Novice driver advice needed

You're right and you're wrong Sid.
You DID have something to add.
And you reminded me to suggest Patti check out BOOKS ON TAPE for her journey.
MAN-O-MAN, .....there's a bunch of titles to choose from. Some of them can last 500 miles @ 60 mph. Some can make you laugh, and some can help you go that extra mile, and STILL not want to turn them off.

And here's the kicker, ------------
YOU, yes YOU, can RENT them along the way from MOST Major Big Truck Truck Stops.
They're liberal in their time limits too.
I got my membership from the Flying J chain. A good deal I think. Something like $3 to join and $5 off my first rental.
Learned ALL about the Civil War while crossing New Mexico and Arizona.
Yes we did.
Check out who narrates them.

Oh, and you might want to brush up on CB lingo.
10-4?

 

Your Welcome PattiWhack!
And, BTW, the route I suggested is several miles shorter than taking I-90 to Chicago then dropping down.

 

Patti,
Good luck with the trip. If you are a AAA member, use one of your membership benes and get a tourbook for every state you plan on sleeping in, they have listings for motels,hotels and they list which ones accept pets.

As for your route, my only advice is that, if you run I40 (from knoxville to NC) just be careful going through the gorge, esp coming down the 'big hill' into Asheville; downshift and control your speed. Last time thru there, a redneck piloted- U haul ignored the lower speed warnings and got himself a police escort to the bottom.
And if you choose to run I77 (from I64), it is nice and hilly, so caution will be required there as well. And I77 is toll road from Charlestown to about the 30MM in WV. If you do decide to take that route, stop in Mt. Airy NC, at Brintle's truck stop (MM100, if memory serves); they make some of the best Coconut cream pie around.
And of course, don't forget your camera and a few memory sticks (or extra film, if you have an SLR); if you are a Sam's club member, you can get those pics developed in one hour for around 15-16 cents each.

Good luck and be safe!

 

Oh MaN!
You hadda go and mention Coconut cream pie, didncha?

 

During your travels, and before. Look for Motel 6 The rates are cheap, and they allow pets for a measly $5 extra.

Me and the wife had to take a car from Bakersfield, CA to Dallas, TX with our dog. The Motel 6 was the easist to plan for, and much easier on the wallet.

Go online, an get a directory of potential stop over points, and you're set.

 

It gets worse, my first time stopping there, I tried it (and of course, it was great). However, a bunch of times after the first stop, they had ran out of it!

Talk about teasing a fat guy...

 

There oughta be a law against that.

 

Glad I could help you out. You did say you were taking a dog along. Well we got two little dogs that ride in the truck with us, so mayube I can give you a few hints. My dogs will relieve themselves pretty much anywhere I take them, but they prefer rest areas ( more grass, room to run around, not so much traffic). Make sure that your dog has access to water and food. But hold off at first till you know if they are going to be Truck Sick. A nice place for them to lay down and sleep. If their not used to traveling then they will be scared every time you leave your vehicle, a few familiar toys should help with that, plus some loving from you. Take your dog out before you leave them to go in and eat or whatever. It will help familirize them with the place plus wear them out a bit.... Good Luck