I've always wanted to see the Midwest. My son just got out of the Army & drove home to CA from NC in his soft-top Jeep. We compared tans when we got together. I had just driven top down to Auburn in Gold Country when it was over 100 degrees out. A little delirious by the end of the day, but it was worth it. Never did a xcountry trip in a car, but this sounds like it would be a LOT of fun.