LTA’S 2024 TRAVELS WITH CHARLEY ROAD TRIP
Beginning this spring, Clay is following John Steinbeck’s 10,000-mile trek around the USA (and making a few fascinating detours of his own). Traveling in a 23-foot Airstream, Clay’s expedition is a central part of LTA’s big initiative to take the pulse of America as it approaches its 250th birthday. You can follow Clay’s Steinbeck-related adventures in the stories and videos linked below and on the LTA Facebook site. Also, subscribe to our newsletter.
Map of Steinbeck’s 1960 journey around the USA on display at the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, Calif.
Grasslands Renaissance on the Great Plains
Tuesday, July 02 2024
A visit with author, falconer and pioneering regenerative rancher Dan O’Brien on his remarkable Cheyenne River Buffalo Ranch.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
Sag Harbor to Bismarck: What I’m Learning About John Steinbeck and His “Search of America”
Sunday, June 30 2024
This spring, Clay departed Sag Harbor, New York, on an expedition to follow John Steinbeck's 1960 cross-country trek immortalized in Travels with Charley. Recently, after completing the first phase of the trip, Clay reflects on what he's learned about Steinbeck and how he now sees the story behind the classic travelogue.
- Published in Features
The Best John Steinbeck Biographies, Part I
Tuesday, June 11 2024
As Clay prepares for the second leg of his Travels with Charley journey, Russ Eagle calls out the best John Steinbeck biographies.
- Published in Books
Back Home and Planning Phase Two of the Great John Steinbeck Tour of America
Tuesday, June 11 2024
Well, I’m home now for a few weeks, writing up my travels and planning Phase Two of the great John Steinbeck Travels with Charley tour of America, which begins in the second week of July.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
John Steinbeck Among the French Canadian Harvest Gypsies
Tuesday, June 04 2024
In my second week of travels, I drove up much of the length of Maine, because in 1960 John Steinbeck was determined to touch the roof of the United States before turning west, and I reckoned you aren’t really fulfilling the mission unless you follow his path.
- Published in Features
Tortilla Flat: Steinbeck’s Early Years
Monday, June 03 2024
Steinbeck struggles against poverty, but the publication of Tortilla Flat changes everything.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
Clay drops in at Sagamore Hill, Theodore Roosevelt’s Beloved Home on Long Island — Video Dispatch
Monday, June 03 2024
Clay visits Sagamore Hill, Theodore Roosevelt’s home on Long Island.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
Two Views of the Nightmare Road to Athens, Ohio
Monday, May 27 2024
Was it Google Maps that led me astray? Last week, on the way to Athens, Ohio, I took a wrong turn.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
Pondering Thomas Jefferson at Niagara Falls
Monday, May 27 2024
Thomas Jefferson said it is worth a trip across the Atlantic to see Niagara Falls. Although he never got there.
- Published in Dispatches from the Road
Assessing My Steinbeck Trip at Week Four
Sunday, May 26 2024
It has been about four weeks since Clay began retracing John Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley Tour, shadowing the famous author’s 10,000-mile trek around the USA. Clay makes some observations on the difference between his trip in 2024 and Steinbeck’s 1960 journey.
- Published in Features