Well, I figure it doesn't hurt to ask in advance so...

I plan to hitch from Burlington to North Troy on either 9/11, 9/12, or 9/13.

So if anybody happens to be going all the way or part of the way on either of those three days, let me know.

Big thanks in advance for anybody willing and able..

Also, I am thinking Rt. 15 to Rt. 100 will be the best bet as a route for catching a ride to North Troy. Anybody have any comments if this is the best idea? Or any suggestions on good places/street corners/on-ramps/gas stations... to get out of Burlington going that way?

A million thanks...

-GlobeTrotter

Oh yea, I will be going SOBO end-to-end, so I am not just hitching for other reasons, in case anybody hadn't inferred that ;)

If I remember correctly I shortened my hitchiking miles by taking a bus from Burlington to as far north as Morrisville via a transfer at Waterbury Center(you can also get to Morrisville from Mt Pelier by bus). You might want to check if this route is still available or if it possibly goes even further north now since I thrued the Long Tr. in the fall of 07. Also check if the route is available on weekends as I see that is when you may be traveling. Sorry, don't recall the name of the bus company but it's one of the major ones running out of Burlington and Mt. Pelier. I know the busline has a website with posted routes and schedules. If the bus travel doesn't work out I would also hitch hike out of Burlington on Rt 15 eastbound to Rt 100 north to get to Journeys End. I found it surprisingly easy to hitch to Jouneys End from Morrisvile as I got rides in short order at busy gas stations and major road junctions. Some hitchers suggest you make a sign telling folks you are hiking the Long Tr.(quite a few long term Vermonters know about the Long Tr.) and where you need a ride to. I have my greatest and quickest success getting rides by talking to prospective rides face to face. I think it breaks the ice, lets them know you are human, and lets rides know that you are just a hiker seeking a ride. Hitching this way also makes it harder for someone to say no to a real face in front of them rather than just disregarding or saying no to a thumb on the side of the road while thay are safely enclosed in a speeding automobile. Every Vermonter I have ever gotten rides from knows about the Long Tr. and is eager to hear about your journey. Vermont is one of the easiest states for me to hitch hike in, IMO.

Some HH tips: take off sunglasses(put them away or better yet place them on top of your head), let folks see your pack, in general take off bandanas, avoid hitching at night whenever possible, ACT NICE, show folks your humanity, break the ice, share what you are doing, be human, don't be rude or pushy but do press a bit if you have to. Basically, be a hiker looking for a ride!

Hey Dogwood, thanks for the thorough advice! I tried checking on the bus route you were talking about online and had no luck getting any info, but I will try in person when I am in Burlington.

Cheers!

GlobeTrotter