The Year in Beaver 2019

I'm so excited for 2020. There are some great things I am planning to do, with hopes to go international 2-3 times and see some amazing things. But 2019, while it had some great opportunities for me to get out and see the world, is over, and I'm happy to bid adieu.

I started the year off by getting a new car, which changed my plans for the year to an extent. And that's fine, I needed a new car (and I still need to get rid of my old car thats sitting in my back yard...), so I decided to upgrade from a 2010 black Ford Fusion to a... 2018 black Ford Fusion Hybrid. I love it, and hope to have it at least as long, or longer, as my last one.

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

In the early part of the year I wasn't feeling well, but thought I jus had a cold. I was at a routine Dr visit when I mentioned that I was occasionally getting really sharp pains in my lower left back, just as the PA was listening to my lungs. She stopped, looked at me, and said she was just getting ready to ask if I was having any difficulty. Turns out I had walking pneumonia. So I took almost a week off of work. Justin Timberlake was on tour nearly finishing up his Man of the Woods tour, and I'd missed his last tour, and since I was on the mend and didn't have to get up early the next morning, I got a cheap ticket and decided to go. The show was fine. The drunk millennials surrounding me that insisted on going to get more bear after every other song and not actually watching the concert, however, were annoying. I should have gotten a GA ticket on the floor, but whateves.

Justin Timberlake Man of the Woods Tour Charlotte 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Justin Timberlake Man of the Woods Tour 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

When I first moved to NC, which will be 10 years ago a week from writing this, I was so excited because I could do something that I'd never done before, and go to a park on opening day. I was able to go to SFoG & Carowinds for opening that year. Well, I had no plans in the spring, so I decided to do that again. Granted, I usually visit Carowinds on opening weekend every year, so that wasn't 'new' anymore, but I'd not been to SFoG on opening weekend since that first year. And I really like the park, and wanted more rides on Twisted Cyclone.

Six Flags over Georgia 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

And then it was time for opening weekend at Carowinds, my amazing home park. Ten years ago I was happy to have an actual home park less than an hour away, but really wasn't too thrilled that it would be Carowinds. However, that year they added Intimidator, and followed that was a major expansion and renovation of the park, with now 2 other additional coasters, a great new water park, great events, several new flat rides, and even more to come. 2019 saw the addition of arguably one of the best attractions ever added to the park. Not only is Copperhead Strike a great coaster, they went all out with the new area in terms of theming, food, and experience. It really is amazing. Copperhead Strike is great, and an awesome addition.

Carowinds Opening 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I did get to go international again in 2019, even if I drove to get there. And now I've arrived in another country by plane, ship, and car. I need to go by train next.

Canada did not disappoint. Toronto was a lovely city with beautifully diverse people who were quintessentially Canadian friendly. I really had a great vacation, and visited several parks on the way. Fantasy Island was a bit expensive, but Silver Streak was absolutely worth it.

Martin’s Fantasy Island 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I spent two days at Canada's Wonderland, and it is without a doubt one of my new favorite parks. It felt a lot like Knott's to me, but with an obvious Canada flair as opposed to SoCal. I loved it. Great flat rides, some decent coasters, and a really attractive park. I hate that I waited so long to go.

Canada's Wonderland 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Canada’s Wonderland 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I spent a full day exploring Toronto, and it quickly became one of my favorite cities. It's like a bigger Chicago. All of the hype about NYC, the bravado about being the best city in the world all quickly falls apart when you visit far better cities. You can have your NYC. I'll take Chicago or Toronto any day of the week.

Toronto 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I moved on from Toronto (though I did drive back to visit later in the week) and on to the kitschy, touristy Niagara Falls. I'd always wanted to see the falls. They did not disappoint.

Niagara Falls Canada 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Niagara Falls 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

On my way home I headed first to Six Flags Darien Lake, which had just been re-flagged, which meant that my SF Pass would get me right in. Sadly Predator was undergoing track work and the SLC wasn't open, but I did get to ride the rest of the coasters and hit credit #400 on Tantrum, the parks Eurofighter, which ended up being my favorite coaster at the park. I was trying to make Ride of Steel 400, but miscounted. I'm happy that Tantrum was it.

Darien Lake 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

If you've never been to Boone, NC, it really should be on your list. No coasters, but lots of fun things to do. I visit a few times a year when I'm at my friend's house for the weekend.

Untitled by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I missed seeing Seasons of Cirque at Carowinds in 2018, but it returned in 2019 and I was able to finally see it. The Cirque shows that Cedar Fair put on are a step above their other entertainment offerings, and always very good.

Seasons of Cirque 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I've seen Weird Al in concert more than most other acts, just because he's always entertaining and tours every couple of years and always comes close to where I live. I was happy when he announced his Strings Attached tour would be stopping in Charlotte with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. It was a really great show.

Weird Al Strings Attached Tour 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Just after a hurricane in September, I went to Myrtle Beach for a few days. No parks were open, and I really just went down to lay on the beach or by the pools drinking whisky. It was nice because the hurricane made most people cancel their trips. The whole town was dead.

Myrtle Beach 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

I ended my year in Florida, my third year in a row visiting Florida in December. My main goal was to get to Batuu, and I was successful in that I was able to ride both of the major rides. The park was great, and I can't wait to return.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

Disney's Hollywood Studios 2019 by C. E. Beavers, on Flickr

So I go in to 2020 with a good attitude. I'm planning my travel for the year, and if I pull it all off, I should get to some more amazing places around the world and *hopefully* finish my home renovations. And maybe get a few new credits. Probably.

Last edited by Tekwardo,

Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.

Nice pictures!

Hobbes: "What's the point of attaching a number to everything you do?"
Calvin: "If your numbers go up, it means you're having more fun."

With a title like The Year In Beaver, I almost skipped this.

Great pics. (none of Beaver)