I walked along the frontage road back to the other truck stop.
By the time I arrived, the sun had already set. I set up my camp in a semi- secluded spot and left to get something to eat at Wendy's. While returning to my camp spot, I crossed paths with another hitchhiker. We talked a moment, and he talked about how he was robbed at gunpoint during his travels. He explained he lost more than $400 during the robbery. I asked him where this happened, and he said Pheonix, Arizona. After he spoke a few more minutes about the woes of life, I excused myself and lay down for the night.
While resting, it started to rain. It was about 3:30am, and I still needed more rest before heading out. I loosely packed up my gear, and headed for some shelter between a casino and the restaurant at the truck stop. A security guard was patrolling the area, and he never bothered me. This made me feel a lot better about the area.
I had arranged, the night before, to have my sister give me a ride East on I20. I awoke around 7:30am to put the finishing touches on my packing. After getting a small breakfast and filling my water bottles, I took one last shower. I watched tv while waiting for my sister to wake up.
Eventually, my sister came into the world of the living. We ended up leaving mom's around 1:30pm. I wanted to stop at a discount store to pick up a rain parka, since the weather was forecasted to be wet from Texas to North Carolina.
After leaving the store we headed over to my mom's work to say my goodbyes. We stood there, talking, for about ten minutes. I gave my hugs, and my sister and I left.
Originally, my sister was going to drop me off on the East side of Marshal, Texas. But, as we headed East on I20 Marshal came and went. Eventually we took the Waskom, Texas exit. We pulled into a gas station, and I went in to get rid of my coffee. My sister went in behind me, and bought me a large bottled water. We said our goodbyes with a hug and some words of farewell and well-wishes, and I grabbed my gear and headed East.
I walked along the I20 frontage road for a few hours before stopping for a rest. I had some materials to make a sign, and while I was sitting on my pack on the side of the road making a sign, a couple of men in a pickup truck stopped and offered me a ride to the West side of Shreveport.
We drove East on I20 about thirty minutes, when he took an exit and dropped me off at a truck stop. I walked over to a nearby gas station, and set my gear down in the grass. Not five minutes passed before an elderly man, living in his mini-van, stopped and offered some advice. He asked where I was headed, and if I was hitchhiking. I answered East and yes, respectively.
He informed me, "You will probably have better luck at the truck stop one exit West."
I hesitantly accepted his invitation for a ride to the other truck stop, one exit in the wrong direction. When I arrived at the truck stop, I thanked the man for the ride, and set up a spot nearby to find a ride. While I was sitting there, I ate and finished making my signs. Once the signs were done, I tied them to my pack. I sat there a couple hours, hoping for a ride, but none came. Frustrated, I walked along the frontage road back to the other truck stop.
By the time I arrived, the sun had already set. I set up my camp in a semi- secluded spot and left to get something to eat at Wendy's. While returning to my camp spot, I crossed paths with another hitchhiker. We talked a moment, and he talked about how he was robbed at gunpoint during his travels. He explained he lost more than $400 during the robbery. I asked him where this happened, and he said Pheonix, Arizona. After he spoke a few more minutes about the woes of life, I excused myself and lay down for the night.
While resting, it started to rain. It was about 3:30am, and I still needed more rest before heading out. I loosely packed up my gear, and headed for some shelter between a casino and the restaurant at the truck stop. A security guard was patrolling the area, and he never bothered me. This made me feel a lot better about the area.