As I near the end of Travels with Charley (see posts on February 25 & 27), John Steinbeck finally diverts his mind from the people, cities and roads that he encounters on his cross-country trip and turns to ecology while enjoying a cold beer in the Mojave Desert. Ironically, this diversion begins as he spots two coyotes in the distance; inclined to shoot the "varmints," he then decides to leave dog food for them (neither appropriate from a naturalist's point of view).
Nevertheless, he devotes most of that section to describing the plants and animals that reside in the harsh environment and how they adapt to the intense heat and lack of water. Going beyond the facts of desert biology, Steinbeck surmises that these hardy species will likely be the last to succumb to our gradual destruction of the planet and the first to rebound from our careless stewardship. Prescient words in 1960!
All in all, it turned out to be an enjoyable journey with this renowned author who would die at 66 within six years of his road trip. We would all do well to follow his example and explore the fabulous diversity of America while we can. I highly recommend the book.
