South of Stanley, Idaho

Sawtooth Mountains near Stanley, Idaho

Last night I camped out near Lower Stanley, Idaho.  This morning I was walking south of Stanley on Highway 75 and got a ride to this bridge just south of Redfish Lake.  I then walked around two miles and this guy pulled over to give me a ride.  His name was Mark and he and his son-in-law and grandson had been out backpacking in the Sawtooth Mountains and were heading back to Hailey.

Mark said he used to hitchhike quite a bit back in the 1970s.  I told Mark that I had been hitchhiking the United States for a number of years.  He then told me that he used to live in Ellensburg, Washington back in 1985.  I told Mark that I lived in Ellensburg back in 1986 and 1987.  We discovered that we knew some of the same people.  I mentioned a guy named Jude Doty who used to have a Christian Hostel on South Pearl Street; Mark knew Jude.  Then I told Mark that I used to do some ranch work for Arvin Marchel; Mark knew Arvin.  I said that I used to go to the Bethel Gospel Church while I was in Ellensburg and asked Mark if he knew Pastor Coussart; Mark knew Pastor Coussart.

It's a Small World
A Short Hitchhiking Trip
The American Flag:  A Christian Symbol

Hitchhiking South of Grangeville, Idaho
The Spirit Driveth Him into the Wilderness
A Ride in Nebraska, Blue Highways and William Least Heat-Moon

Hiking the Summit Creek Trail, Salmon-Challis National Forest, Idaho, June 2021

Hitchhiking in the State of Washington

Last month I was hitchhiking east on U.S. 12 near Dayton, Washington.  This guy pulled over in his pickup and gave me a ride all the way to Kooskia, Idaho.  His name was Larry and he was a Christian.  We had very good fellowship.

We were driving close to Clarkston, Washington when he asked me if I needed anything.  I told him that I could use a new pair of pants.  So we went to this store and Larry bought me a pair of paints and some other clothes.  He then took me out to eat and drove me all the way to Kooskia (which was way out of his way).  He gave me a hundred-dollar bill and I was able to get a motel room for the next two nights.  I was very grateful.

After I stayed in Kooskia, I hitchhiked into Montana.

Here is an email from Larry that I received earlier today:

"I called Gene after I saw you.  He didn't know of anyone wanting work, but we had a nice visit.  He told me I should buy your books which I was planning on it anyway.  I've read the paper back [High Plains Drifter] and my son is reading it.  I am going to read the other one soon too.  I picked up a hitch hiker today by Umatilla and took him to Biggs near The Dalles [Oregon].  I gave him $50.00.  He was pretty teary and appreciative.  When I got saved it was a week after I turned 21.  I'm 64 now.  I use to do quite a bit of soul winning back then.  I feel like I dropped the ball today and was supposed to at least explain the plan of salvation to the hiker today.  I asked God to bring some one across his path that doesn't drop the ball.  I really think after spending time with you I have a lot more compassion and maybe I am supposed to stop and smell the coffee instead of going a hundred miles per hour with my business.  I can't put my finger on it, but I think something is up.  I hope to see you again some time. Your friend in Christ.  Larry."

Book Review:  High Plains Drifter