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August 31, 2003
Our Trip
The rain held off Saturday until we had ridden all 3 coasters at SDC. By far the best was the new one, Wildfire. I wouldn't ride it until Mike rode it first by himself, but I eventually worked up enough nerve to try. It was great, steel track with tons of corkscrews and inverted loops. I give it 3 out of 5 screams....it's a great ride, just doesn't last very long.
Next we rode my old favorite, Fire In The Hole. It's been there about as long as the park, it's entirely inside a tall building, most of the ride is in complete darkness and there's even a big splash into water at the end. Totally hokey, but I still love it.
Then we hiked across the park and rode Thunderation. I give it 1 1/2 screams....the first part of the ride is the best, but it kinda ends with a whimper not a bang. You can ride backwards though, which I've done before. Interesting experience, but after the 2nd time I got really motion sick.
We were planning to then hit the water rides, but a thunderstorm came up so all the rides were closed. We had just gotten on a ride that was a hybrid coaster/water plunge when they closed the rides. Suited us just fine, last place I want to be during a thunderstorm is on a metal track submerged in water....on the tallest structure in the park. We decided to leave then, it looked like the rain was going to last all afternoon (it did) and headed back to the hotel to soak in the hot tub....a wise choice.
The one disappointment on the trip was we didn't get to go to the new park Celebration City. It's only open from 3 pm to around 10 pm or so, has 3 coasters including this really awesome wooden coaster and a major fireworks & laser show...but it started raining again later that evening so we didn't see any point in going. Maybe next time.
We did find a great restaurant, the Wooden Nickel, between Kimberling City and Branson. Their prime rib and NY strip were outstanding.
All in all, a fun trip. And the dogs didn't misbehave at all while we were gone.
Which was the best gift of all.
Posted by Rita at August 31, 2003 07:40 PM
Comments
Wildfire: a B&M looper. There's a few of those out there. I like B&M coasters a lot, even if the over-the-shoulder restraints are total overkill.
A shame the weather knocked the trip down. But glad you had fun, and glad the dogs didn't trash the house.
Posted by: Keith at August 31, 2003 10:00 PM
Keith, we thought about you when Mike met a couple of guys who were riding it over and over....they were having a great time! I liked the restraints/seats on the Wildfire, kept my back & neck happy. We were really looking forward to riding the new wooden one, the Wildcat, but we needed the rain too badly to complain much.
This was the first time we'd let the dogs stay home since Sassy completely destroyed a loveseat a couple of years ago. My daughter came by at least 3 times a day to check on them & to let them out for a bit. The dogs each got a new toy and tons of attention for their good behavior. She got a t-shirt & our unused Celebration City tickets for helping us out....which was still cheaper than kennel boarding for the 4 day weekend.
Posted by: Rita at September 1, 2003 05:26 AM
What is this "rain" of which you speak?
I used to have an iron ear, but I about lost my cookies on the tilt-a-whirl when we took the kids to the fair.
The tilt-a-whirl. Sheesh.
Posted by: mtpolitics at September 2, 2003 05:13 AM
It's still raining. Not that I'm complaining mind you. We really needed it.
I know what you mean, I used to ride everything....these days I eschew things that spin. I almost barfed on the merry-go-round.
Posted by: rita at September 2, 2003 06:12 AM