After the police dropped me off and I had a chance to get online, I hit the ramp again with the same Arcata sign. I sat on the ramp for maybe 10 minutes before a Jeep pulled up and honked to take the ride. I walked up to the Jeep and they guy inside said “Hey HitchHiker from Michigan, get in”, it was the police officer that had picked me up earlier while working. Well now he was off work and gave me another ride(off the books). Even though it was only a short distance it ended up being a great location that he dropped me off. It was where 20 east and 101 meet. I sat there again for only a 15 minute or so stint, flying my Arcata sign before a couple of college students from Arcata picked me up. You guessed it! They got me all the way to Arcata. By the time I got done hanging with them in Arcata it was time to look for a place to crash for the night. I hiked about 3 miles out of town before I found a spot that was away from the local hobos and tramps that seemed to be very agro. I had a good night sleep but was woke up by RAIN!!! HOLY SHIT… the last time I saw anything fall out of the sky was on June 10th when it was snowing up in the Tetons in Wyoming. So I packed up wet and walked back into town. It was the first day of college and high school in Arcata so it was very busy. I quickly went to the ramp and sat there for about 2 hours before I got a ride into Orick. I’m currently in Orick at a bar called Hawg Wild. They have wifi, cheap beer, and a river near by. After 3 beers I feel I’ll be staying here for the night!! Beautiful area with the redwoods surrounding and plenty of friendly folks to chat with. I’ll write more later. peace
Posts Tagged ‘police’
1st Day Back
September 28th, 2009Now that I’m back on the road I had a hard time getting motivated once I was dropped off near Cloverdale by Jerry. I sat in the shade there with Manny for about 5 hours, taking naps and relaxing before I decdided to try my luck on the ramp. I made a quick sign on cardboard that says “Arcata”. I figured that would be a good first hop if I could get there in a day. But after waiting so long before trying for a ride it was already getting late. I didn’t wait long on the ramp though before getting picked up by a guy in a pickup. He was heading back from taking motorcycle lessons. I road with him to Hopland California. Which was only 15 miles or so up the road. When I got to Hopland there was a reggae band playing at a local bar outside. I hung ut there for a few of their songs before I started walking up the highway. I didn’t walk far before I noticed a set of railroad tracks that looked unused. Figured it was time to et Manny get some free time in so I hoped on the tracks and let Manny run for about 5 miles of walking the tracks(video below). I figure I walked till about 9pm or so before I hiked up this hill to find a place to crash. I found a great spot, it was high up in the hills and had long dry grass all over. Rolled out the tent to lie on it and kicked back for a good night sleep. Actually it was a long sleep. i didn’t get up till around 11pm or so. Instead of trying to hitch the highway this morning I just walked for another 5 miles. It was crazy when I came upon this “Pedestrians Prohibited” sign. I just saw the sign and the cops pulled up behind me. They didn’t run my name or anything they just told me from the spot I was at I wasn’t allowed n the highway for another 8 miles. The police officer gave me a ride to the next town, told me of a place t get a good cheap burrito and he was on his way. So here I sit now outside a McDonads in Utiah California. I’m gonna hit the ramp here shortly with the same Arcata sign and see how far I can get before dark. Peace
