Hard times even when you're living off the land

NORTH CANAAN — Is it a sign of the times or of individual circumstances? Certainly, it’s unusual to see hitchhikers and folks sitting on the side of the road with a sign that proclaims they need work, or help, or food. Or socks.

Tuesday afternoon found Joaquin and his grown daughter, Nina, sitting in the shade near the intersection of routes 7 and 44, along with some meager possessions and a handsome, well-mannered white shepherd/wolf mix named Polaris. Two weeks ago, they left Putney, Vt., headed as they do every year for the Woodstock reunion in Bethel, N.Y., at the original site on Max Yasgur’s farm.

With his tie-dyed shirt, long and scraggly hair, beard and hiking boots, Joaquin looks every bit the self-proclaimed hippie “Dead Head.� Nina sits quietly. Her dad says she has a learning disability.

Their presence on the roadside here likely served as a reminder that times are tough, and few are untouched by the uncertainty.  This year is different even for people like Joaquin and Nina, who lead a year-round lifestyle that is far from extravagant.

“We’re homeless now,� Joaquin confides. “Our landlady, old ‘Dead Head’ Patty, the original hippie, died a month and a half ago. We were renting half a school bus for $100 a month. We couldn’t find another place because of the dog.�

So, they hit the road, a familiar place where they can always find a ride. In Vermont, at least, they never have to wait more than five minutes. It takes a little longer here, Joaquin said. In a wallet hanging from his neck, he carries photo IDs for both of them.

“The cops never bother us. If they stop, I show them the IDs so they know there are no warrants for us. As long as we stay off the highway, there’s no law against hitchhiking.�

Indeed, just moments later, a state trooper passes, slowed by traffic at the light. He gives a wave and goes on.

Joaquin looks to pick up odd jobs, landscaping, painting, any basic labor to earn a little cash for food, or socks. He hasn’t found much along the way, and that is definitely a sign of the times.

“In Vermont, I work for wealthy people doing all kinds of jobs. I’ve been cut back to a three-day work week. Everyone is looking for ways to save money.�

He used to work in a shelter/soup kitchen, where the director recently told him they have seen a 50 percent increase in the number of people they help.

Their plan now is to return to Vermont in August, where a $687 Social Security check will be waiting for Nina. They know of a rental in Bennington for which it will be more than enough.

“Right now, we’re just killing time on the road. What else can we do?�