Sounds like a great time.

Rog, being the same age as yourself (but probably less mature) I started thinking about the last time I hitchiked. It was in France 28 years ago. My friend Klaas (a Dutch musician living in Canada) told me to put a lot of stickers on my case and I'd always get rides and free meals (made you look harmless and possibly interesting) and he was right. Doubt if I ever waited more than 10 minutes for a ride. Drivers would always ask "Have you BEEN to all those places?"
Rick