My forum connection is acting up. Sorry about duplication.
I like your idea of following US 79 across central East Texas to pick up US 77 near Rockdale.
One small variation would be to turn onto Texas 155 at Linden, TX and follow 155 to Gilmer, where you could either take US 271 through Gladewater to Tyler or stay on 155 all the way to Tyler. (155 and 271 join back just North of Tyler anyway). The loop around West and South is not bad at all and then you pick up 155 again to Palestine where, once again, you pick up US 79.
It's not a whole lot of difference, but 155 is a fine highway, and of course it's the way I go because of where I live. There is a loop around Palestine as well (West and South).
Back to the main point, I think your's is a great idea.
David and Shirley -- East Texas
2955 RL Montana
Chevrolet Duramax 2500 Allison Trans
http://www.dwilliamson.com/mont.jpg
