David Frieberg of Hot Rod started our morning off with jokes, witty banter and minor updates to the route.

Something about a bridge being out and Dukes of Hazzard jumps not being allowed.

If you didn’t arrive early, you took any opportunity possible to see and record the meeting.

Finally, we blasted off, Power Tour style. Leading the pack was the horde of GM Performance cars, including Jay Leno’s new roadster.

While California may have the most strict pollution laws around, not every state shares their zeal for clean air.

I’d sure hate to follow behind him with the windows down. As a matter of fact, I hate following anyone let alone everyone.

Our route from Perry to Columbia was mostly two lane, with numerous small towns and the quaintness that comes from small town life. You’ll never see sights like this in the big cities.

It’s what makes America great – history. If those farmhouses old only talk.

Too bad we were in a hurry. I’m always looking for a bargain.

And this looked like the place to find it.

Out on the interstate, the Tour spread out from the bumper to bumper we experienced. With thousands of cars, and a bus or two thrown in for good measure,

we were never far from a fellow Tourer.

South Carolina’s finest made sure we obeyed all applicable laws by strategically placing their officers in every open spot.

I’m still clean, and proud of it.

All sorts of commerce exists on the interstates we use for the Tour. Take this group of turkeys, for instance.

While these accommodations may not be first class, almost every one of them had a cabin with a view. I wonder where they’re headed?

I felt a little more at ease meeting up with a fellow English-built car. Crewe, meet Covington:

It’s a V12 E-Type Coupe. I’ll give him $50 for it.

After my usual 3:30 stage call (where I “rewarded” Joe for all the nice things he said about me, and particularly those things he didn’t say),

Ever seen a European Ford Sierra?

It was badged for sale in America as the Merkur XR4Ti. This one was motivated by a turbo’d DOHC Cosworth.

A clean ’60s pony car is always easy on the eyes. Take these early Camaros, for example:

or this Z28.

If a Chevelle’s more your speed, flames abound.

Year One has a great Chevy II.

’57 Chevys are a dime a dozen but this one’s a quarter’s worth.

A well done wagon is always in style.

Not to be outdone, other marques were well represented.

Who needs the Houston Astros’ killer B’s line-up, when Dodge has their own Super Bee?

Even a Ford or two made the A-list. This late ’50s Fairlane

came fully loaded.

How about a ’70s Lincoln Mark? You never see them any more.

Everywhere we looked, fine examples of years gone by abounded. A Willys,

with plenty of motor.

An MGB just begging for company.

Remember the dogs from yesterday? We found more today. Some disliked Chevys,

While others had a “thing” for Fords.

With all the heat, there were casualties. Fortunately, in an extended family like the Tourers, everyone is there to pitch in and help.

Too bad there are some things a little racer’s tape and some zip ties can’t fix.

This owner felt guilty about not driving American.

I think everyone forgave him. Good intentions count, you know.

For every year since 1995, MSD has been a part of the Tour, and they’ve always helped us out when we had problems. Our buddy Ed “The Full” Monte is one of those guys who helps to make the Tour what it is – fun!

See that smile? It never goes away. Ed’s that kinda guy.

As we were packing up for the evening, Ken disappeared. It looks like he found his long lost brother.

Shades of the Patty Duke show – “They walk alike, they talk alike, at times they even act alike. You could lose your mind...”

Never mind, I think I just did.

Amazing, isn’t it?