Shane's parents drop him off at the train station with money and instructions to take the train to his Aunt Sophie's place for the holidays. The minute they drive off, he walks out again, leans against a pole, and throws out his thumb.
Having just turned eighteen, he is, as he regularly reminds himself, now a fully legal adult and quite capable of having his own adventure.
In the few days and nights it takes him to hitchhike all the way, he gets to know some very interesting people. Hippies, conmen, an ex-teacher ... and also the dog Jimmy. He learns there are more to people than meets the eye, and the world is rather bigger than his cosseted upbringing led him to believe.
By the time he arrives at Aunt Sophie's place, he has lost his virginity, acquired a dog and a cousin, and has the pleasing probability of a sweet summer romance to look forward to.