I need help planning a roadtrip on I-10

[EStone87]

Dear Forum,
About a week ago, some buddies of mine were talking, and we decided to take a roadtrip. At first, we wanted to go see a favorite band in Pittsburg. That isn't going to work. Then we wanted to buy some plane tickets and go to the bahamas. That isn't going to work either. Then, we thought long and hard and I said "lets go to the desert". So, we decided we wanted to take a road trip on I-10. We wanted to go all the way to El Paso and then over in to Mexico. We also thought that if we get tired of desert before we get to El Paso, we would just turn south and go to Mexico. That is kind of the plan so so far. We'll each have about $600 to $700 to spend, and we wanted to take about 7 or 8 days for this trip (maybe a day or two longer) Now consider this forum, this is going to be a trip of four strapping young chaps in the age group of very early twenties. We can find fun and humor in the stupidest things. We love the outdoors and we love adventure. We're in to cheap hotels and big steaks! Does anyone know some cool stuff to do or see while on this route? Does anyone have any safety precautions when it comes to somthing like camping in the desert? We're just of bunch of gringos that don't know much. Luckily, we do have an Eagle Scout who can speak fluent spanish. That's a plus I'm sure. We need all the help we can get. Please help! Sincerely,
Fellow roadtrip enthusiest (however you spell it, as you may have noticed, I am not the greatest speler)

[Mark Sedenquist]

About a week ago, some buddies of mine were talking, and we decided to take a roadtrip.

Deciding to do it, is a good first step.

So, we decided we wanted to take a road trip on I-10. We wanted to go all the way to El Paso and then over in to Mexico. We also thought that if we get tired of desert before we get to El Paso, we would just turn south and go to Mexico.

Where are you starting from? You can't drive into Mexico without Mexican car insurance and even then it is fraught with problems. Although it is already getting quite warm -- I would suggest going down to Big Bend NP -- hanging out in Terlingua -- have dinner at the Starlight Theatre and WALK across the border. Also look at this other I-10 thread.

[Robert Schaller]

For the steaks, there's always the Big Texan in Amarillo -- you'll see the signs. Eat the whole thing (only 72 ounces) and it's free. There's a challenge for you...

Desert camping: Take slithery critter precautions. Shake your shoes out before you put them back on, sleep up off the ground if you can (get a cot). If a rattlesnake crawls into your sleeping bag with you, don't make any quick moves... Don't expect it to be too hot in the desert at night either -- it can get colder than you expect once the warmth leaves the ground late at night.

[Mark Sedenquist]

Take slithery critter precautions. Shake your shoes out before you put them back on, sleep up off the ground if you can (get a cot). If a rattlesnake crawls into your sleeping bag with you, don't make any quick moves...

Oh good advice! I would like to watch you follow that recommendation! Another place to watch out was supplied by Mark Holmes this week.

[Robert Schaller]

They're probably attracted to the "warmth!"

[Mark Sedenquist]

They're probably attracted to the "warmth!"

Nah, they are just looking for a good cuddle. ...Oh. I get it. Warmth... yes, but you still have to look at the photo to gain understanding....