Nancy wrote --

>  JM> drive another 20 miles (in WV and some western states) before you
come across another exit, then have to double back, etc.  
> 
> And sometimes, even more.... but at least the interstates tend to have
> better signage for the exits

  Usually traffic is a bit slower on the older roads. Oh you have the
occasional driver passing you like you're sitting still, but not as often
as on interstates.

> check out my route the night before, to "recite" the pertinent decision
> points...  

  I will have notes such as "turn north at such-and-such place" and so
on.  The map is nearby as a reference as well.
  I have a large atlas for my trip but so many of the blue highways are
just wiggly lines here and there with no numbers on them.
  I've always believed the shortest distance between two points is a
straight lines and will see this squiggly line is shorter in distance but
no numbers.
  I am also using Google maps and Mapquest which mostly only show
interstates.  But they are handy for more/detailed information for some
side trip to visit.   
  I recall a commercial from years ago.  
  A fella is using GPS and told to turn here and there and so forth which
he does.  Then he's told turn right and a slight pause.  He turns and
runs into the plate glass window of a restaurant with the voice saying
"In 200 yards".
   I don't recall what the ad was selling though.
   Joe
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