Mike revisits the library where he purchased the Steinbeck book that inspired his 2003 trip

On Saturday, March 13th, Mike attended the Westport Library's Book Sale, precisely seven years after attending the same type of event there and stumbling across the tattered copy of John Steinbeck's "Travels with Charley" adventure.

Mike's visit was an emotional one for him, as well as for the library staff and patrons who discussed the project with him. Mike was also photographed and interviewed there, the resulting story to be published in local newspapers.

Purchased for a quarter, this humble volume inspired Mike to buy his own camper, obtain a dozen sponsors to offset costs and follow Steinbeck's path around the country that fall. The journey would take him along 16,000 miles of American road and through 35 states and four provinces of Canada. Along the way, he interviewed 225 people, recorded his observations in 23 notebooks, took 665 photos and collected flora and fauna from each significant site he visited. Mike also conducted interviews all around the country with a couple dozen newspapers, two national magazines and a North Carolina-based CBS affiliate television station. The resulting manuscript, "Chasing Charley" is completely written and is being pitched to major publishing houses by Mike's agent, Weston, CT-based Bob Diforio. Stay tuned to Mike's blog site for progress updates about the book. The hope is that it gets picked up this year to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Steinbeck's 1960 journey. Mike will also be blogging about interviews, some of the local events at which he will be a featured VIP, and articles he has recently penned and submitted to magazines and newspapers.