In 1960 world renowned American author John Steinbeck took a trip of 10,000 miles to see if his country had changed much at ground level since he had become so well known. Steinbeck wasn't sure when he began what he would do with all of his notes. What came out was one of the twentieth centuries most fascinating travelogues. While he seemed not to be ill during his journey, he told others that indeed, he knew he was dying at this time. If that is so, it only lends poignancy to the personal tale of man and dog searching out roots and finding their way together, perhaps one last time.
I picked up this book in preparation for the journey Mona and I are preparing to take, traveling over the US and Canada as we live out our retirement on the road. While our vehicle will be somewhat more comfortable than Steinbeck's custom made Rosinante, and we have no animals to take with us, we expect to discover nuances of the North american continent wherever we go.
And while Steinbeck mourned the loss of regional identity in 1962, when the book was published (McDonald's was only beginning it's world conquering tour, though Coke was already a standard everywhere) I think we'll find plenty of local color, and wisdom, left now over fifty years later. America had, and has, much to offer the traveler, and comparing Steinbeck's journey with ours will be a special treat.
-Ken
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