Day 185/365 - Thrill Rides

We are a family of thrill junkies. That's why we come here every year.

320 feet up the first hill.

I remember the first time I rode this one. I couldn't watch as we traveled up that first incline. I looked down into my lap. The ride up doesn't take long (thank goodness), because you are traveling up at something like 40mph!
Then the sensation of flying. Really.
The Millennium Force turns 10 years old this year. It's still a great ride.

Then this one. 410 feet high. 0-120mph in 4 seconds.

It will take your breath away. But the view from the top is beautiful, but too short. This year, Brian experienced the Top Thrill Dragster for the first time. I think he was shaky afterwards.

We also rode the Maverick twice and then the kids decided to go on a swinging rotating ride, MaxAir.

I think their feet are up there somewhere.
And I'll ride roller coaster after roller coaster, but I can't stomach the spinning, back and forth rides.

Read more...

188/365 - 16 Hours

That's how many hours we spent in the park today. 9am until 1am on Sunday morning. Some of the highlights:

Perfect weather - mid 70's all day long and overcast. It was a little cool during the water rides, but some shivering is part of the fun.
Roller coaster rides - The Millennium Force ridden at 10am and then at 10pm, with 4th of July Fireworks being set off the peninsula beach as the backdrop. Imagine soaring through the air at 90 mph, watching big bursts of fireworks in the sky.
Scott and the kids ride one of the original coasters, the 45 year old Blue Streak:

A close crop, taken .25 seconds later:


The nightscape, taken from the Sky Ride - overlooking the Top Thrill Dragster and Power Tower


The new Starlight Experience, along the Frontier Trail. I love the look of lights wrapped around trees and the effect is immediately relaxing.




Yes, we were completely exhausted at the end of the day, but isn't that what fun is about?

Read more...

Cedar Point Pictures

As promised, some pictures from our trip to Cedar Point:

Lake Erie serves as the backdrop to the giant wheel and the Wicked Twister Coaster.


Erica poses with Snoopy in front of their new Planet Snoopy attractions: (you are never too old to pose with Snoopy!)


One of the spires on the Wicked Twister - Erica and Scott are in the 2nd to the last car, and heading towards the top of the structure.


Another aerial view of the park (taken from the Giant Wheel) - the steep coaster in the far background is the initial drop of the Millennium Force Coaster - 310 feet high. The large structure up front is the Power Tower. (a free fall tower)


Erica and Scott ready to be launched on the Top Thrill Dragster: this crazy ride launches you from 0 to 120 mph in 4 seconds, directly up 410 feet, crest the top of the ride and back down the other side (and the track twists on the way up and down).
It is very entertaining to watch people as they are about to experience this ride - the anticipation and nervousness of first time riders and the excitement of experienced riders. Heck, Erica still looks apprehensive, and this will be her third time!

Anyways, the ride is a MUST DO - the view from up top is awesome!

Taking things a little slower - Brian drives an antique sports car.

Read more...

Spring Break Sampler

Here are a sampling of pictures from our Spring Break adventure in warm, sunny Florida.


Scott waves as he and Erica embark on the Sheikra coaster in Busch Gardens (note - it's a GREAT ride). Erica rode on it 5 times, 2 times with Scott and 3 times with me.


Thrill seekers on the Montu Coaster.


Brian steers boat number 6 (while Mommy and Daddy enjoy some Budweiser beer from the Hospitality House).


Back in Fort Myers, we went horseback riding.


You can't go to Florida without playing a round (or two) of Mini-Golf. Our favorite place is Castle Golf.

We hit Fort Myers beach on Thursday - a storm threatened the day's planned activities, but it blew inland and soon it was sunny and warm again. We waited an extra hour on the beach while the storm past, and Erica dipped her toes into the gulf waters.



Then we were off para sailing. This year, Brian was brave enough to experience 1200 feet in the air (but he was a little nervous when he started up). Everyone on the boat gave him a High-5 when he completed his flight.




Hanging out on the beach chair:


Erica and Daddy along the water's edge (that's the Fort Myers Beach pier way in the background).


More pictures to come.....

Read more...