[pct-l] Re: Hitching

[randy_forsland at hotmail.com (Randy Forsland)]

I prefer "yogi-ing" to schmoozing.  That is where you ask the driver if
he/she knows of any shuttle buses or the like that can take you from this
point to the next...after they reply in the negative, you just put on a long
face and sigh...more times than not, they will feel bad and offer you a
ride...see, it's not begging or schmoozing if it was their idea...

It worked well in one case where we saw that a truck was full of coolers and
ice chests...we asked if they knew where there were some vending machines or
a store where we could buy a soda..they said no...and then a few minutes
later offered us a six pack of beer..which is what we wanted in the first
place...

The fine Art of Yogi-ing is a valuable tool...

Redwood
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "PCT Mailing List" <pct@DelNorteResort.Com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2003 9:50 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Re: Hitching


While in town stops I've seen hikers schmooze up to
unsuspecting folks for the sake of a ride.

Personally, I'd rather walk ten miles on asphalt, on
the hottest day of the year with no water, than to
turn on the sleaze and used car salesman tactics.

Personally, I endorse the old fashioned method,
standing by the side of the road with my thumb out.
This gives the other person a comfortable space in
which to say, 'no', instead of you putting them on
the spot and trying to drag the unsuspecting driver
into your experience.

Yeah, you may get some sleaze-balls with your thumb
out.

The driver who takes the time and effort to pull over
is doing so because they really want to. Not because
you're standing in their face asking for a ride.

I've never learned the art schmoozing up to someone
for the sake of meeting my needs. I hope I never do.

Scott Parks