North American Weather

[Alex]

I'm toying with a North American trip of about 9 months. Unfortunately I'm tied at work to departing around Nov/Dec 2002.

Being Australian (from the Top End) I must confess that heat and waterloss is usually of more concern that ice and cold (I once got a bit chilled, but that was a couple of years ago!).

Is it reasonable to plan my first few months (say December to March) to do the southern states (eg California to Florida via Texas and Mexico) then head up north?

In particular I'm keen to head north at the earliest opportunity that won't freeze me solid?

P.S. I hear there is such a thing as electric hand warmers! Are they a gimmick or really worth it? (battery drain etc?)