Thank you for the responses. I guess it was a bit naive to think that I could scoop up some work along the way. But that sure isn't gonna stop me.

This is how the trips starting to look: I'm leaving from Long Island, NY, then heading towards to Chicago (never been). After that I'll drive to the Badlands, then Grand Teton/Yellowstone (probably just Teton). I have friends in Portland, Oregon, so I'd like to make it make it out there and stay for about a week. There is a whole lot of space in between Yellowstone and Portland, any thoughts? After Portland I want to head to Utah to see some family in Dutch John (right outside of Flaming Gorge. Cool area). At this point, depending on how the funds are doing I would like to head down to Canyonlands National Park, or maybe Bryce Canyon. On my way back East I'd like to stop and see a friend in Boulder, CO.

It sounds huge, and almost unrealistic when I write it out, but I have plenty of money saved up and a good reliable car (2005 Subaru Outback). I'd like to camp 90% of the time, cook almost all of my own food, and live very simply. I think I should probably purchase a National Parks pass. Is it still $80.00?

None of this is set in stone. And why should it be? There are certaintly plenty of gaps in my plan--time for exploration. I'm not sure how long I would like to stay at each place yet, or even how long the trip will last. I'd like to have a loose plan, but really want to keep things fairly spontanious. Any suggestions?

I'd like to do some backcountry camping along the way. Has anyone done solo backpacking in any of the parks I have mentioned? I gotta say that I'm grateful for finding this site. It rules. Thanks for your help.