I think this is a good start to planning a series of trips over the course of several years, with a bit of a tweak. My dream would be to plan a trip to a specific area, and take the back roads to that area, seeing whatever I could along the way, taking my time. Then spend a week or so exploring the destination area. Lastly, taking the fastest and most direct route home, ending the whole trip about 6 weeks after I departed. The idea of moving to a different camp site each night is what would deter me from ever taking a 48-in-one-go sort of trip. I'd rather spend at least 3 nights in any one spot. First night would be after driving most of the day. Second & third nights would be after exploring in that area. If even more days of exploring were needed in the area, all the better.
Yup, with my ideal mode of travel, I'm thinking a 48-in-one-go sort of trip would take me 6 years of nonstop travel.....
