driving south

I leave Portland early in the morning on Saturday. On the road in the rental car by 7:15. Listening to music and enjoying getting further and further from the overwhelm that has been my life as of late.

I've been dreaming of this car time. Looking forward to alone in my head and body for half a day. But a few hours down the highway I see two people sitting on the side of the freeway. I-5, not a place you want to be hanging out on the side of the road at 9:30 in below freezing weather. I slow and pull over and let the travelers join me. When I tell them I'm going to San Francisco they are elated. My heart sinks that they want to go the entire distance but realize also it's the right thing to do.  I've been working on giving back.

I used to hitch-hike all the time as a teenager and I know it can be risky for both the driver and the riders.  I feel completely safe, and allow myself to trust my instincts. The travelers are Drew and Lady Oak. they have a tiny kitten and the whole of them is smelling up the car. I worry I won't be able to handle it for long, but we crack the windows and crank the heat. They keep me awake. We stop for gas and they buy sandwich makings with their food stamps. They feed me and answer my inquiries. We listen to music and talk about drugs and hippies. My past their present.

Drew was born to gypsies and has ben on the road on his own for 9 years.  He's all of 23 now.  Lady Oak is probably a bit younger an has been traveling with Drew for less than a year.  She had been living at home when her mom lost her job.  She decided her parents didn't need the burden of paying her way any longer, so she left.  They're trying to find an RV so they have a way to move and a place to sleep.  They tell me of all the illegal places to sleep and the help and harassment of cops.  Train hopping and hitching.  They are ever grateful to me for the ride and I'm happy to have them and help them find their way to winter warmth.

They decide to go to Sacramento and I go out of my way to get them to their desired destination. After this journey I don't want them to be stranded 15 miles down the road. I've made good time and I'll still be in SF for dinner.