24 Comments
Feb 23Liked by Bailey Richardson

Thank you for Pigasus and Steinbeck’s gallery of dogs. “Charles le chien “ as Steinbeck called Charley, became my obsession after we adopted our first dog and I read TRAVELS for the first time. Charley was old and needed veterinary care on the journey. He died not long after. Although his appearances in the book are surprisingly brief, each one is lovingly observed. Charley’s pee is described as “a blessing” of the ground.

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Yes, Charley was a true French poodle!! Has the birth certificate to prove it 😆

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truly bodacious article ! Muchos Gracias !

Here’s link to an excellent article re the rescue of Rocinante

There is also another can round up - a truly rare tour inside the truck

including the details of the complete restoration process

http://www.thecamperbook.com/man-saved-john-steinbecks-van/

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Mar 3Liked by Bailey Richardson

And here's a little video on the restoration of the Western Flyer from SEA OF CORTEZ.

https://www.facebook.com/bereacollegefoc/videos/741233136279907/

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gracias amigo - already had a SneakPeek via the link ! Knew of this astonishing ship.. and have yet to really set sail in the Flyer.. knowing has to be wild and wooly - seagoing vessels are like that is my perspective - without fail ! I describe folks capable of ‘going to sea’ - watermen & waterwomen .. even lasses & lads.. Also adore Fiction set in dramatic environs.. Will report back from the tale.. on my radar today.. for sure ! 🏴‍☠️🦎🇨🇦🎬

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Feb 23Liked by Bailey Richardson

When I was in France in May/June 1968 during “Les Evenements” when the Sorbonne had been taken over by the students - Les “enrages” et “gauchists” in the grande auditorium they played the movie of his “Grapes of Wrath” continually for months to an audience poor students, workers and visitors from all over the world as a national cry for justice ! Between showings they would talk about why they were on “mass strike” and would share their own personal stories. It was the first time I had ever seen the movie or even heard about the book or John Steinbeck!!???

Thank you so much for your wonderful writings about him, packed with so many terrific details and such praise - especially his Nobel Lauriat talk.

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My mother used to read Travels with Charlie out loud when I was very young and we were traveling… It was delightful even though I was wasn’t old enough to understand much of it. Thanks for this.

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Feb 23Liked by Bailey Richardson

I grew up in Salinas and I am very familiar with John Steinbeck. I had forgotten about the Pigasus! There is now a Steinbeck Museum in Salinas. They have Rocinante there. Thank you for this article about him.

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I grew up in Los Gatos where he also lived for quite a while! I hear you can get a Pigasus stamp from John’s personal stamp at the Steinbeck center...

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Feb 23Liked by Bailey Richardson

Also, the family home in the picture is a restaurant.

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Feb 25Liked by Bailey Richardson

I can not tell you how much I enjoyed reading this. Thank you.

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Feb 25Liked by Bailey Richardson

What a great story about the flying Pigasus. Loved seeing all the photos you pulled, too.

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Feb 24Liked by Bailey Richardson

I never knew about Pigasus! What a great post - and great pups!

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Feb 24Liked by Bailey Richardson

These profiles are always so good.

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Feb 24Liked by Bailey Richardson

Love Pigasus! Another great post, Bailey!

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Feb 24Liked by Bailey Richardson

Oh thank you! What a delight to read about Steinbeck. One of my favorite authors.

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Lovely article thank you. Even mentioned the Beach Boys?

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Mar 3Liked by Bailey Richardson

I had seen the word Pigasus somewhere but had no idea where it came from. Thanks!

I had a little Steinbeck digression here.

https://randallhayes.substack.com/p/so-many-zingers

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Feb 24Liked by Bailey Richardson

Heart filling.

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Feb 23Liked by Bailey Richardson

I haven't even read this yet but I am already going to say thank you and how excited I am. Steinbeck is my favorite, and this has so much in it.

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Steinbeck’s sensibilities for people’s attachment to animals is deep in Of Mice and Men. From the moment the ranch hand shoots the old dog to the moment Lenny asks George a final time to “tell me about the rabbits,” it demonstrates his complex understanding of human nature, human failing, intentions so pure that go so wrong. It haunts me. “Why did you have to get killed?” Lenny asks the rabbit and the girl. Steinbeck is a wonder—Pigasus, indeed.

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