Oh, man. Between 18 and 22 I also hitchhiked all over the western US. I miss those days too.

I agree, the backpacking and rough country camping was the pinnacle. I remember when I got a pair of Raichle Rotondo boots. 30 years they lasted! I was a 4 digit member of REI when it was over by Seattle Community College. In those days you got a 'profit share' check from them every year...

Part of my problem might be that I always tried to rebel against society norms. Never very successfully, but I tried to keep it alive in my heart...