I'm heading out for the first time this Wednesday

parkscreamer

parkscreamer

New member
I haven't really been active here for a while other than lurking, but that'll probably change when I get on the road. This Wednesday i'm taking an Amtrack from Illinois to LA, then i'm gonna hitchhike to Oakland to go to a music festival, then hitchhike around for the rest of the month. I'm also planning on train hopping because that's been something i've wanted to do for a while. Anyways anybody have any tips or advice for my first time heading out? Also any ideas on what I should do/see in California? I'm definitely gonna try to go to Yosemite and see what Ansel Adams saw haha.
 
somber said:
Anyways anybody have any tips or advice for my first time heading out?
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Keep a good attitude! For real. Shit will be tough sometimes, but there's always a sunny side at the end.
 
i did it almost 10 years ago, but i think it took me something like a week from the bay i think, including prolly three days stuck in sac. once youre past sac its pretty, but a lot of it is just kinda desolate, little traffic, some not so friendly folks. i did get there however. i walked a decent amount of the way, tho

by no means am i trying to discourage you, and hell you could always luck out with rides straighht there. i was going in the off season, youll most likely have better luck in the summer and depending on which direction youre coming from. i also would by any means necessary bypass all of the sacramento area on public transit. especially like stockton and shit, not a good place to get stuck. first time i was ever pissed on by a stranger for sleeping in public
 
My band’s gonna be out on tour that way in mid-late June. We’re playing 924 Gilman St in Berkeley on the 21st, and we’re playing Toxic Toast Theatre in Long Beach on the 23rd. If you’re still out there by then, and want to go to a show or just hang for a bit, hit me up!!
 
somber said:
I haven't really been active here for a while other than lurking, but that'll probably change when I get on the road. This Wednesday i'm taking an Amtrack from Illinois to LA, then i'm gonna hitchhike to Oakland to go to a music festival, then hitchhike around for the rest of the month. I'm also planning on train hopping because that's been something i've wanted to do for a while. Anyways anybody have any tips or advice for my first time heading out? Also any ideas on what I should do/see in California? I'm definitely gonna try to go to Yosemite and see what Ansel Adams saw haha.
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Be prepared. Mainly for weather. Dont take things for granted. Have extra sox, take care of your feet. At least minimal hygiene makes for a much better day. Respect where you are (someones home, property, city) no need to start a fight over manners. Pack what you need, dont under, or over pack. Hat with a brim, shades, lip chap, water (tablets/lifesaver bottle), sun screen, a couple changes of clothes incase wet, burnt, need to layer, etc. Tarp and/or tent. Maybe hammock. Good knive(s) wood handle, full tang is ideal. Mirror, zippo, matches, sleeping bag/wool blanket, poncho, etc. And i always bring a survival container i packed with cotton balls, wire saw, p38 can opener, bandaids, needle and (scent free) floss, antiseptic/antibacterial cream, magnifying glass, wire, fish hooks, candle...... its in a waterproof bottle and a ziplock bag.
Not alll of this might be neccessary for you but its something to think about. And keep your heavier objects top of the bad over your shoulders. Use your brain, trust your gut, and dont let anyone control or finesse you into a situation you dont want to be in. Cheers
 
Faceplant said:
The Central Coast is beautiful. The Central Valley? Not so much . . .
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WORD. I took buses from LA to Santa Cruz then walked damn near to Half Moon Bay and it was one of the best times of my life! Other than people driving past me I did not encounter another human for like 2 days.
 
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