The Road of Flight

Steinbeck dedicated chapter twelve of Grapes to Route 66, the road of flight for dust bowl refugees seeking the promise of something better in California. The chapter traces Route 66, its terrain, its places, its challenges, the experiences of its desperate travellers, from the Joad family home in Oklahoma all the way to Los Angeles.

The story of the road is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Thousands fail to reach California. Their money runs out, their jalopies break down, their will expires — and often their lives. But for those who persevere, who are clever, resourceful and lucky, something better surely awaits them at the end of the road.

And so they make their way, through it all. They are nearly through the expanses of New Mexico and Arizona, where a new obstacle rises out of the hot, flat, dry land.

This photograph captures the look back on those sun rotted mountains. The end of Arizona. Sitgreaves Pass would have ended many a jalopy’s life. For those who managed to get over, this would have been a welcome look back, another barrier bested, with the green reeds of the Colorado just ahead. And beyond that?

A pretty little town is Needles, yes, but beyond it lies California’s Mojave, the terrible desert. Many more vehicles would overheat there, tires would shred, refugees would mark their last days beside the Mother Road.

Best not think about that, not just yet. There’s a pretty little town, and more water than you’ve seen for miles and miles. A chance for respite before continuing the flight.

And best not think about what lies in wait in the pilgrimage’s fictional promised land.