Archive for July, 2014

Cedar Point, 2014

I took Alpha on a trip to Cedar Point. I hadn’t been there since 1990-something.

It’s a lot smaller than I remember.

I’m sure it’s the same size – it’s just my perspective has changed. Most of my memories from there are as a grade-schooler and middle-schooler.

Things I’m disappointed aren’t there anymore:

  • IMAX – a highlight of the day because of two things: air-conditioning and sitting. Plus that feeling you got when the movie crested the mountain peak and you thought you were going to fall…
  • Pirate Ride – I didn’t like roller coasters much, so this flat ride was one I handle.
  • Paddlewheel excursion – I didn’t ride this much, but it was a nice diversion. Again, not a roller coaster.
  • Jungle Larry’s Animal Safari – I was trying to remember where exactly this was. I think Mantis or Millenium Force is there now.

Things that changed:

  • Junior Gemini – It’s still there, just as a Snoopy ride now
  • Ferris Wheel – It’s supposed to be by the train station. Although having it right by the shore does provide a nice view now.
  • Steam Enginges – I didn’t check, but it seems to me that the trains have been converted from coal power into something else. There’s no smoke, and no nostalgia-inducing smell.

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Minefield

People often ask us “How do you keep your house clean with 4 boys?”

Answer: we don’t.

Sure, our house gets cleaned, but it doesn’t stay clean.

Exhibit A

image of floor full of scattered Lego bricks

Here we have the upstairs landing/play area. If you want to get to the closet (back left, out of the photo), you have to make your way carefully through the Lego minefield.

You’ll notice there are a couple of spots cleared for feet, but not many. And if you are carrying anything large to or from the closet, your best bet is to shuffle your feet to plow through the Legos.

And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel.

Genesis 3:15

The Slingshot Ride

When I visited Cedar Point in early June of 2014, I saw the Slingshot was under construction. When I saw the description, I figured since it is a reverse bungee jump, it would be made of bungee cords.

Nope.

Now I have seen it in action, and it does not use bungee cords. It uses steel cables and springs. Actually, I don’t know that they are steel, just that they are non-elastic.

In case you are curious as to the Slingshot, here’s a summary: one moment you are at ground level, and 3 seconds later you are 300 feet in the air. This GIF might help explain:
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