As a 5'2" female, I have safely (with the exception of a skeezy trucker that realized I was a fighter) hitchiked from Illinois to California and all around the West alone. I had difficulties going further South than Memphis and have been stuck in Indiana so many times that I choose to drive East. I have met many a family with a benevolently concerned parent, interesting single older men and women that wanted company on long drives, and those who hitchhike themselves. Hitching has made for great experiences, friendships and a return to the trust in humanity many have lost. Congrats on the fantastic post about a lost mode of transportation!

Truly,
H