Bob,

All the sites for flight planning are good that have been mentioned.
How do I use them?
I use only 2 or occasionally 3 sites.

I first go to ADDS and look at all the graphics
http://adds.aviationweather.noaa.gov/
I now have a very good understanding of the weather, where to go and
what to avoid.  I can now do a better job of picking intermediate stops.

I then go to Duats (http://www1.duats.com/ ) and read the weather, TFR,
METARS, etc. in plain English.  I put in the flight plan.  On a multiple
leg trip I put in direct from start to the final destination.
(Bremerton to Houston).  I then look at the times at the various
checkpoints and can pick my intermediate stops depending on the bladder
and backside endurance.  Once the intermediate stop(s) is selected, I
then reenter for the routing. (Bremerton to Provo for example)

I file direct almost everywhere and get it.  You may not want to fly
high enough for a direct in the west so use the low altitude routing
selection.  Duats gives you a nice print out of all the offsets from
VORs along the way that I use to check my times in route to make certain
the winds are as forecasted.    If you are not a duats user, it is free.
You need to put in your plane's profile and it does an amazingly
accurate job of calculating the time in route and fuel consumption.  

I have all the plates from Jepp.  I will go to www.aopa.org and get
airport information and graphical TFRs if I need it.  It is nice to have
the FBO picked out before you land at some of the bigger airports.  The
FBOs usually have very good pricing at local hotels for "crews", so
don't be bashful about picking up the phone and have them reserve a room
at one of the crew hotels.


Have a great trip.

Carl Cadwell, N25CL