Thanks for all the replies!

Well, I think that I've decided against the Hound. I don't want to start the trip with frazzled nerves and a three day sleep deficit.

After much research and deliberation, I'm down to either putting the trip off a few weeks, shipping the bike to a bike shop on the west coast, and flying out, or renting an economy car and driving out with the bike and trailer.

Taking a bike, or any large box on a plane is around 100-150$ right now, and I've got two large boxes. And trying to ship a large box across the country in less than a week is over 200$. Believe it or not, the most economical way to get my stuff across the country and get under way in less than a week is to drive, unless I take the bus. And I must admit, I don't think I'm up for the bus. If it were only a day, or a thousand miles or so, I'd do it. But I'm pretty sure that after 3 days on the bus, I'd probably just want to go back home and sleep it off.

I gave up on the train. I think I'll probably drive.

Thanks again for the replies.