Shane’s parents drop him off at the train station with money and instructions to take the train to his Aunt Sophie’s place for the holidays. The minute they drive off, he walks out again, leans against a pole, and throws out his thumb. Having just turned eighteen, he is, as he regularly reminds himself, now a fully legal adult and quite capable of having his own adventure. In the few days and nights it takes him to hitchhike all the way, he gets to know some very interesting people. Hippies, conmen, an ex-teacher ... and also the dog Jimmy. He learns there are more to people than meets the eye, and the world is rather bigger than his cosseted upbringing led him to believe. By the time he arrives at Aunt Sophie’s place, he has lost his virginity, acquired a dog and a cousin, and has the pleasing probability of a sweet summer romance to look forward to.

A Hitch in Time

While everyone was busy disengaging the woman, rolling pin, driver, car and whatever, I picked up my backpack and walked into the woods nearby. I wasn’t intending to split, no, I was too drunk and too stupid for that, but I really needed to pee. Next thing I knew, that wonderful satisfaction of watering a tree was in progress, I could no longer see the highway, and Jimmy was sitting beside me with his tongue hanging out. I bent down to pet him, toppled over (luckily, away from my tree), fell over and fell asleep. Last thing I remember was Jimmy lying on top of me. Aw what a nice dog, keeping me warm and safe. 7


Chapter 9