July 6, 2024
There are not many places on the John Steinbeck Travels with Charley tour where you know you are PRECISELY where Steinbeck and his companion Charley were, because so much has changed on the American highway system. Only a tiny fraction of the Interstate Highway System was in place when he traveled the country in his pickup camper.
This morning I crossed the great Yellowstone River 27 miles west of Glendive on old Highway 10. This bridge was of course in place in 1960. Because U.S. 10 has been reduced to mere “frontage road” status in this part of Montana, and therefore 99% of all traffic crosses the Yellowstone here on the four-lane interstate, I could actually stop my rig right in the middle of the steel bridge. A luxury.
Last night, Beach, North Dakota, the westernmost town in North Dakota. Tonight Billings, the largest city in Montana (population 120,000).
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Over the next few months, Clay is shadowing Steinbeck’s 10,000-mile trek around the USA (and making a few detours of his own). Clay’s expedition is a central part of LTA’s big initiative to explore the country and take the pulse of America as it approaches its 250th birthday. Be sure to follow Clay’s adventures here and on Facebook — and subscribe to our newsletter.