Route 66 is the main road of exodus for those fleeing from the harsh economic and environmental conditions of the Dust Bowl, stretching from the Mississippi to Bakersfield, California. Chapter Twelve is a generalized vision of the harrowing journey west made by the displaced families. Thousands of people travel the highway, in constant fear over the state of their vehicles and their dwindling finances. Many are discouraged or run out of money. Their abandoned cars litter the highway. Yet, still more gather faith and strength from their fellow migrants and cling tenaciously to a narrow hope for a brighter future.
