So here is my brilliant plan -

My girlfriend of 6 years and I want to make 1 great trip to discover the "Great Outdoors" before we reach the responsible age of 30 which is creeping up on us at a depressingly fast pace! We have scheduled this soul searching event for the last 2 weeks of September this year.

This is what we know - we want to go from Houston on Friday and drive to Denver, were we will visit an old friend for a night out in Mile High.

From Denver we want to go to Yellowstone somewhat quickly, but all the will driving on some scenic byways and camp at the most beautiful spot our incredibly tight budget will allow.

From Yellowstone (or somewhere in the vicinity) we will go to Seattle to meet some other old friends and plan a weekend in British Columbia for the 4 of us. This will be the expected climax of our trip, we want to see and do everything! (Neither 1 of us has ever been that far north or in the mountains and can't wait!!!)

From Victoria, Vancouver, or whatever, we will drive on back. Preferably not the same way we went.

Now so far we have some brochures from some of the states but that is about it, and every time we try to get started on planning, I suddenly develop A.D.D.

I guess I would like to ask anyone out there who has visited or lives in any of the before mentioned areas for a little advice on where we should start our research and how to stretch a buck along the way. I'm set on camping but I know my wonderful girlfriend will not find the same enjoyment I would in conversing with nature for 2 straight weeks. And 2 weeks of stress and bickering will sort of defeat the purpose. Not to mention it could be a real possibility that I could end up sitin' tight on the side of the road far, far away from home if things go a rye...

As we are from Houston, we have NO IDEA what "seasons" are, some weather info for that time of the year would be appreciated. And maybe some tips on how to make the most of the early fall in the northern areas would be helpful.

We would also like to hear from anyone who may know of some unique places to stay or camp along the way.

I sure would appreciate any help I could get from someone for whom I've never met before in my life through this wonderful and gracious internet forum!

Thanks in advance and I apologize for the rambling length of this topic of discussion!