Geez, Scott! Folks here talked you out of MF in favor of 35mm for the NYC trip, and now I'm gonna vote for MF over LF for this trip. Your Yashica-Mat (and maybe Speedex) with a tripod should be equal to the task of doing "serious" compositions in the Blue Ridge and elsewhere. I would bring some E-6 in addition to color negative film. Somehow the 8x10 seems more appropriate for a "Travels With Charley" venture rather than a vacation with family. Just MHO, of course. Are you renting an RV for the out-bound? Sounds like a great trip.
James
Your point is well taken, James, and it may work out, for many reasons, that the Y-Mat is what goes with (along with the 20D and 17-40). But my timing for a Steinbeckian sojourn is over, lest the wife wash her hands of me at some unforeseen juncture. The kids have their own cameras, and love going picturin', and a chance to go off with them into the unknown sans wife (who would nix the LF gear in a heartbeat) is a rarity.
Now, again, it may not work out. But the romance of the thing is just thrilling to me. I want to try.
As far as vehiculation, I dunno yet. Not an RV, and probably not anything near big enough. The kids are avid readers, and we'll be taking the DVD player and the GameCube, in addition to DS's, iPods, and all manner of distraction. Been on AAA all day plotting side trips. Gonna be epic.
Thanks for your thoughts, James.
