Life altering conversation and a really good Rapto
Welcome to my 26 hour day. Ok, so if you read the NW PA thread in the general section, you know I'm not exactly from anywhere really close to CP, unless you count 400 miles as close. But due to this new fangled creation we call the areoplane, modern man can be thrown through the sky and amazing amounts of speed....yeah, its almost Force. Well due to Southwest, fares to Cleveland from here are dirt cheap, so hey, why don't I go to CP this weekend. Throw together the plans for the trip and come nice and early Saturday morning, I'm off. Things are fairly uneventful until we reach Cleveland where unfortunately, I was uninformed of Southwest's new policy. Seems that if you aren't at their final destination, they merely buzz the runway. Unknowing, I didn't know I was supposed to hop out and pull the drop and roll maneuver. Hmmm, have to find another place to practice that one. Anywho, they were at least nice enough to circle again and land on the second shot...even made up the excuse that there was another plane that hadn't gotten off the runway in time. But finally with my butt back on terra firma, I was ready to go.
As usual, I completely went blank on how much time it would take me to get there and found myself at Friday's A whole 45 minutes early to meet our very own CP Irvine, tourguide extrordinare. Anne got there only 1/2 hour late this time, crushing her previous record. However, the last time she had the most creative excuse involving a glass of water and something about being blond. No excuses this time, but she had this really cute thing going so I got distracted. And so we're off.
Arriving, we take the usual spot by Gemini and we're in chatting away happily. Magnum comes first without even a single word of discussion. Ok, that's without a single word of discussion on where we we're heading. Otherwise, anyone else that would have walked up to us would have found it just about impossible to get a word in with the pace we were going for most of the day. Unlike our last time, all lapbars got checked and we're off. First impression, its only noon and its running this well?? What a way to start a most unusual day. But wait something was missing?! Why was it so quiet...OHHHH, CPI has no voice!! Yes, folks, the famous CP Irvine scream was never heard of even once during the day. Poor Anne was recovering from a bit of illness and was resigned to using her mouth only for quiet conversation and catching muffleheads that night. At least I learned that if you want to really torture Anne, strap her into Exy or force and gag her...hmmmmm....ok, don't go there Brian.....
*ahem* ok, continuing on with our day, we wandered a bit chatting a mile a minute. It was one of those unusual CP days. Admittedly we actually didn't ride much. The day was one of those that you take at a leisurely pace, really enjoying the whole environment we are surrounded by. To tell you a bit about me, although I love coasters, I also love the whole concept of an amusement park. CP is just one of the best examples of a true amusement park....so simple in the ideas behind it and yet so profound by what these places can give back to people. In this, Anne and I both share the same opinions. Being a native Pittsburgher, I'll also get to take my turn at playing tourguide to Kennywood with her. So we continued our leisurely day, stopping by the big green bird for a visit. We hit the station and changed modes into CPI and her coaster riding wolf for a kick tail ride. Raptor was putting on a show although still nothing as far as the experince later to come. My throat sore from holding up the noise end for CP with voice on the DL, we next found ourselves at Demon Drop. Yes, Power Tower has height, the launch, and the technology on this one, but I still find DD just plain fun. The bangs, clanks, sudden stops and big old steel cars to this one do so much more for me than the S&S rides. Here was one of the few odd employee moments of the day. Standing there with only 2 people in front of us, the op, starts asking around for another 2 people to join them. Um HELLO?!? Are the two of us like just not quite good enough to go in that car? He grabs two girls to basically cut in front of us, making us wait for the next car. Not that the wait was a bit deal, but an explanation there might have been nice. Well DD was the same old DD which quickly brought smiles back to our faces and sent us on our merry way.
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-Brian
I really should be working... *** This post was edited by Wolfhounde on 6/10/2001. ***
As usual, I completely went blank on how much time it would take me to get there and found myself at Friday's A whole 45 minutes early to meet our very own CP Irvine, tourguide extrordinare. Anne got there only 1/2 hour late this time, crushing her previous record. However, the last time she had the most creative excuse involving a glass of water and something about being blond. No excuses this time, but she had this really cute thing going so I got distracted. And so we're off.
Arriving, we take the usual spot by Gemini and we're in chatting away happily. Magnum comes first without even a single word of discussion. Ok, that's without a single word of discussion on where we we're heading. Otherwise, anyone else that would have walked up to us would have found it just about impossible to get a word in with the pace we were going for most of the day. Unlike our last time, all lapbars got checked and we're off. First impression, its only noon and its running this well?? What a way to start a most unusual day. But wait something was missing?! Why was it so quiet...OHHHH, CPI has no voice!! Yes, folks, the famous CP Irvine scream was never heard of even once during the day. Poor Anne was recovering from a bit of illness and was resigned to using her mouth only for quiet conversation and catching muffleheads that night. At least I learned that if you want to really torture Anne, strap her into Exy or force and gag her...hmmmmm....ok, don't go there Brian.....
*ahem* ok, continuing on with our day, we wandered a bit chatting a mile a minute. It was one of those unusual CP days. Admittedly we actually didn't ride much. The day was one of those that you take at a leisurely pace, really enjoying the whole environment we are surrounded by. To tell you a bit about me, although I love coasters, I also love the whole concept of an amusement park. CP is just one of the best examples of a true amusement park....so simple in the ideas behind it and yet so profound by what these places can give back to people. In this, Anne and I both share the same opinions. Being a native Pittsburgher, I'll also get to take my turn at playing tourguide to Kennywood with her. So we continued our leisurely day, stopping by the big green bird for a visit. We hit the station and changed modes into CPI and her coaster riding wolf for a kick tail ride. Raptor was putting on a show although still nothing as far as the experince later to come. My throat sore from holding up the noise end for CP with voice on the DL, we next found ourselves at Demon Drop. Yes, Power Tower has height, the launch, and the technology on this one, but I still find DD just plain fun. The bangs, clanks, sudden stops and big old steel cars to this one do so much more for me than the S&S rides. Here was one of the few odd employee moments of the day. Standing there with only 2 people in front of us, the op, starts asking around for another 2 people to join them. Um HELLO?!? Are the two of us like just not quite good enough to go in that car? He grabs two girls to basically cut in front of us, making us wait for the next car. Not that the wait was a bit deal, but an explanation there might have been nice. Well DD was the same old DD which quickly brought smiles back to our faces and sent us on our merry way.
-------------
-Brian
I really should be working... *** This post was edited by Wolfhounde on 6/10/2001. ***
Thirst on our minds, we opted for a stop at Friday's which led us to the only other odd employee experience. When a bartender tells you he'll be right with you, you'd expect that he would be right with you, right? Instead he leaves us there to go do inventory, Anne with chin on bar ready to pass out from thirst and myself wondering if panting like a dog might get me something....no comments Anne :). Eventually a second bartender came to our rescue with water and a good strong drink which was much appreciated. Once again, no longer at the point of dehydration, we headed to the beach for a bit of philosophical discussion and general laziness.
Eventually though, CP called us back. Time to visit with Nat on CCMR. No bubbles for me unfortunatly but I did find out she's got a nice uppercut. All I said was she didn't look a day over 13....I thought women took it as a compliment when they looked younger than their age? I was gonna say more but when she started looking to aim lower, prudence told me it was time to shut up. I'll never understand women.
Ok, gotta do Wildcat. Every time I get to CP, I ALWAYS manage to miss it. Determination filled, not this time! Cat was its same old, gee, this would be nice to have in my backyard self, and along with a playful wait in line, I finally got my ride in after waiting for....9 years?!? Wow, just realized that....how odd....anywho, stomachs calling, and various mentions of pizza, we were off to get pizza (yeah, shocker there...).
Ok, question....what do you think a plain pizza is? I thought it would have been obvious that that meant your typical sauce and cheese pizza, but after being handed two empty plates and Anne cracking up in the background, I convinced them I really did want to pizza too.
*warning* the next paragraph or two might just happen to contain a bit of sappiness to it, so if you're eating, you might just want to skip to the end. After my quite good PLAIN pizza, Anne and I dropped into serious discussion mode. See, here's the deal. We seem to have waaaay too much in common plus she has that whole cute but sexy thing going along with brains behind it all. Hmmm, she also hasn't gone screaming running from me when we first met. Hmmmm, brains, looks, deep discussion, serious love of the amusement industry, and comes with a park of her very own....ok, I might be clueless generally but eventually after a few sandback hits on the head (or toilet paper dispensers, eh Anne?), I even see the light. I'm not letting this one get away, so sitting under the big wheel, I asked her out. Must've been a blue moon or something, because she actualy said yes! Go for the rides....leave with a girlfriend...damn good day if you ask me.
Looking like I just got handed the keys to the park (feeling like it too), I said the most romantic thing I could think of...."Let's go ride force."
Well on second thought, it was getting to be time for the park to kick into nighttime mode, so we went for an initial Raptor ride. Now this was a good idea...we dropped back into tail kicking mode and experienced the bird at its best. It was flying, it was kicking, it was screaming, and I was in heaven. Stumbling out the exit, we caught the ending to the lazer show and decided if we did things just right, we could manage both Magnum and Force. Let's do it.
Sure enough, Magnum was only a short wait and we were off again. Ok, wtf? First Raptor and now this...the old guy was moving tonight! Little did I know the thrill that was waiting for me at the end of the ride. Could it be? Yes! Its MagnumDan and I got to meet him!!! Boy, it was a night of wonders.
Looking at my watch and each other, sure, we can do this. CP hobbling valiantly and ignoring the pain, we make our way to force. "I have to go the bathroom"..."So do I"....look at the watch....10:58.....Damn! Of course you know the only thing to do then....suck it up and hold it! Into the queue we go, hoping not to create another surprise at the exit of force. Although we hopped in line just as the phone call came in, somehow several other people managed to come in behind us. Hmmmmm, would we get last train?? Just as we get to the station, the announcement goes out. Yep we did it....but wait, is it me or is everyone going for the front?? YES, pulled of getting the backseat yet again!!! I'm now 3 for 3. And what a ride it was...the drop just didn't pull out....I swear it just kept coming and coming. Force was screaming through the course, daring anyone to deny the sheer power is has. Head thrown back, I was letting loose with all I could feeling the night rushing past. Into the final turn and screaming through the magnets, this massive pile of steel and attitude is rapidly winning me over. We stumbled out to an empty park, fully satisfied.
After all of this and a slow stroll back to Soak City, it was time to grab some food and head back home. Easier said than done...what's the deal with EVERYTYHING being closed. Louie's was open, but with a line out the door, we passed it on for a random dinerlike place and fairly good sustenance.
Stomachs full but minds still spinning from the day, Anne dropped me off at my car. Well eventually...so I didn't quite want to leave SO soon. But we both had to, so for now its off until next time. Hopefully then I'll run into more GTTPers....I'm always up for fun. The night ended with me getting to the terminal and promptly falling asleep, only to be rudely woken up by getting my foot run over by a cart. Ok, she did say sorry barely, but I was in sandals! They did land the plane on the first try this time and after an insanely fast shuttle bus trip which would have given Raptor a run for its money, I was back only 26 hours from when I left. Hmmmm, wonder what I should do next weekend.
-------------
-Brian
I really should be working...
Eventually though, CP called us back. Time to visit with Nat on CCMR. No bubbles for me unfortunatly but I did find out she's got a nice uppercut. All I said was she didn't look a day over 13....I thought women took it as a compliment when they looked younger than their age? I was gonna say more but when she started looking to aim lower, prudence told me it was time to shut up. I'll never understand women.
Ok, gotta do Wildcat. Every time I get to CP, I ALWAYS manage to miss it. Determination filled, not this time! Cat was its same old, gee, this would be nice to have in my backyard self, and along with a playful wait in line, I finally got my ride in after waiting for....9 years?!? Wow, just realized that....how odd....anywho, stomachs calling, and various mentions of pizza, we were off to get pizza (yeah, shocker there...).
Ok, question....what do you think a plain pizza is? I thought it would have been obvious that that meant your typical sauce and cheese pizza, but after being handed two empty plates and Anne cracking up in the background, I convinced them I really did want to pizza too.
*warning* the next paragraph or two might just happen to contain a bit of sappiness to it, so if you're eating, you might just want to skip to the end. After my quite good PLAIN pizza, Anne and I dropped into serious discussion mode. See, here's the deal. We seem to have waaaay too much in common plus she has that whole cute but sexy thing going along with brains behind it all. Hmmm, she also hasn't gone screaming running from me when we first met. Hmmmm, brains, looks, deep discussion, serious love of the amusement industry, and comes with a park of her very own....ok, I might be clueless generally but eventually after a few sandback hits on the head (or toilet paper dispensers, eh Anne?), I even see the light. I'm not letting this one get away, so sitting under the big wheel, I asked her out. Must've been a blue moon or something, because she actualy said yes! Go for the rides....leave with a girlfriend...damn good day if you ask me.
Looking like I just got handed the keys to the park (feeling like it too), I said the most romantic thing I could think of...."Let's go ride force."
Well on second thought, it was getting to be time for the park to kick into nighttime mode, so we went for an initial Raptor ride. Now this was a good idea...we dropped back into tail kicking mode and experienced the bird at its best. It was flying, it was kicking, it was screaming, and I was in heaven. Stumbling out the exit, we caught the ending to the lazer show and decided if we did things just right, we could manage both Magnum and Force. Let's do it.
Sure enough, Magnum was only a short wait and we were off again. Ok, wtf? First Raptor and now this...the old guy was moving tonight! Little did I know the thrill that was waiting for me at the end of the ride. Could it be? Yes! Its MagnumDan and I got to meet him!!! Boy, it was a night of wonders.
Looking at my watch and each other, sure, we can do this. CP hobbling valiantly and ignoring the pain, we make our way to force. "I have to go the bathroom"..."So do I"....look at the watch....10:58.....Damn! Of course you know the only thing to do then....suck it up and hold it! Into the queue we go, hoping not to create another surprise at the exit of force. Although we hopped in line just as the phone call came in, somehow several other people managed to come in behind us. Hmmmmm, would we get last train?? Just as we get to the station, the announcement goes out. Yep we did it....but wait, is it me or is everyone going for the front?? YES, pulled of getting the backseat yet again!!! I'm now 3 for 3. And what a ride it was...the drop just didn't pull out....I swear it just kept coming and coming. Force was screaming through the course, daring anyone to deny the sheer power is has. Head thrown back, I was letting loose with all I could feeling the night rushing past. Into the final turn and screaming through the magnets, this massive pile of steel and attitude is rapidly winning me over. We stumbled out to an empty park, fully satisfied.
After all of this and a slow stroll back to Soak City, it was time to grab some food and head back home. Easier said than done...what's the deal with EVERYTYHING being closed. Louie's was open, but with a line out the door, we passed it on for a random dinerlike place and fairly good sustenance.
Stomachs full but minds still spinning from the day, Anne dropped me off at my car. Well eventually...so I didn't quite want to leave SO soon. But we both had to, so for now its off until next time. Hopefully then I'll run into more GTTPers....I'm always up for fun. The night ended with me getting to the terminal and promptly falling asleep, only to be rudely woken up by getting my foot run over by a cart. Ok, she did say sorry barely, but I was in sandals! They did land the plane on the first try this time and after an insanely fast shuttle bus trip which would have given Raptor a run for its money, I was back only 26 hours from when I left. Hmmmm, wonder what I should do next weekend.
-------------
-Brian
I really should be working...
Oooohhh the truth is out now about us ;) Everyone is still running for cover! Welcome to the GTTP family...joining it comes with me, too, along with the park. :) I can't wait to share the Po!nt with you :) And nice TR too! ;)
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*-CP Irvine-*
The FewER, The Proud, The Po!nter Girls
I know who's fault it is!
AIM SN: ACEerCP
-------------
*-CP Irvine-*
The FewER, The Proud, The Po!nter Girls
I know who's fault it is!
AIM SN: ACEerCP
Oh my God!!!!! Run away, run away!!! Oh wait, I'm one of the two involved...nevermind :)
-------------
-Brian
I really should be working...
-------------
-Brian
I really should be working...
awww.. that was a cool story.. now if I had only know you guys were in the damn park..
I always seem to miss Anne.. and Nat usually lets me know too.. Maybe she's the next Dan.. destiny is making sure we don't meet for a while.. hehehe
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MF 2000 - 269 laps
MF 2001 - 73 laps as of (6/9/01)
I always seem to miss Anne.. and Nat usually lets me know too.. Maybe she's the next Dan.. destiny is making sure we don't meet for a while.. hehehe
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MF 2000 - 269 laps
MF 2001 - 73 laps as of (6/9/01)
Brian-
Congratulations on Anne saying yes! You're a lucky guy! But sorry about the bubbles, not everyone can have them :)
-------------
Jeff Tobe
tobejeff@pilot.msu.edu
"Did I mention that..." *** This post was edited by Mantomatic on 6/11/2001. ***
Congratulations on Anne saying yes! You're a lucky guy! But sorry about the bubbles, not everyone can have them :)
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Jeff Tobe
tobejeff@pilot.msu.edu
"Did I mention that..." *** This post was edited by Mantomatic on 6/11/2001. ***
Amusement Parks (good ones) are the most romantic places on earth! I would take a good park over a tropical beach any old day!
CONGRAtS!!!
I really enjoyed reading your report, put a smile in my heart!
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Feeling kruggie cause I'm not at the Point.
Nice :)
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If a mime falls in the woods, and there is no one around to hear it.... does anyone care?
Great TR, maybe next time we can actually ride magnum together.
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daniel j. haverlock
'01 magnum: 317
'01 force: 16
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daniel j. haverlock
'01 magnum: 317
'01 force: 16
Thanks for giving such a good response to my Bri, guys! I appreciate it...he needs to be welcomed into our group. He's the bomb; y'all will love him! :) You know it's true if *I* said so ;)
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*-CP Irvine-*
The FewER, The Proud, The Po!nter Girls
I know who's fault it is!
AIM SN: ACEerCP
-------------
*-CP Irvine-*
The FewER, The Proud, The Po!nter Girls
I know who's fault it is!
AIM SN: ACEerCP
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