Book I, Part I - Desolation in Solitude: Chapters 35 - 40 Summary

The previous lightning storm that occurred not far from Desolation Peak didn't cause much damage because it was followed by rains that banked the fires or put them out altogether. Messages across the radio let Kerouac know that there are more lightning storms in the air that are not accompanied by rain or the promise of rain. Smoke billows from various points, the high winds masking the fire's true point of origin or direction. All one can do is wait.

Voices across the radio claim fires as if they were possessions. Kerouac notes a sense of jealousy over "owning" a fire and the disappointment if one fire is mistakenly attributed to another then reassigned. Much talk exists about location and who will be the one...