I will keep you informed, and thank you all very much for your overwhelming response and help. I've printed out nearly every posting on the trip so to show my mother. I probably won't be able to until this weekend (death in the family, probably not a good time.) But, be assured I will speak with her and share your views as well. Thanks! Ally In a message dated 6/16/99 6:57:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: << So many people have been writing about "the trip" I hope you let us know what has been decided and how it turns out. The above is another reason I suggested a cruise -- your Dad can be as active or inactive as he wishes while your mom and others can get off the ship and tour each day. There are cruises in the fall up to the New England states, summer to Bermuda, fall from Florida, New Orleans, up and down the West Coast to include Mexico, to Hawaii and many others. Sorry I sound like a travel agent (which I'm not). If they do as planned, hopefully they will make very frequent stops. We (my husband drove for 45 minutes) drove across country with two dogs when we moved to the west and thoroughly enjoyed it. The main reason we enjoyed it so much was that we knew we wouldn't have to make the return trip back east, and with the dogs we stopped a lot. Keep us informed. >>