Fortunately, there was still enough time to get a picture of the way cool cruiser with a couple of our favorite hot rod junkies, CJ & son. . .

Allright, enough about the kick-off party. It’s time to move on.

Friday morning, 7:30 am. Gary takes a few free moments before the start of the Power Tour to check the hotel dumpster for spare Vista-Cruiser parts. . .

8:00 am. The Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour rolls-out of San Bernardino. . .

The “windmills” just outside of Banning, CA. In the background, Mt. San Jacinto. . .

About 40 miles outside of Blythe, CA, a California Highway Patrol car cruises by the PT Cruiser. Forrest expresses nervous relief. . .

Then suddenly, the patrol car hits the brakes and slips behind us — lights flashing. . .

Forrest turns a sickly bluish-gray.

What’s the problem? Turns out we’ve been pulled over for excessive and reckless stupidity. Outside and to the rear of our car, Forrest starts to sweat profusely.

Inside the car, our Power Tour buddy, Swantje Eibach, revels in Forrest’s misery. . .

Swantje is never far from home even in the California desert, thanks to her permanently attached cell phone, a vital appendage, even in this part of the state.

Since stupidity is only a misdemeanor in California, our new friend, Patrolman Ted Morris, lets us off with just a stern warning.

That wasn’t so bad. A fresh change of underwear and we’re on our way.

A half an hour later we’re at the Colorado River — the border between California and Arizona. . .

Finally we catch up with Gary and the Vista-Cruiser.

Nothing says “classic, timeless beauty” better than a Olds hot rod rolling down the highway — in a trailer of course. . .

Finally we arrive at the Firebird Raceway, just outside of Phoenix. . .

We get a great spot next to a killer Chevrolet Bel Air Wagon. . .

Moments later, the Vista-Cruiser emerges from its cocoon. . .

Pick your favorite flavor: Strawberry, orange or blueberry Vette. . .

110 degrees. Can’t think. Eyesight blurry. No shade. No “happy place.” Send help. Bye bye pretty cars. Bye bye loyal readers. I’m comin’ home Elvis! Arrrrrgggghhhhh!!!!!

Sorry, I think I might have lost it. But just for an hour or two.

Good night and sweat dreams from your Power Tour hosts: Forrest “Toastie” Tosie (left) and myself, “Krispy” Ken Holland (right). . .