Thanks everyone. Lots of fodder to digest.

Wheelin, I enjoy touring the way I have (credit card and toothbrush touring is pretty dang nice); however, I miss the spontaneity of deciding on a whim what I want to do, where I want to go, and where I want to stop. Can't do that if I'm expected at such and such a town. Given that, travelling as light as possible is still my choice.

Lots of fodder to digest.