RE: Days 5, 6 and 7 - there is no room at the hotel so just keep on driving!

It really hurts when you're on a long trip and your body is very tired, but you don't get a room at all. It's like piled-up tiredness. But I was relieved when I found out that you finally got a last room at La Quinta.
You are very lucky this time.

I have also experienced and felt like you have, @ecoinstant, and it has really been a valuable lesson for me. So, on future trips, I already plan which city to stay in and book a room online well in advance.

Have a nice trip.