Thank you all for the replies I appreciate them all. I am considering Sept 2011.
I have always wanted to see the "wild west" I am a John Wayne fan (see secrets out already) and yes I read the mail travel guide. I agree totaly awesome memories in the making I think. I was considering the shorter 10day trip but thought in for a penny in for a pound.
So seems whichever trip I book I will be in good company, I realise its loads of travelling bt figure the +'s make up for the -'s.