<So why don't you drive?>
Even if the weather is ideal, (which is still a big if) the 800 miles drive is not something I would look forward to. You probably are suggesting a leasurely dive with shared driving and making the trip into a small vacation with the wife. Unfortunately, the wife would not be along and I would need to get there and back in good order.
Perhaps taking the train might be workable and a bit more enjoyable if there is a bar car to hang out in. I'll be checking it out.
GLTA, Opty