Since April I have been waiting for the weather to warm up so I can continue my walk to the source of the Derwent River more comfortably. Between then and now my posts have connected with the Derwent River by various degrees. This posting is no different. Months ago I walked past historic Salamanca in Hobart as I walked the edge of the Derwent River and last Saturday, I headed back again to the area for the renowned Salamanca Market.
The big find was an Englishman who has relocated to live in Tasmania and had set up a stall to sell his book. A few years ago his Tasmanian wife lured him here for a holiday and when she flew back to England, he decided to return by hitching his way half way around the world. After starting from Hobart by accepting a lift on a Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race yacht returning to Sydney, his trek took 6 months via the countries north of the Himalayas. Apparently it only took 800 rides, through 19 countries! Out of the adventure and experiences Jamie Maslin wrote his story: ‘The Long Hitch Home’.
In more recent times, Jamie has relocated to Hobart for permanent residence.
Past posts have indicated my awe and amazement about the achievements of people who take on, what seem to me to be, herculean tasks – These always excite me to make yet another step. Inspiring others to make the first step in their own backyard is one of the goals of this ongoing blog.
Walking the Derwent River 
Did you have the chance to talk to him? Have you read the book? As someone who has to plan travel so meticulously, I can’t imagine hitching across the globe!
LikeLike
Yes I did ask him questions but the way he answered I suspect he was repeating something he had said too many times. Or his approach may be the result of standing in the cold for too long. He said that years before the trip told in the book, he had hitched around Iran and Venezuela. I remarked that I used to hitchhike years ago when I was a teenager but felt it was too risky now. Besides, I told him his gender provided some security which he nodded was fact.
LikeLiked by 1 person