Hi everyone. I just discovered this forum and it looks to be a great resource. I'm planning a 3-week long road trip for the last 3 weeks of June, with twin goals of staying with lots of friends and family along the way and seeing some places and cities that I've never been to before. I've got the time (I'm taking this summer off before starting grad school in the fall), the cash, and the spirit, so I'm taking the plunge. Here is the rough itinerary (none of this is set in stone- this is just what I've come up with so far: suggestions very welcome). Also, needless to say, if I'm staying in a city for more than a day, it means I've got friends/family there and don't have to worry about motel costs or finding things to do (since they'll be able to show me around).

Day 1: Dallas, TX to Van Horn, TX
Day 2: Van Horn, TX to Benson, AZ
Day 3: Benson, AZ to San Diego, CA
Day 4: San Diego
Day 5: San Diego
Day 6: San Diego to Pasadena
Day 7: Pasadena
Day 8: Pasadena
Day 9: Pasadena to Hollywood (backtracking, I know, but I've got a friend there with whom it would be fun to party on a Friday night)
Day 10: Hollywood to Paso Robles, CA, via Santa Barbara [ie, the scenic route]
Day 11: Paso Robles, CA to San Francisco
Day 12: San Francisco
Day 13: San Francisco
Day 14: San Francisco to CA/Oregon border**
Day 15: CA/OR border to Portland, OR
Day 16: Portland
Day 17: Portland
Day 18: Portland to Seattle
Day 19: Seattle
Day 20: Seattle
Days 21-25: Seattle to Dallas**

Obviously, the two starred areas are where I need help. First, getting from San Francisco to Portland--I'm giving myself two days to do that, and would ideally like to visit a winery somewhere in California before crossing over into OR. Not sure about where to stay on that overnight.

Also, the trip back. I should note that I'll have a driving companion from Dallas to San Diego to Pasadena, and I'll also have a companion on the Portland to Seattle to Dallas portion. From LA to Portland I'll be alone, which is why I tried to space it out a bit more.

So, from Seattle to Dallas, with a companion, giving ourselves 5-6 days. We're not overly concerned with stopping at state parks or landmarks; we're more the types to appreciate the scenery from the car and find a nice town to crash in for the night. I was thinking: Seattle -> Boise -> SLC -> Cheyenne -> Pueblo -> Amarillo -> Dallas. According to Google maps that's a 36.5 hour drive, but given normal conditions, let's assume 45 or so. 9 hours a day. Doable? Or is this wishful thinking?

Thanks for reading this far!

Adrienne