“I am on a lonely road and I am traveling
Traveling, traveling, traveling
Looking for something, what can it be?
Oh, I hate you some, I hate you some, I love you some
Oh, I love you when I forget about me“

–Joni Mitchell ‘All I Want‘ – –

Released: 1971

Album: Blue

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Hitting the Road for Charley

As an old dude who sometimes prefers the comfort of my recliner, getting on the road for an adventure isn’t my usual cup of tea. But ever since I read “Travels with Charley,” I’ve had a soft spot for Steinbeck’s trusty poodle and the old GMC they traveled in. After all, I AM the ‘Chuckster’! So, when I found myself in California’s Central Valley, the allure of visiting the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas was too strong to resist.

Arriving in Salinas

Driving down the Highway on a warm July day, I finally made it to Salinas. As I pulled into the parking lot of the National Steinbeck Center, my heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t just any museum visit; this was a pilgrimage. The first thing that greeted me was a massive map outside the entrance, charting the locations of Steinbeck’s works. I couldn’t help but grin, thinking of Charley trotting beside Steinbeck through these very streets.

Inside the Center

Entering the cool, air-conditioned lobby, I was drawn to the 15-minute documentary playing in the theater on the right. It was a welcome reprieve from the warm Salinas sun and offered a fascinating glimpse into Steinbeck’s life. Across the lobby, the exhibition space beckoned, promising a treasure trove of Steinbeck’s world.

The GMC and Charley

I practically ran to the “Travels with Charley” exhibit. There it was – the legendary GMC pick-up truck! Seeing Rocinante in person was a surreal experience. It felt like meeting an old friend. I could literally see Charley’s nose pressed against the window, his eyes scanning the horizon for new adventures. Steinbeck once wrote, “A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike.” Standing there, I understood exactly what he meant.

Steinbeck’s World

The museum was more interactive and detailed than I’d imagined. There were enormous maps charting Steinbeck’s travels, including a detailed map of “Travels with Charley.” Walking through the exhibits felt like stepping into Steinbeck’s novels. I was a “walk-on” in his stories, surrounded by quotes, background information, and visuals that brought his works to life.

The Heart of the Museum

The exhibit covering “East of Eden” featured a movie playing on a loop. I could have stayed for hours, absorbed in the story. But there was so much more to see. Each novel had its own dedicated space, with movie excerpts and interviews playing on screens. I felt elated; like a clown in a big shoe factory, stepping into Steinbeck’s worn old slippers.

Steinbeck’s Legacy

One of the highlights was watching Steinbeck’s Nobel Prize acceptance speech. His words resonated deeply: “A writer out of loneliness is trying to communicate like a distant star sending signals.” It was a poignant reminder of Steinbeck’s humanity and his ability to connect with readers across generations.

The Journey Continues

Before leaving, I spent some time in the museum’s shop, picking up a few souvenirs to remember the trip. As I stepped out into the Salinas sun, I realized that my journey with Steinbeck and Charley wasn’t over. The road beckoned, full of possibilities. As Steinbeck wrote, “We do not take a trip; a trip takes us.” This trip had certainly taken me, and I was grateful for every moment.

Downtown Salinas

Downtown Salinas had a cozy ‘’America’s hometown’ feel. I felt as if I had stepped back in time a few decades. There was a farmer’s market going on, where a city block was sectioned off. I wandered the market and checked out some down town shops. The Great British Baking Shop was closed, but I found a pastry stand at the market where I chowed down a few bites before heading on down the road.

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Hitting the Road

Leaving Salinas with a heart full of Steinbeck memories, I couldn’t resist the call of the coast. I hopped back into my car, feeling an uncharacteristic surge of adventure. The Monterey Peninsula, with its famed 17-Mile Drive, was next on my list. It was a cool, foggy afternoon – the perfect setting for a lazy drive.

An Afternoon with Joni

Though the narration of the ‘Travels with Charlie’ audiobook, had been great for the golden miles, the surreal beauty of the the California Coast was calling for music, and begging for some Joni Mitchell. I pulled up her album ‘Blue’ on Spotify and immersed myself with her melodic voice and soothing dulcimer.

Into the Fog

As I left the valley and headed towards the coast, the fog rolled in, wrapping the landscape in a mystical shroud. It felt like driving through one of Steinbeck’s stories, where every twist in the road held a new surprise. The road wound its way through the Del Monte Forest, with towering cypress trees creating a natural cathedral overhead. This was such a huge contrast to the searing desert sun of my home state.

Pebble Beach

The first major landmark was Pebble Beach. The famous golf course emerged from the fog, its manicured greens contrasting with the rugged coastline. I pulled over at one of the scenic viewpoints and stepped out to breathe in the salty sea air. The waves crashed against the rocks below, sending up a fine mist. It was easy to imagine old Charley sniffing around, intrigued by the unfamiliar scents.

Whispering Winds

Further along, I came upon the Ghost Trees at Pescadero Point. Their twisted, bleached forms stood stark against the foggy backdrop, looking like something out of a gothic novel. The wind whispered through the branches, creating an eerie yet enchanting atmosphere. It was the kind of place that Charley would have loved – full of mystery and stories waiting to be uncovered.

Reflections

As I sat on a bench overlooking the bay, I reflected on my day. From the National Steinbeck Center to the foggy cliffs of the Monterey Peninsula, it felt like I had stepped into a different world – one where the spirit of Steinbeck and Charley was alive and well. Steinbeck once wrote, “People don’t take trips, trips take people.” This trip had certainly taken me, drawing me out of my usual routine and into a true American adventure.

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Final Thoughts

This drive along the 17-Mile Drive had been a fitting sequel to my visit to the Steinbeck Center. It was a reminder of the beauty and wonder that still exists in the world, waiting to be discovered by anyone willing to take the journey. For this couch potato turned adventurer, it was a day well spent, full of memories and moments that would last a lifetime.

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Continuing the theme of ‘ranking’ the experience, I am using a similar scale to the one I have been using for ‘Transportation Options’. This scale I will use for ‘Destination Options’, ranking the destination/itinerary for a future cross country ‘American Trek’ as has been spoken about here on this blog.

All factors are on a scale of 1 (bad) – 10 (Fantastic).

Cost Factor: 8 – I spent about 12£ to get in the Steinbeck Museum. There was a slight fee the 17 mile drive association charged to access the route. I reserved a very reasonable rental car to make the round trip from San Jose Airport. Even with lunch included, the entire afternoon cost me less than 77.5£. This was worth every pence.

American Experience Factor: 10 – Steinbeck, Rocinante, Pebble Beach!!! The American Experience was outstanding!

Social Interaction Factor: 6

UK Traveler Abroad Factor: 5 – OK, the Great British Bake shop was closed, otherwise this might have garnered more points. But I am going to crank up a few points because of the incredible coastal drive in the fog. The atmosphere was very much as if driving on a coast in the UK.

Overall Rating: 29, as the first ‘destination’ ranked, a high bar has been established.

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Do you have any destinations or ‘means’ of transportation you would like us to explore on this blog? Let us know in the comments below. Eventually we are going to commence this ‘American Beagle’ journey in earnest, so plans are still formulating.

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Cheers, nca