We got our Kicks:

Last time I submitted a story it was to try and share the secret about delivering new factory fresh RV's (motorhomes to us Brit's) for Cruise America.

We did and we're back: Our 15 night rental came with all insurance and 3,000 free miles all for $39/night...! After collecting the 25ft van in Chicago just before Easter weekend we spent our first few nights in northern IL visiting friends and family whilst camping at the same state park we did our courting in 34 years ago. Though the weather was cold (below freezing overnight and struggling to get much above the mid 40's by day), it was fun having the park to ourselves and enjoyed some Spring sunshine.

We'd held off committing ourselves to a route waiting to see what the weather was up to, and in view of freezing temperatures and snow along the northern routes, we opted for a trip down Route 66 (which for those who don't know - runs from Chicago to LA).

Stormy weather in St Louis produced damaging storms and golf ball sized hail and the head winds reduced our fuel consumption to 7mpg through MO, OK and into TX (and it only improved to 10mpg when the wind dropped)..! The further west we went the further spring progressed and by CA temperatures were in the high 80's.

Meteor Crater, The Grand Canyon and Yosemite were all along the way and there were lots of tourist traps on Route 66 itself.

15 days (and 2,800 miles) later we dropped the RV off in San Fransisco (where it will spend it's rental life) and we started the 2nd half of our vacation - a further two weeks wil family in Sacramento CA (but that's another story...

Cruise America, El Monte and Road Bear all run these early and late season deals - so grab yourself a bargain (but be prepared to spend $100/day on fuel, and $40/night for a pitch - we used KOA's)...