The day started with a senic drive up the Susquehanna river to Elysburg and the wonderful carnival in the woods known as Knoebels.
I arrived at about 9:00 and just wondered around looking at all the rides, I purchased a $9.00 ticket book which has $10.00 of tickets. At just a few minutes before 10:00 they ran the first test train on Pheonix. The only line all morning was formed at its gate. This is a beautiful coaster, the green blends into the hills and the station just reeks of days gone bye. I loved watching the giant flywheel and belt driving the lift hill, they charge $1.50 a ride for this one. Ok, second train out last row, that Tunnel is pitch dark, wow, the back gives great slamming air, this is the ultimate out and back a true classic, My second ride was in the front seat, a very pleasant ride indeed.
Next was the steel looper, Whirlwind, a surprisingly pleasant Vekoma. I like the curving station of this semi-portable coaster. $1.20
Next the beautiful curved platform of Twister awaited, they charge $2.00. Seeing the break lever from Mr. Twister on the wall, brought back memories of a young PFC stationed at Fitzsimons Army Med Center in Denver. I loved that ride and still lament its demise. This inhouse ride comes close to the original, I love the double lift, it brings a cool extra element to the ride. Is any station more beautiful?
After this ride I wandered the park and had a roast beef sandwich, then I rode the Whipper, this is another belt driven classic, it was $.70. By now it was close to one and time to head for Altoona.
I got there around 2:45 and made a Railfan stop at the Railroaders Museum, I finally arrived at Lakemont about 5:00 and paid 5.95 for a POP evening ticket. Went straight to Leap-the-dips, had to wait for someone to ride with, I ended up riding with a local couple, we had a pleasant conversation about the history of the ride. During our two laps, that right Two laps!! The "Leverman" couldn't stop us sitting down, we rolled right past and back up the lift. The look on his face was priceless, He was standing up when we came back the second time!
Next on to the Skyliner, a true PTC classic, I got one ride in front and one in back what a difference. Front slow and uneventful back gut jarring slamming, I prefer the latter. After this I was walking towards Toboggan when I passed Lynch and his crew. We surprised each other!
I rode Toboggan, but I cant say I enjoyed it. I barely fit. and that drop after the spiral is a surprise.
After this I left the park and drove past Horseshoe Curve and stopped at the Tunnels before heading to Keystone State Park to spent the Night.
Dang, I forgot to ride the mouse
Tomorrow: Kennywood
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Parks for 2001:
PKD,PKI 3x, CP 2x
SFKK 2X, SFOG, SFStL,SFWOA, SFGAM,SFGADV
HOLIDAY WORLD 2X, INDIANA BEACH 2X, Kennywood, Lakemont, Knoebels
*** This post was edited by kneemeister on 8/12/2001. ***
*** This post was edited by kneemeister on 8/12/2001. ***
*** This post was edited by kneemeister on 8/12/2001. ***
While at Knoebels did you ride the Flyers, Bumper Cars,Grand Carousel and Haunted Mansion. If not you missed out on some true classics.
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Hello, My name is Dan and I'm a coasterholic.
Sad to say I was on a time constranit Tuesday, so I didnt have time, I watched the flyers for a bit as I was passing to the Twister, that thing is fast!! puts the one at Kings Island to shame.
I trully regret missing the Haunted Mansion though, This is my first summer as a coaster junkie, ie. I now earn enought to Travel and pay the bills, so there is always next year
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Parks for 2001:
PKD,PKI 3x, CP 2x
SFKK 2X, SFOG, SFStL,SFWOA, SFGAM,SFGADV
HOLIDAY WORLD 2X, INDIANA BEACH 2X, Kennywood, Lakemont, Knoebels
