Funny, I actually live in Napa. So unless you're going up and then down again, you'll have to go over the 80 at some point. March could be just as bad as now regarding the snow going over Donner's pass. I assume you're go from SLO to here, and taking the 101 is slow, but prettier (and more cops, be careful in King County). From the 101 take the 680 to the 12 to Hwy 29. You might get other directions from Google, but that's the easiest less traffic jammed route. Be careful about the times you're driving. Google maps (at least out here) has pretty reliable real time traffic maps if you use your smartphone.

And there are things to do here that don't involve wine. The vines are all dormant, but it's still pretty if you do a driving tour. Napa is more expensive than you're used to, but you pay for what you get, mostly. So when you go to the Oxbow and pay $15 for 9 chocolates, it's totally worth it (and do go to the Oxbow). If you're into wine, there are some places here that you can still get free tastings *if* you're a local. There are a couple places to hike. The touristy areas are more up valley, but the city of Napa is actually getting some more things to do. Definitely go into San Francisco!!! It's really a wonderful city. It's about an hour away. There are some cool, free things to do in the bay area, but you have to go during the week to not be totally bombarded with other tourists (like Muir Woods).

And if you're thinking about living here at all, the rent and cost of living is high, but what you get paid makes up for it.

I have been a widow for 15 years and for the last 13 I have driven a 35 ft motorhome and hauled a car. I did this all by myself and traveled from east to west coast in the U.S. I traveled Hwy 10 all the way out taking side trips down to the ocean. I also did Hwy 40, but that was in the fall when the weather was good.

Enjoy your travels stop and enjoy the scenery. Texas is a hughe state and the longest to get through. After San Antonio there isn't much in the way of anything. So make sure you have a destination with a motel before you start out. Texas is 800 and some odd miles wide. All open desert with some hills in between.

Will follow your travels and remember all the places I saw and loved. Barbara

May all your dreams come true, make the most of your 12 weeks.( I am soooo jealous).

Good for you!! Count me among the many here that hope you'll find the answers that are best for you.

For travel - don't take Interstate 10 across Texas. That is the worst drive I ever had to make and it took forever to finish it. The terrain in west Texas is boring and its just a very hard way to go. I think you'd really have to go out of your way to take it, but thats the only advice I'll give on that subject. on our return trip, we drove through parts of central and northern New Mexico and then came back into Texas in the northern part and it was a much better trip than the first one.

Happy trails and travel safe, EE

The last time I was in San Fran I walked from fishermans wharf to ghiradelli square for a hot fudge sundae. Boy did my thighs burn from those hills!! But it was so worth the burn Will definitely do the wharf. Love, love seafood..

Thank you, Barbara, for the inspiration. I needed that. Your story brought tears to my eyes. A trip of a lifetime....with Jesus as my co-pilot, I will arrive!!

I left my home town of van Wert, OH on 1/7 /13. Stayed with a friend the first night in Indianapolis. Got up on the 8th and drove to Joplin, Missouri before getting a room at a LaQuinta. Woke up on the 9th and drove as far as
Tucumcari New Mexico. I stayed in a LaQuinta here too. On the 10th I made it to Kingman, Az. Where I stayed in a Marriott. By 4pm on the 11th I arrived in Santa Ana, CA and got the best hug from my baby brother. I had one "faux paus" driving and hit some "iffy" weather at times but I was so proud of myself. Day 2 woke up and wondered what in the heck had I done?! With so many miles down, it was too late to turn back now!! So it was time to motor on wearing my "big girl panties." I drove as far north as Napa and as far south as Bisbee, Az. I pulled back into my driveway at home on March 19th, I realized that I had traveled 8700 miles, depending only on myself and the greatest pilot ever........our almighty father. My son flew out to ride home with me. Some bonding time. We left for home on the 3/16 and arrived home on the 19th. 8700 miles.....Alone!! It was awesome.

I'm a little confused. Did this trip entail 2 months or 14 months?

Doc (Who's also been to Kingman, AZ)

Girl I don't care if it was this year or last year !! Way to go....what courage

What did you decide about your marriage ?

When I was 10 and my dad was in the Air Force we drove from Alaska to Florida....sure wish I had been older so I would have enjoyed it more !

Debi from Georgia

Good trip for you. I've been to most all of the places and more that you went to.