2008 Fernie to Victoria Tour

AUGUST 20, 2008: Following the Similkameen

Today's Statistics:	Travelling from Osoyoos to Princeton
Distance: 120 km	Driving Hours: 3h	Weather: Mixed	Temperature ... Min: 14 Max: 21

Today's short drive was scenic and comfortable. The cars left Osoyoos at a leisurely hour and headed over the Richter Pass for Keremeos. Along the way, some members stopped in at the Osoyoos Desert Model Railroad to view the incredible display.

In Keremeos, the members of the South Okanagan Chapter of the V.C.C.C. had prepared for the arrival of the tour cars and greeted them with coffee, fresh corn, soup and sandwiches. Some local members brought their own cars to display at the park as well. Keremeos Mayor Walter Despot addressed the group and many stories were swapped.

The route from Keremeos led along the Old Hedley Road, following the beautiful Similkameen River. After about an hour of rolling hills and gentle curves, the cars arrived in Princeton, where they stopped at the
A & W for a show before retiring for the night.

Many thanks to those people who helped make this day successful: Marcel and Angie Moran in Keremeos, and John Rostron and the A & W management in Princeton.

There are a few females driving in this tour, but Sandra is the only one who is the principal driver of one of the vehicles.

Marcel and Angie Morin of the South Okanagan Chapter of the VCCC organized a great Keremeos welcome event.

Rain began to fall as the cars were leaving Keremeos.

Tony Jones, centre, participated in the 1958 tour along with the late Don Ellwyn. At this event he was reunited with fellow 1958 tour member Paul Bolam (right).

This 1940 Packard was originally purchased in Trail, B.C.

Glenn and Peggy's 1937 Plymouth has toured all over B.C. and across Canada.

The youngest owner/driver on the tour - 24 year old Dan Findlay stands by his 1912 Model T Ford.

The tour cars were on display at Memorial Park in Keremeos - "under the K"

Some of the local enthusiasts brought their cars out also.

Pete Seward's 1938 Cadillac was a last minute replacement when his 1936 Cadillac was unable to make the tour. Even so, it was obviously ready to go and performed flawlessly.

Another last minute replacement - this 1938 Chrysler arrived instead of a 1934 Dodge.

Travelling with two young children means packing a lot of extra gear.

This 1937 Packard has one of the largest engines in the group - 12 cylinders and 480 cubic inches. It is also one of the quietest running cars in the group.

The cars stopped at the A & W in Princeton where Otto, the manager, treated everyone to Root Beer. Thank you, Otto!

Tom and Ann ride comfortably in this beautiful 1939 McLaughlin-Buick

John and Linda Rostron joined the tour today in their very original 1932 Nash.

Kathy Salter provides support for the 1928 Packard - a little 'Nip-Tuck' and all was well.

Ken Findlay dons a new outfit to make some adjustments to his 1911 Model T.

Looking back ...

1923 Morris Cowley

2008tour@vccc.com