I run into interesting people when I'm travelling. One that was most interesting was Igor Sikorsky.

I was hitchhiking from Framingham, Mass. on my way to Plymouth, Moss. Josephine and I had rented a house where the Pilgrims landed in 1620. The back yard was about and acre and we enjoyed our stay there.

The man who picked me up and took me to Plymouth was Igor Sikorsky. He is best known for developing a commercial multimotor plane, but was also interested in the helicopter.

He told me about fishing from the helicopter in Boston Bay. He was born in Russia, and immigrated to America in 1919 and was naturalized in 1928.

He set a world's endurance record for sustained flight in a helicopter of his own design. He is also know for his work on the development of the helicopter in 1968, for which he was awarded the National Medal of Science.

Touring on a budget

Here are some suggestions for going across country for $17.22 by Turner Piker.

How to save on food. Outdoor cooking presents many opportunities for economies. Dandelion weeds cooked with tree bark are both tasty and filling. If you are lucky enough to camp near a garbage dump, you are likely to find tons of nutritious leftovers, such as potato peelings, loaded with vitamins and delicious. The Chinese long ago learned that a diet of rice and locusts kept them healthy and mentally alert.

How to save on hotel bills. Man made the hotels, but God made the trees, so why not sleep in them and feel closer to your Maker? It takes only a little practice--an occasional 30-foot fall or two--to learn that you must not turn in your sleep. Until I became acquainted with this healthful and money-saving habit, little did I dream how well meaning my friends were when they told me to go climb a tree.

How to save on gasoline. Learn to take advantage of every opportunity. When traveling bumper to bumper in heavy traffic, shut off you motor and let the car behind you push. He won't know the difference and you can cover miles for free. I once traveled that way from the Holland Tunnel to Pittsburgh and only had to start up the motor a few times so I could get to a men's room.

How to save on admission charges. Go to your doctor and ask him to give you a note certifying that your wife is actually your 9-year-old daughter suffering from a glandular disorder. This will get her into amusement parks, scenic attractions and boat rides at half price. If you have children under five, they can be hidden in suitcases. (Note: Breathing holes a must!)

Dr. A.O. Goldsmith of Kennett is a retired director of the School of Journalism, Louisiana State University.