That sounds lovely WAM. What were the speed limits like? On this side of the country, we have Shenandoah Valley - gorgeous road, but the speed limit is 25- and the cops are mean.
Regarding the idiots that hog the left lane- you should see drivers from Virginia and DC. I've though about hanging off one of these from the car and flashing rude signs at them
http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/d138/
But I guess pissing off other drivers from an open top car is dangerous
-gc