Short but fun 7-16.09

Had planned a trip to CP but had some horse business to take care of in a.m. so thought plan was ruined. Once business done, decided to be spontaneous and for the very 1st time (besides Halloweekends Fridays) I would arrive at the park WAY after my usual 9am. Left home by noon and took the old 270/71/36/23/98/4 route instead of our usual 270/71/250.
That was a smart move! :) I ended up behind a Swift truck on 98 who kept a steady speed of 65-70mph the entire trip. The couple times I lost him (freaking lights) I literally had to go 80 to catch up to him. I didn’t lose him until Rte 2 in Sandusky which was perfect for me!
So for the 1st time ever I made it to CP in 2.25! :)
I had another supply of 15th anniversary Raptor buttons I knew some of the crew were waiting on so made Raptor my 1st ride of the day. Line was 45 minutes and man it was HOT! Delivered the buttons, rode seat 1-4 and then off to midway. Jumped on Gemini, red train, we lost. I will tell you that if you dont know how to keep your head during the last helix it could easily rip your head right off your shoulders, especially when trims off.
Some how ended up at MS so decided to ride. Walk on (shock-NOT) rode 1st car and totally enjoyed the ride. Not because it was a good ride, cause the guy behind me was cursing in Spanish the whole ride. It was so fun! When we got back to the station he turned around and asked the guy behind him if he found his liver.
Good old MS, nice to see it is still killing--I mean thrilling riders as always ;)

Quick stop into PR office then back to Raptor. I rode Raptor a couple more times then scooped out the stores in search of a Raptor sticker. I need a new one and can NOT find then anywhere :(
I did happen to come across one of those metal nostalgic signs in Pagoda for the Big Dipper. I had never seen it before and it got my attention because the train painted was red and I wondered if it was the Big Dipper at GL?
Back to Raptor where I pretty much stayed the rest of the early evening. I have to say that the crew this season really kicks butt. The only time intervals weren’t made was totally the guests fault. I cant begin to tell you how many trains were delayed because of a guest. I know 1st hand how frustrating that can be. I’d be so tempted to work on Raptor again this season but dorm life changes my mind every time! :(
I saw ride op Ben on line but didn’t get a chance to say hi-hoping he‘s working Sunday-maybe I‘ll wear one of my Diamondback shirts just for him ;)
Decided to leave almost at 9, wanted to make closing but more horse stuff early today-yippie, plus hubby and I going back Sunday.
Took 4/98/23/270 route home, no speeding trucks to follow this time but still managed to get home in under the usual 2.75-3.0 hours.

Although a short trip had a blast! Delivered the buttons, enjoyed the park, ate some fries, rode a couple things here and there and got another 7 rides on Raptor…good times! :)

Jo
Lifetime Raptor flights: 2042 :)