Leaving in 6 days...final questions.

[Mark Sedenquist]

My wife and I are going on a "trip of a lifetime" this summer. She is from Vancouver and hasn't been "home" in 7 years, so we are going to go visit her family (I haven't met most of them). We were going to fly there, but a co-worker convinced me that we should drive. I am a teacher and have June and July off. My co-worker is 65, my wife and I are in our early 40's, he wishes he were young enough to take such a trip, so before I let life pass me by I want to take this trip.

Welcome to the Great American RoadTrip and to the start of a trip of a lifetime!

We have sat down and planned our trip to a certain degree, but there are many questions and concerns that we have. Here is what we have so far: From New Orleans we plan on driving to Oklahoma City. It's a rather long drive, but I'm thinking the adrenaline will be flowing and why not knock this chunk out early. Nothing in Oklahoma City but rest.

Good thing, since this first leg is 700 miles and it will require about twelve hours of travel.

From Cheyenne to Silver City, South Dakota. I must see Mount Rushmore. Question: Are the Black Hills and the Badlands worth the time considering the remainder of the trip?

I have always found the Badlands to be far more interesting than Mt. Rushmore -- here is an excellent field report from the area written by Peter Thody. While in the badlands, turn on the local native american radio stations -- very interesting language patterns.

The next stop will be Yellowstone. Question: How many days should we take for Yellowstone?

I would spend a week if you could. There are two resources that I think will give you a great insight into Yellowstone. The first is an audiobook read by the author -- Tim Cahill and the second is this book.

Question: How many days to spend in Glacier?

I was only able to spend most of one day there last July -- it was pretty awesome. Take the time to do the side-trip the Bison Preserve -- you will never forget it!

Question: Will I need a passport?[/U] My wife has one, but I don't.

Technically, USA citizens won't need one, but given all that is going on, I wouldn't chance it. Here are some great links to current info on this touchy subject. Moderator Judy found these!

If I did anything wrong, I apologize, this is my first post and my first time to the site. I was reading the JimiHendrix thread and decided to post.
Thanks so much,

Lurkers are always welcome -- but we love the posters!

Mark