Pink Sharpie

So today on the bus I came across something brand new to me: A hitchhiker's sign. Standing at the bus stop were two French backpackers waiting for the bus to arrive. I didn't really pay that much attention to them considering I too was waiting for the bus and had adopted a slacking posture while staring off into the distance. We boarded the bus and I took my seat. Looking towards the front of the bus I saw one of the backpackers digging through his pockets looking for change. His packs were piled at the door keeping would-be passengers standing outside frying in the afternoon sunlight. His lady friend (I didn't know the extent of their relationship prior to this event, sorry.) got up to remove the bags from the doorway. With the bags she brought back a rectangular piece of cardboard. On it was written "BUNBURY" and below it "Thanks :)" Yeah she used an emoticon on her hitchhiking sign. I'd only ever seen those signs in movies and on tv. I'll admit her handwriting and use of a pink Sharpie would certainly indicate that she wasn't crazy..or would it? I dunno. They looked like a couple of decent kids to me. But why the "Thanks" on the board? Was she already thanking her ride for the trip they were about to share? I was a little confused at this gesture. I suppose no matter what your hitchhiking signs says, anything that doesn't say you're a crazy escaped mental patient with a love for sharing is well worth the pink Sharpie.