>east across the northern US to New York,  South to Alabama (or do
>we make a wide detour around Alabama?), then west across the southern

harumph! yeah, ok, you guys. wanna be THAT way, eh? well, just remember
this: any detour around Alabama puts you in (1) the Gulf of Mexico, or
(2) Arkansas! ha! :)

 <actually, some parts of Arkansas are quite lovely this time of year.>

do you guys realize what you are suggesting? a piece-meal non-contiguous
Cannonball Rally. sort of. only played at 33-1/3 rpm. :)