Plan my trip -- Atlanta, GA to Monterey, CA

[Ike T]

Just like the title says, I want you to plan my trip.

Actually, I'm looking for good suggestions for things to see/do along the way and advice on the best plan to minimize weather impacts.

Here are the particulars:

• Travelling solo -- No family or animals

• Between 10 and 15 days

• Taking only what I can pack in our Jetta (tool/emergency kit, service manual, clothes, road bike w/rack, tent and cot, laptop, cooler, and maybe a camp stove)

• Travel between January 15 and February 1

• Avoid interstates if possible

Things that interest me:

• Natural attractions

• Military History

• Free activities

• Road biking

• Hiking/Running

I thought I would make this trip in the summer or fall of this year, and I planned this general route (overnights in parks/forests or on federal installations):

• US-78 to Birmingham, AL

• US-82 to Texarkana, AR

• TX State Roads to Greenville, TX

• US-380 to Roswell, NM

• US-70 to White Sands, NM

• US-180 to Show Low, AZ

• US and AZ State Highways to Klingman, AZ

• US-93 to the Extraterrestrial Highway, NV

• ET Highway to US-95

• US-95 to Death Valley, CA

• US-395 to Mono Lake, CA

• CA-120 to Yosemite, CA

• Yosemite, CA to Monterey, CA via Merced

I now think most (if not all) of my route should be planned further south to reduce the risk of weather-related delays. Unfortunately, my "Biking below the sea" ride through Death Valley and "The Aliens stole my sneakers" run along the ET Highway may not pan out.

I'll be referencing what I can find via search in the "Free or Cheap" threads for stopping points, but please post good info you might have anyway about places to camp.

I appreciate the help.

Tim