13 Comments
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Jim Cummings's avatar

Loved this, Ron. I hitched all over town when I was a teenager and once I had a car, never failed to stop for a hitchhiker. Never long distance like you, though. Great adventure, cowboy.

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James Ron's avatar

Very cool. I've picked up a good number of hitchhikers but that has changed as time has passed. Many more questionable people on the roads and I'm less trusting. Thank you, Jim!

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Parker McCoy's avatar

It's pretty awesome how you navigated so many miles with the help of so many kind folks. I also like the mention of Provincetown. I just finished reading the Norman Mailer book Tough Guys Don't Dance which takes place in that town. I look forward to reading more adventures. Great post, James.

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James Ron's avatar

Hi, Parker. Upon writing the post that I realized just how fortunate I was with the people I met. I need to read that book, thanks for reminding me. P-town was quite the artist haven/tourist spot when I was there, probably still is. A beautiful spot at the end of the road. Thank you!

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I loved just everything about this story, Ron. What a fine adventure for a young guy with a guitar and $20. You've remembered all the details - and I would, too, if I were you. Excellent telling, my friend. Remind me - what year was it? Was your hair long then?

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James Ron's avatar

Really glad you liked the story, Sharron! Thank you. It was a fine adventure. It was early September, '71, when I got to the Cape. It already felt like Fall. Hair was long.

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Sharron Bassano's avatar

I sure would like to see a photograph of James Ron as a long-haired traveler.

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K.C. Knouse's avatar

What impressed me was the generosity of so many of your rides. You must have given off good vibes, Brother. Then to top it off, you landed the best job you ever had. Someone/thing was definitely watching over you. I really enjoyed this adventure, James.

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James Ron's avatar

It didn't go unnoticed by me how lucky I was. For the most part, it was smooth sailing. It left me with a good feeling about most people. Thank you, K.C., I much appreciate it.

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Barry Lederman, “normie”'s avatar

Amazing that you’ve done this journey in our culture that is not very conducive to hitchhiking. I remember growing up in Poland i the fifties and early sixties, hitchhiking was promoted. In order to create a safer system, drivers and hitchhikers were able to join an organization and have coupon booklets to give and collect stamps for “prizes”. Also, the booklet covers had a recognizable sign, I think it was a 🛑 sign. It gave teenagers a way to explore the countryside without having their own cars or motorcycles.

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James Ron's avatar

Hi, Barry. Thanks. This hitchhiking was done a long time ago. Though common, it was looked upon as a bad practice. That's a really good idea in Poland. How neat. I don't think I've heard of such a thing before. I bet a lot of kids made use of it.

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The Radical Individualist's avatar

I sometimes wonder what happened to hitch hiking. It was so common, now nearly not at all. I think we've become timid and afraid, because of all the sensationalized stories.

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James Ron's avatar

You could be right. I would not like to hitchhike now. There was a time for it when I was younger.

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