Dave,
Do a little bit of research on using Twitter to send daily snippets of your travel, gather followers (people who are interested in your cause, not stalkers) and to find and connect with people who live in your next destinations.
Use Tumblr to host your pictures, make it a diary of photographs.
Both cost nothing and can be a very effective and practical venues for you to make your travel easier and more interesting, and to share your journey.
And of course, when you landed in North Texas, near Dallas - Ft.Worth area, drinks are on me, as well as barbeque dinner and peach cobbler.
Happy trails! and wish you God's protection and blessings in your big journey.