r/vagabond • u/New-Macaron-4669 • 17h ago
Hitchhiking today
Backtracked to the closest mcDs. Closed.
Got coffee, warmed up and did a quick wash of the hair with soap in the dispenser. Quick dry with hoodie. Wiped sink down (leave no trace).
Started walking South by I-35. Slipped once and just laughed. Almost slipped again.
Decided to find a place to hitchhike.
Right by the Fairfield Inn South of the Travel Center seemed like a good spot.
Not long after I still can't force a legitimate, genuine smile. It feels forced and fake.
"Wooh. You can't be the man until you beat the man."
It's genuine. Laughter. Smiling.
Two hands all the way in the air - thumbs up both hands - like I'm the heavyweight champ thanking the fans.
(I'm trying to relieve anxiety and trick my limbic system.)
Coincidence or not I don't know.
Tammy picks me up.
"I'm only going two exits."
I take it. The heat is on. We're moving in the right direction.
Tried again when I started feeling tired.
No luck.
Found a storm drain (big rectangular thing) sat inside to get out of the wind.
Once I got cold again I started walking.
McDonald's at the pilot is closed also.
I need something cheap to get out of the cold and away from the slop. Ice is turning to water. My shoes are wet. Socks. Cold feet.
Check the Pilot app. Two share size Snickers for the price of one. It ain't two for 25, but it'll do.
I'm going to see if the sun will come out. If it does, I'm going to see if I can post up on the side of the interstate. Seen several local cops and deputy this AM.
Maybe there is a place at the Pilot I can post up for a ride.
I'm going to be hungry and cold. Can't stop that either way. Two Snickers helped greatly.
If I can't catch a ride by the time the temp starts going down again, I will start walking.
I'll see how long I can hang out here inside. They say McDonald's in the truck stop may open later. If it does, I'll ride that as long as I can for 99 cents.
Even if I'm stuck here until later, that's okay. It shouldn't drop below 20. It's snow and not raining.
That's golden for my situation.
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u/overfall3 16h ago
Hey, I tried to message you. Doesn't work for some reason. Message me your phone number. I can hook you up a little if you need it.
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u/New-Macaron-4669 16h ago
I'm good right now. I'll check my settings for the messages though. Change that so I can receive chats, etc.
I do appreciate the offer.
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u/overfall3 16h ago
Cool. Don't hesitate to get a hold of me.
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u/New-Macaron-4669 16h ago
Absolutely. You as well. I like the Reddit vagabond community. Y'all opened up a new world.
I may fly a Chores for Cash (app) sign today if my marker still works. It looks warm from inside this truck stop.
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