Hitchhiking Events

[Salman]

Digihitch.com is sponsoring two major hitchhiking events in the U.S. this November for all who would like to participate. The first is a hitchhiker gathering in Seattle, Washington, to begin approximately November 2nd.

The second is a Hitchhiker Scavenger Hunt to begin in Seattle on November 15th and end in Key West, Florida, two weeks later. Participants will travel throughout the country, getting 'points' by accumulating photos of items on a pre-arranged list (such as specific road signs, people and places). The winner of the event will get many great prizes, and all participants will be featured in an upcoming book on American road culture.

To learn more, visit digihitch.com.
Participants, volunteers and sponsors are needed. We will also need videographers to chase our contestants in a car around the country for a documentary. If interested, post a message at digihitch Great Campfire forums or send a Feedback form on digihitch.

[phule]

My first thought when I saw this was, "Oh great, someone's posting ads in the forums again."

But now that I've given it some thought and moved away from the knee-jerk reaction, I think this is an interesting idea. Ok, so it's a little formulaic but it's not blatantly selling anything.

Plus, I want to put my job on hold for a while and drive around the US too!

[Salman]

I've been trying to get word out about this event far and wide, so I hope you'll forgive my 'form letter' type announcement...

Granted that hitchhiking is an extreme form of travel not highly recommended for the masses, but I hope some of you reading this will look at the events as an opportunity to find out what the culture of hitchhiking and road connection is all about.

I'm completely serious about inviting people to drive along the route and chronicle the Scavenger Hunt both from the viewpoint of the hitchhikers and the drivers themselves. In fact, if I get enough interest over this next week, I may include a Road Trip Scavenger Hunt for those who want to do something similar with their own cars.

Let me know what you all think about this...

[ghewgill]

I wonder if this could be combined with http://www.geocaching.com somehow. All you need is a handheld GPS and a taste for adventure...

[Salman]

Yep, the hitchhikers are converging again, and we're inviting all of you out to the deserts of southern California. Here's more info below:

The North American Hitchhiker Gathering starts Dec. 27th in the deserts of southern California. New Year's Eve, we'll have a full rally with special speakers, music and a carnival troupe.

The purpose of the gathering is to bring together hitchhikers to share resources and learn what's happening with the future of hitchhiking. There will also be writers and activists on hand to teach how you can travel further, safer and with a bigger impact.

The location will be announced on digihitch.com soon. Visit the website for full details and to see how you can get involved.

A cross-country Hitchhiker Scavenger Hunt will begin Jan. 3, 2004 from Santa Monica pier and end in Brunswick, Georgia. Details are also on the site.

We'll see you out there!

[Salman]

Here are the new details for the event at Slab City, California on December 28th...

YOU'RE INVITED to join kindred spirits from across America in a celebration of the open road. The New Year's Hitchhiker Gathering will be held December 28th through January 2nd in legendary Slab City, California. Our goal is to unite people from all walks of life who are passionate about no-budget travel and to promote hitchhiking not only as a mode of transport, but as a means of communication and exploration.

So whether you're an experienced hitchhiker or just share a passion for the road, plan to join us for a high time in the low desert over New Year's '03/04.

WHAT TO EXPECT:
New Year's Eve Party with live band;
Awards ceremony (best travel chronicle, best road story, farthest from home, longest time on the road, etc);
Fireside talks by road scholars; How-to seminars, conversation with Leonard Knight (creator of Salvation Mountain);
Free camping & showers; Communal BBQs and hot meals (shared cost);
Stories & lies from the road; New friends;
A non-conformist but all inclusive vibe; unique low desert scenery including the Salton Sea, Salvation Mountain, and Anza Borrego (Bring lots of film);
Honor Library; Nearby major rail line; Nearby markets, restaurants, internet access & motel ($35); great weather.

WHEN: December 28th 2003 through January 2, 2004 with the big party and awards happening on December 31st.

WHERE: 190 miles south east of Los Angeles and 129 feet below sea level in the off-the-grid community of Slab City, California. Located four miles east of Niland on an abandoned Navy base, Slab City isn't actually a city at all.
It's more a loose community of squatters, snowbirds and nomads who've pitched camps across 640 acres of open desert. The Range, a no-permit, open air theater sits at the epicenter of "town" and will host several of our
events. Reminiscent of a 1960s commune, The Range sports a large stage sandwiched between two dilapidated hippy busses parked on one of the city's namesake cement slabs. The facility boasts a small bar, several rows of salvaged airliner seats and a trash-barrel fire to keep you warm at night. This is truly a classic venue.

Our primary campsite will be setup within a half mile of The Range and be easy to find.

WHO: Expect backpackers, hobos, college students, independent travelers, road poets, red necks, artists, academics, hippies and punks. Basically anyone that's passionate about road travel with an interest in hitchhiking is invited.

A New Year Hitchhiker Gathering is hosted by the people from digihitch.com.

NO FEE to attend. This is a NON PROFIT event.

For more information please checkout www.digihitch.com