I was lucky enough to wash the PTC last night, instead of at the usual 4:00 am. It was somewhat important since we were to leave Tulsa at 6:15 am, and I would need every little bit of sleep as I could possibly get. Why? Ken’s jokes sometimes (always?) lack a little in the humor department, so it was imperative that I be sharp as a tack while navigating Arkansas’ roads and making notes for today’s journal.

We were fortunate enough on our exit from Oklahoma to see some of the OSP’s finest, making sure the road was safe for our trip to Bill Clinton’s home state. These nice folks were checking out the Power Tour. . .

Knowing Ken’s constant desire to improve himself, I found a way for him to increase his knowledge of Star Trek. The best part is, it was even on sale!

Before we knew it, we left the great state of Oklahoma, and entered Arkansas (insert Monica Lewinsky joke here). Ken, with his sharp eyes, noticed the state only claims one half of the first family. I guess carpet baggers aren’t appreciated in some circles.

Arkansas offers many of nature’s wonders. Since we were on a tight schedule, we had to miss out on this natural wonder. I’m certain there might be yet another Monica joke in here, but no one had the nerve to commit it to this journal. . .

Arkansas must be receiving lots of Federal highway funds. Every so often, we’d find traffic reduced to one lane, slowing our progress. Sometimes, though, Power Tour dudes chose to make it worse by lining up two abreast for photo ops. . .

Once again, our official direction sheet lacked a little detail. It was only the wrong exit number, and it didn’t have the proper street name. Details, details, details. But thanks to my keen sense of direction, we finally arrived at our stop for the next two days — Sam’s Town in Tunica, Mississippi. . .

For once, we managed to arrive almost on time. The acres of parking lots, while empty now, no doubt will soon fill with throngs of Power Tour participants and spectators. . .

Many of the participants had a story just waiting to be told. We found a triple-play in these cars. I guess the family that Tours together, graduates together.

It’s a good thing it was a small family, or I might have run out of film! Notice that the graduate’s family separates her from the boyfriend.

General Motors was kind enough to furnish “Motor Medics” — trained technicians who can diagnose any problem and offer assistance on the Tour. It’s rather difficult to be familiar with every vehicle on the road, so a reference book always helps. As we walked by, though, I could have sworn I heard, “Tab A goes into Slot B, not the other way around!”

Ken was kind enough to mention that the one-off Intro wheels were looking a little less than billet-perfect. The excellent person that I am at delegating, Ken was soon hard at work making them look better than new with our Polishin’ Pad. . .

Ken promises this to be the last time he offers any such friendly suggestions.

As we packed up for the night, a distraught gentleman approached. He had driven for several days in his 1969 Vista-Cruiser for a chance to see our 1966 Vista-Cruiser. We sadly broke the news of Gary’s demise and subsequent return to California. After standing there, tears in eyes, he summoned up the courage to return to his own Vista-Cruiser and drive away.

While parking in the spacious garage, we found the perfect shot to end our day.