Opening Day-Raptor Jo style!

Just when you thought this day would never come it finally gets here!!! :) Yes, the ends of my hair were indeed dyed green, it's this yearly tradition Raptor thing!! My morning began early meeting Lauren (LGF2BG) and Jeff (UCISECJKLNGPI) for our haul to CP. We arrived at CP shortly after 9am and thanks to JCC by passed the gazillion other guests waiting to get in. Right to Raptor we headed (I’m sure thanks to me!) We got to watch a couple running of the bulls-all seemed heading right for that big yellow thing. It wasn’t long until I began seeing fellow CP co-workers, so giving/getting hugs started early for me. When I arrived on my beloved Raptor’s platform I heard "hi Jo" over the loudspeaker from the tl, and to me that was the official start to the ‘03 CP season. For those of you who don’t know it, Raptor now has air gates. I know the crew was not happy about that due to them possibly hurting intervals, but I for one was glad to see them. Also the yellow line is much bigger, you’ll notice how far away from the trains you are when you wait. The 2nd front line access (to the right of the platform) is gone too-GOOD! That will be great for anyone who has delt with crowd control. Unfortunately some of the guests decided to make their own line on that side anyway :(. We actually waited on the 1st car (that’s right! FIRST car-not back) and managed to get the 2nd train of the season. What a rush for me.....the sounds of the lift chain, the sound of the wind, the B&M roar I missed so badly over the winter. Off we went and I was again on a Raptor high. The one thing I did notice right away while riding was how odd and out of place TTD looked. It was a whole different sight, and outstanding would be an understatement. We rode Raptor 1 more time then headed out into the park. We headed over to TTD just to see how long the wait was....this was no later than 10am-5 hours. No, I don’t think so. I was one of the lucky duckies who got to race for the sky 5x Thursday and no way was I planning on spending tons of time on TTDs line...not that it’s not worth it, don’t get me wrong but it was OD, and I had some other riding and visiting to do! Maggie was absolutely outstanding today, besides a short line in the morning she was FLYING! We rode Gemini, (no racing today :() Woodstock Express, CCMR, then headed back to front of the park. We hit up WT (where a seagull gave Jeff a "gift") then DT, then ate our lunches. I know to some this may sound stupid but I just love to feed the seagulls. If you’ve got the right food and a smart seagull you can get them to catch the food. Yea, so Im easily entertained....what can I say? :)
Lunch over...time for the 3pm GTTP meeting.
Now for the fun to really begin! I’m not going to remember all the GTTPers I met today so please forgive me for anyone I leave out. I remember Avalanche Sam, Incline Looper, Olympic10086, plus there were a couple of CBers from earlier too but I can not remember their names. It was awesome putting faces to the screen names and even riding my baby with some of you! The bestest thing that happened at this meeting was meeting up with my PIC Matt (Hooper) It was shortly there after Matt (Skykicker) Tony (Tony) and Dave (Dodgeemdave) meet up with us too. Let the fun begin!! :) From this point I don’t even know where to begin on some of the non stop fun that started from here. Our small "discovery" shortly before riding Gemini is the one joke that ended up holding on for at least the next 45 minutes. The pizza incident, the napkin incident (Hooper!!) the ride on Maggie, Hooper once more had me crying I was laughing so hard. While Tony and Jeff went and rode TTD (thanks to their front of the line passes) we headed for Banshee and then MF. MF’s line was only 30 minutes which was quite refreshing. It is amazing how at one time 93mph seemed fast, not since TTD, how 310’ seemed so high, not since TTD. MF however at least gives you TIME to see stuff and enjoy the view!! Nice ride! 8:00 came far too soon!

Let me forewarn anyone who hasn’t been to the park yet of one little danger-the new pins! OMG I bought 65.00 worth of pins! Wait’ll you see them!! One of my Raptor buds (DJ) gave me his Raptor pin, but I ended buying tons of the other ones anyway. It’s not just the normal ride pins, but pins with the ride and what year it was built, CP pins, all the coasters pins. I can NOT believe how much I spent on just pins! Then beware the Speed Zone TTD shop (former PT shop) OMG-how about another 100.00 in there! I got a TTD polo, 2 TTD shorts (for my daughters) a TTD bear, TTD shot glass and later on absolutely HAD to buy a TTD sweatshirt...not that I wanted it that badly it was freaking FREEZING! I am still absolutely amazed I spent that much $$ on even more CP stuff. Just what I needed!!!

We all ended up heading for the causeway McDonalds where we all sat around laughing and joking for the next 45 minutes. It was very sad saying goodbye to all my CP buds yet once more....till the next time that is. It was awesome seeing them again (yea so what I just saw most of them Thursday)

I HAVE to say here how awesome it was to hear my name so many times today by so many people!!! I know that my speech last Sunday probably "introduced" myself to alot more people, how many more I had NO clue until today! On Raptor, Maggie, Banshee, my name was announced over the loudspeaker. The coolest one to me was when the person on spiels on Gemini said "Raptor Jo is in the house!" :) Again , I’m easily entertained but more proud then anything else to be so well known around the park!!! :)

My visit was especially awesome hanging with my PIC and showing all my other buds WHY I just adore hanging with him. He had everyone cracking up all day and night. Thanks Matt and nice pic on Banshee, and how about our one on MF? ;)

I never did ride TTD, but did hear the comments of many and how much they loved it. Sounds to me like CP has yet another winner on their hands! :)

Thanks to all my CP buds for such an awesome visit! I finally got my Raptor fix so everything else today was icing on the cake (or something on the pizza?? ;))

Thanks to all the CP employees today who really made my day extra special by saying hi or the hugs! I love all you guys, I cherish all your friendships and especially sharing a day with me at the greatest place on earth! :) I had a blast today and can’t wait till next visit! :)
Oh yea next time....I'm bringing CASH-the credit cards/debit card stays HOME! :) Hugs!!! :)

Jo
2000/2002 Raptor Crew
Lifetime Raptor flights: 711 (goin for 1k in 03!)
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It's all about getting around the barrels, or over the fences, right leads, no faults, fastest time and looking pretty when done. What's so hard about that? :)

You know, I was in line for "Banshee" at the same time you were. We rode in the front. The guy said hi to you, just before we were to get on. I didn't see you though. Not that you would've recognized me, or anything. I remembered you from all the great stories you tell here. And, i thank you for them. Sure beats reading through a bunch of whining, and people trying to outsmart each other.

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If I win the lottery, I promise not to quit my job. Although, it may not take very long for me to be fired.
In the immortal words of Socrates, "I drank what?!"

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Dougster said:
I remembered you from all the great stories you tell here. And, i thank you for them. Sure beats reading through a bunch of whining, and people trying to outsmart each other.

How sweet! :) Thank you so very much! :)

Jo
2000/2002 Raptor Crew
Lifetime Raptor flights: 711 (goin for 1k in '03!)
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It's all about getting around the barrels, or over the fences, right leads, no faults, fastest time and looking pretty when done. What's so hard about that? :)

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Could you hold this for me? I'll be right back. Ha! I had such a blast with all of you! Thanks for making my OD spectacular. Hooper - great to finally meet you. All I've heard is true - you are a riot! Matt, Tony, and Dave - a pleasure as always. I love hanging with you guys. We'll have to do it again soon. Friday night? : )

Wonderful day with wonderful people. What more could a girl ask for?

Sorry I missed the GTTP meting at 3 pm. Unfortunately after our 2 hour wait for TTD (even with our JCC early entrance there were a LOT of people already in line when we got there!), my husband's back was acting up. Even after taking a couple 1 hour breaks to recline in the car, he was pretty much ready to hit the road to home by 3.

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I'd rather die living than live like I'm dead
http://www.webtechnik.com/ebony/CPLady.htm

I remember the meeting of GTTP people. From about when we got off of TTD, Sam (AKA Avalanche Sam) was always asking "What time is it?" and "How much time 'till 3?" I admit, I was a little confused as to why we needed to get to Raptor at three. Usually, whenever Sam, Phil (AKA Mr. Magnum), I and maybe a couple of other people, go to CP, the routine is the same. (See SCPP. http://guidetothepoint.com/cpplace.aspx?mode=thread&TopicID=11266) However, Raptor is usually after riding Magnum, at least twice, Gemini, at least once, Mean Streak, and the Mine Ride. We usually ride it whenever we get over there. But when I saw a lady with her blond hair tips dyed raptor green, and wearing a denim jacket with raptor patches, I had a vague idea who these people were. I had heard of GTTP but never actually signed up for it or looked at it outside of what Sam sends me. I decided, what the heck, so I signed up.

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Scott S.

It was A good time as always hanging out with the crew and seeing Matt, Jo, Jeff, and Lauren again. I always say that I can not laugh any more then the last time that we were together, but I always do. Here's looking forward to the next meeting. Did someone say Friday night? I will be their!

I wonder if McDonalds will lock the doors the next time that they see us coming? I know I would if I were them!

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MF Circuts=318
TTD Rides=5
Launch that sucker...Yeah!

Lauren, Matt, Tony, Dave...great to hang out with all you too. I try to control myself, I really do. And Tony, as far was Mcdonalds, NONE for us!!!

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"This second hill is my favorite part of the ride. It is so Cool!"
I almost got stuck on MF

Yeah, as always, a blast. Nothing like laughing until you get a headache. :) Jo, do you mean stapled???

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Jeff Shumway

~no replacement for displacement, except for that big freakin' turbo hanging on the front...

Hey guys. Had a great time yesterday. It is always a blast when you hang around with this group. There is only one problem....can anyone say sun burned!! Oh man!

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RIP Dodgem 1

Dave, How's the old hand warmer on your head today?;) Man were you burned. You reminded me of a burger that got left on the grill too long.

That's just getting you back for the gray hair comment. Really guys great time yesterday let's do this again sometime huh;) Philly Cheesesteak anyone?

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"Certified CP Groupie"

It was so nice to see you guys again. Matt - your the biggest character at CP :) Jo - A CP trip isnt complete without you...BRING MY PICS! :) :):)

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Eric Morrison (Coast)
Point Hype
http://www.pointhype.com

Alright, this is weird. I got in line for Raptor at 2:40. Got off at 3:15. No one there. I asked the guy wating at the line if he had seen a group of people about 15 minutes before...he told me no. So what was up with that?

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The Point of Cedars
Pointing you in the right direction!
http://www.thepointofcedars.tk

Top Thrill Dragster,

We were in line to ride Raptor at 3:10.

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MF Circuts=318
TTD Launches=5
Launch that sucker...Yeah!

Oh, dang, I just missed the meeting!

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The Point of Cedars
Pointing you in the right direction!
http://www.thepointofcedars.tk

Jo- I agree with you entirely about how it feels hearing you name so often around the park. It feels great that so many people know you. It's like one big family! Especially for you and Dan. You guys have one heck of a following! My following is usually wanting candy! :)

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http://www.magnummania.com
jerry@magnummania.com

Lately it hasn't been the guests saying anything, its the park employees seeing me in uniform.

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2003 Magnum Crew
dragster count: 9
magnum count: 2255
www.dannyjphoto.com

Actually, while I was waiting in line to get into the park on 5/4, Spid3rman (standing behind me) shouted out, "Look, there's Magnum Dan!"

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The Point of Cedars
Pointing you in the right direction!
http://www.thepointofcedars.tk

I have to admit Dan, seeing you in uniform is A strange site!

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MF Circuts=327
TTD Launches=9
Launch that sucker...Yeah!