Thank you for info on CBs, Mark! I had wondered about them, but thought that they may be unnecessary since I'm sticking mostly to highways and paved roads, but I definitely see the advantages the article highlights, as well as a thread on CB radios that I found here. I'll look for Andrew's column - though that's right about when I'll be heading out for my trip. Since it seems I wouldn't need a license to use one, I'm looking into CB and will see if I can swing one.
And I had seen the articles on road food! I think my favorite snack suggestion is the fruit and nuts combo along with some oatmeal cookies!
Thank you for the additional tips!