Hijacked Hitchhiker

Once upon a time...no wait; I don't want to start this out like that.

Alright, I'll tell you if you must know.

A few years ago my friend Jesse and I hijacked a hitchhiker. I guess that is the best way to put it. That wasn't our intent or should I say mine, since I don't think Jesse was very much a part of the planning process. Regardless, it was a hilarious experience.

A group of friends and I went to see Kid Rock in concert at Star Wood Amphitheatre in Nashville, Tennessee, several years ago. Most of us went to school at Murray State University. We obviously were in a caravan coming from Murray and there were groups of Dawson Springs friends that came from Western Kentucky University and the University of Kentucky. We had planned this trip for a few months and the concert was great! But that's not the story I was going to tell you...was it?

We all stayed in a hotel in Nashville, downtown and the morning after the concert we all headed over to a Shoney's for a greasy breakfast before we went our separate ways. Our group had split into two, a group that was staying in Nashville for another night and Jesse and I who were heading back to Murray. Well that mattered not to us, Jesse and I never had any trouble having fun, no matter how large or small the group was.

I was driving my GMC Jimmy, hunter green, four door. That SUV drove all over the Southeast part of this country following bands, and beaches during my college years; and even post college years. If that vehicle could talk I'm sure there would be a great many of us willing to pitch in to silence it!

That said, Jesse and I headed out on Interstate 24 back toward home. We decided to stop off at the first exit out of town to grab a couple of sodas and maybe a snack for the road. It was apparent that we had both gotten up too early, but we were making the best of the morning.

After the quick pit stop I began to maneuver myself back on to the interstate. Jesse was getting himself settled in for the trip, adjusting the radio and buckling up.

Usually this is the part of the story that Jesse steps in to discuss what happens next.

In plain view, just past the on ramp I could see a motley looking character standing on the shoulder. I made a bee line toward him, thinking...this is just what our morning needs. Jesse quickly became aware of our deceleration, but was unclear about what we were stopping for. And before he could get the words out of his mouth a tall and burly bearded character was opening his passenger side door. I quickly gestured.

"Hope in the back Bud!" And we were off.

Jesse's face was as red as a beet and it would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that he was a little put out by my sudden benevolence.

"Where are you headed Bud?" I said to this stranger in my back seat.

"Alaska!" He replied cheerfully.

I hear Jesse sigh but I can only laugh and as the Q and A continues between us my laugh comfortably slides into my more common cackle.

"Well sir, we are just heading down there road on a short trip; but we'll be glad to drop you off in Clarksville!" I said seriously.

"Well, I guess I will take what I can get." The hitchhiker said with a smile and he began to share with us his many stories of the road.

I was so intrigued with his many tales of women, run ins with bosses and his reason for being on the open road. I got a little let down about the fact that we were going to have to drop him off so early. But my good friend Jesse held strong. He was leery of this cat and the whole situation for that matter. But even he can't deny that this was a funny stretch of road that we traveled together and here is where it gets good...

I begin to approach the Clarksville, Tennessee exits and the Hitchhiker had already asked us for a few bucks. You see, he hadn't had anything to eat since the day before...he was hungry.

"Bud, we've already spent all of our money on this trip, but we would be glad to drop you off at a soup kitchen or something." I added to the mix.

He thanked me but said that he would just make due...and I continued.

"Well why don't we try to find a place for you to get a warm meal?"

I took exit four onto a major street in Clarksville and the Hitchhiker begins to suggest places to let him out.

"Right here will be fine Sir."

"Just anywhere." He would say.

About that time I mentioned a hot meal again and the Hitchhiker escaped us. Right there at the light. He opened the door and bailed on us. Can you believe it?

As we reached the interstate for the third time of the day Jesse and I were both riding high, laughing and going over the events that had just taken place. Jesse forgave me and still admits that it was pretty funny. But since then, most trips we have taken together...he drives!