Hi Patti, There is a sign on I-40 just outside of Wilmington, NC, that says "Barstow CA 2554 miles". I recently got a picture from a friend that lives in Reno of a sign just outside Barstow, CA, that says "Wilmington NC 2554 miles". That gives you plenty of time to get used to I-40 if you drive it across country. Joe Scudder WBCCI 8524