The Phoenix at Knoebels. It was I believe my first woodie. (it's between Phoenix and Thunderhawk (Coaster) at the time).
I guess I connect with the Phoenix since I watched it being constructed with my visits to the park. I was 9 or 10 at the time. When our local paper printed articles and pictures I cut them out. I still have them today. I framed them and are hanging on my wall.
I also did the same for Twister. It also has POV pictures and Dick Knoebel installing the final bolt. The bolt was taken from the original Mr. Twister before it was demolished. The bolt is suposed to symbolize the connection between the two coasters. Knoebels also has a lever from the original hanging in the queue.
------------- 2000 stats: 135 coasters in 26 parks Not Too Shabby For A Summer
Back in 93 my first and finest coaster - Dragon Coaster at Rye Playland.
All of the Disneyland coasters are my sentimental favorites. Now I love much bigger and faster coasters, but I will never forget those first rides on Big Thunder Mtn., Matterhorn and Space Mountain!!
