Started hitchhiking 6 years ago, mostly to get to (and frlm) climbing trips. Went back (and forth) the route Dr soleil a few times.
Prefers hiking the 'gasstation'-way. Talking to drivers and asking them for a ride, instead of passively waiting with his thump up...
Also not 100% hard-core, to him it is fine to buy a bus or train ticket for the first or last stretch.