Megan Dell writes:

	<dd> I spent last May hitchhiking and hoping freight trains in the northwest with a long-time family friend (a former deep springer, actually). and my response to the hitchhiking aspect is that it is NOT dangerous in the manner that we undertook it. Traveling as an apparent "couple" (even though we weren't) apparently made us much more appealing to potential rides. We didn't have any unfortunate experiences and were even picked up by several families.

<dd>This isn't to say that there weren't dangerous moments. Drunk drivers have a generous streak and are prone to offering rides, so judge wisely. I've also heard that, if traveling alone, having a small dog increases your value on the ride market considerably. This is a tip from several different lone hitchhikers. I may be testing this one soon.

<dd>And a final note:  should you care to reply, just work it to: mdell@ups.edu, 'cause that is me.

ever do any hitching?