Lou's Year In Review: 2007

[cfc]

I CAN GUESS OVER HALF THOSE CROTCHES!

 

I think!

 

But can you name that crotch in just two notes?

 

I think the apparent "vampire pig" is one of the most disturbing park mascots ever (and I've see the "ratcatcher" that used to run around Euroburg).

[Cyber.Fiber]

Lou, I am absolutely amazed at the hilarity of your captions! You are truly a genius for the capturing on film of the "Pissing Goat". You made me laugh a tremendous amount! I Hope your year was as good as it looks on film!

[TheRapidsNerd]

Man, this is just a great TR! The comical stories behind the photos are always so entertaining.

 

Guess The Crotch = Hilarious! Cool points for that. Also made me think of Takahashi in Revenge of the Nerds.

[Peejay]

This is one of the funniest trip reports ever. It had everything: old buildings, jumping boats and a goat. I couldn't stop laughing . Amazing job, Lou!

[BeemerBoy]

Lou is awesome, period.

 

However, she should not be allowed on any further trips without agreeing to document them via trip reports. That goes for Dave as well.

[Team Thriller]

I always loved Phantasialand. Lou, you did a great job showing what Phantasialand is really like...until' the end at least.

 

Keep them coming at the awesomeness they have been.

 

--James

[Meteornotes]

Lou is awesome, period.

 

However, she should not be allowed on any further trips without agreeing to document them via trip reports. That goes for Dave as well.

 

Um, thanks! I had no idea anyone ever read any of my nonsense. I'll finish the FL one next week (where a new character will be introduced!), then move onto the epic "Dave Goes To Japan".

 

And on-topic, Lou's PTR is kicking immesurable ass. even if it didnt' cointain a 5000 word segment on the awesomeness that is Elissa Bingo. Looking forward to the next part...

 

dt

[mcjaco]

I rate "Guess that Crotch" much higher than, "Blurry photo of Nothingness," or "Photos From Great Distances In The Parking Lot."

 

I am anxiously awaiting the next installment. Mostly because I know there will be at least one sexy golden god making an appearance. (Cameron )

[larrygator]

^^I accidentally shattered the CD case that contained my Elissa Bingo winnings last night. But not before copying "Dave's Death Metal" to iTunes and my iPod.

 

But be proud Dave, I busted the case in true Dave Thomas fashion, falling down outside my apartment.

 

This PTR, Elissa Bingo and the Bingo prizes rule.

[Meteornotes]

^Two things to note:

 

- There is no death metal on those discs. I didn't want to make anyone cry.

 

- The fact that you fell down to break it makes me happy. Not that you might have injured yourself, of course, but because it is totally something I would do. My battles with gravity continue...

 

dt

[Louise]

Guess The Crotch = Hilarious! Cool points for that. Also made me think of Takahashi in Revenge of the Nerds.

 

I'll take the cool points for including it in my TR instead of just ignoring the pictures, but Robb should get the credit really for stealing my camera!!

 

 

Thank you all so much for the positive comments, it means a lot and really makes it worth the time and effort, and in fact I *really* am enjoying going through all this stuff and reliving fond memories!

 

Scott (BeemerBoy), I'll bear in mind your comment, and maybe next time I'll actually do trip reports after the trips instead of saving them all up like this, this thread is gonna have a monster-load of pictures by the end of it!!

 

So awesome that Larry broke his CD case in a Dave-type fashion.

[Louise]

The Monster Trip of Death: August/September 2007

 

So I guess I should give a bit of background on this. I wasn't even planning on going to Japan, but people kept trying to convince me... I so wanted to go, but financially it wasn't an option. Then, in a random conversation with my mother one day, she told me if I really wanted to do, seeing as it seemed kinda like the trip of a lifetime for me, I should use some of my inheritance and just do it. With her blessing, I used that money, and started planning.

 

While talking with Robb and a couple of others about the trip, I joked that I should fly to the US first and spend a couple of days in LA, then fly to Tokyo with the TPR crew... Somehow it ended up actually happening. And I had planned to visit Chicago for a while, and Cameron had VERY generously offered me a place to stay and a chauffeur service... So that got added on too. And with the way my flights worked out price-wise, it actually only ended up costing me about $500 more to do Korea and then fly back the wrong way around the world via the US than it would have done to just fly back to the UK from Asia. So my 17 day TPR Japan trip somehow became a 37 day monster trip spanning three countries. I kinda figured I've just graduated, am in a job where they'll let me have the time off unpaid if I'll agree to stay in that position until January... F*ck it!

 

And so began the trip of a lifetime.

 

I should also point out that my camera decided to break two days before I left home. So the first thing I did on arrival in Chicago was go camera shopping with Cameron!

 

Got off the flight (which was full of aerophobic people, one of whom tried to sit in the aisle for take-off as she felt safer there), and was met by Cameron wearing the most awesome shirt in history, which I didn't even notice because I was so annoyed with immigration and glad to be off the plane. So wish I had a picture of that shirt. Anyway. Settled in at Cam's, went for a hotdog, went camera-shopping, and off we go.

 

 

The area where Cameron lives is really very pretty, I like it an awful lot.

 

 

Shot of the Lake, testing out my camera.

 

 

I was disappointed that these seagulls are much braver than British ones and didn't run away when I ran at them, just kinda casually strolled.

 

 

More testing of the camera, but I like the picture so I'm forcing you all to look at it.

 

 

This was really the perfect start to my trip, just wandering around getting acquainted with the place and drinking coffee... Just what I needed considering how manically busy the next few weeks would be.

 

 

Cool graffiti, but really, would you accept a proposal done on a rock in paint?!

 

 

After heading back to Cameron's to change, we drove out to to eat at this awesome place called . We met up with Paul (Carnage, who I knew from the UK trip), and Matt (mcjaco) and his wife Abra, who I hadn't met before but who turned out to be fairly awesome people. Paul and Matt were also gonna join us at the park the following day.

 

 

The next morning, well-rested after a good night's sleep, we had breakfast at a nice little local diner. I'm not entirely sure why Cameron looks so confused here!!

 

 

I have major love for anything retro and black and white, so I loved these menus enough to take a picture of one!

 

 

After breakfast, we were off to Gurnee to visit my first US park outside of Florida, and my first Six Flags park EVER!!

 

 

 

 

First coaster of the trip was Batman! I was again surprised by the intensity of this thing! I don't really know why, but I was. Good start, I thought!

 

 

I'm so happy to finally be in the US and on a coaster after planning for like six months!

 

 

Next up was Vu. Which was running! Two for two! I didn't hate it, but El Deja Vu-o still kicked the crap out of this one, with its pretty colour scheme and FREAKISH smoothness! More than anything I was severely irritated (not really sure why) with the PA announcements which kept referring to it as "The Deja Vu". I just didn't see why the article was necessary. Or the constant repetition, but whatever.

 

Matt and Paul are such a pair of geeks. Gotta love Matt with his tongue sticking out.

 

At this point (I think, the chronology's kinda messed up in my brain), we headed over to Vertical Velocity, which to be honest I was kinda "meh" about beforehand. I was like yeah yeah, launch, up, down, twist, yada yada. But I actually *really* enjoyed it! The launch made me giggle and I basically didn't stop until about two minutes after we got off the thing... Which I always say is how you can tell I really like a coaster. Sometimes it's the simplest things I enjoy the most. Makes me sad that I might not get to another one of these for a looooong time. The non-twisting one in Japan just wasn't the same.

 

 

The Scrambler apparently makes Matt feel scared and me feel.... pouty. I love this ride, and this one was a good one, though not as crazy as I'd expected it from what people had told me!

 

 

Raging Bull was another surprise for me! Interestingly, I've heard a few people who were on the Midwest trip (they were there just a week or so before me) speak quite negatively of it, but frankly, I loved it. It's one of only I think three coasters that we re-rode on this day... I mean, to be fair, we only had time to re-ride a few as we were taking our time and chilling out, but this was one of the ones I really WANTED to re-do. This was my first of the B&M hypers, but even though I'm a bit of a B&M girl I hadn't let my expectations get too high. I really loved it. I have teeny tiny bones and am a messed up shape and often have problems with restraints, but these ones are just perfect, and the airtime was great! Definitely on the favourites list.

 

 

Demon I remember nothing about other than the boys lamenting the fact that the lights in the tunnel weren't on. Iron Wolf was fine, though I didn't love it. At the time, it was only my second stand-up (rode four on this big trip) and I MUCH preferred it to Drayton Manor's Shockwave, but then I hated Shockwave so that isn't saying much. I will say that it was much better than I had expected, I realised at the top of the lift hill that I still had my earrings in, and I managed to take them out during the ride without any real problem. I also very much enjoyed Viper. I'm not a huge woodie fan (no jokes please), I tend to either think they're amazing or else complete crap, but this was a good solid "I like it", and I certainly didn't complain when somebody suggested a second ride later. Much fun.

 

 

Okay, so I'd heard all the jokes about the prices of Six Flags' food and stuff, but I was all "whatever, it can't be that bad"... By British standards (which are ridiculous), it really wasn't that highly priced at all, but going by average American pricing, and the amount and quality of what we got... Yeah, rip-off. But never mind, I guess it's to be expected!

 

 

Seeing as my Six Flags cherry was being popped, this seemed appropriate... Even though I don't actually like cherries all that much.

 

 

 

Somewhere around this point, it had gotten REALLY hot (and I'm from Manchester, I don't deal well with heat), so me and my fellow freckled friend Paul decided to cool down on the rapids, whilst Cam and Matt waited.... The line really didn't look that bad, but we didn't realise it went right back over the bridge... And it was moving sloooooowly.... An hour, we waited. But it was totally worth it. At first it seemed like I was gonna get off dry, and then suddenly... Yeah, I was drenched. But God it felt good, and was totally worth the hour in line. Only real disadvantage was that after getting off the ride we discovered that Craig (IggyACE) and his kids had joined Cameron and Matt, and I was now meeting somebody while looking like a drowned rat. Oh well.

 

 

I also for some reason feel the need to mention that when I realised Craig had his kids with him, I was actually a little concerned, as I'm not particularly child-friendly and always worry that having kids around will change peoples' behaviour... Craig's kids are AWESOME!! I've never been around such fun, funny, well-behaved mature children, seriously, I have such praise for them. They're a real credit to their parents, even Casey is mature and he was only two and a half at the time! Moving on...

 

As we were nearby, we rode Rajin' Cajun at this point, which was fun, but we totally failed at the weight distribution and didn't spin as much as I'd have liked. We did still spin though, but I'm of the opinion that you can never spin too much.

 

 

Bahaha, this photo has such a funny memory attached to it but probably nobody who wasn't there will understand. Anyway, we're standing by this pond, and for whatever reason, ALL of the ducks are arse-in-the-air, little legs waggling like crazy, trying to get to something. No idea what, but they were literally under there for a good ten minutes or so before we walked away, just kept popping up in shifts for air. I think I was sad because I didn't know what ducks ate. Who knows why I make the faces I do. I still theorise that their retarded cousin Jim-Bob was drowning or something and they were all trying to save him.

 

 

SEE!!!

 

 

The highlight of my year. The guys will vouch for how excited I was about this... Apparently Marvin was excited too, seeing as he apparently wet himself in this picture.

 

 

We rode American Eagle somewhere around this point... Hard to believe this coaster is related to Kijima's Jupiter, which I'm sure must have permanently damaged at least four of my major organs. I honestly fail at geekery and memory enough to know which side of this we rode, though I'm sure one of the others can jump in later if anybody cares. It's funny with me how other memories can easily push things out, I have VIVID memories of being on this coaster and Craig telling me about a lost cellphone.

 

 

Another cherry popped: My first bowl of Dippin' Dots! Mmmmmm. Definitely the ice cream of the future.

 

 

Dippin' Dots of course paled in comparison to riding Whizzer with Cameron. Whizzer was so much fun, I adored it!! I don't know where there are others of these but there damn well need to be more, it was a blast, definitely a fantastic family ride, and it was fun to see Casey ride too, fearless as anything!

 

 

After Whizzer we headed over with more than enough time to hit Superman and then do a couple of re-rides before closing. My only flyer before this one was Air at Alton, which I love, but it's such a different type of ride. I'd been warned in advance about the intensity in the pretzel loop but it still surprised me! I'm not sure if it *is* different, or (more likely) whether it just *seemed* different to me that day, but something in the padding of the restraints was more comfortable for me on Superman than on Air, which is a comfortable ride, but the restraints always bother me.

 

 

So immature. Sorry. (Tee hee, "wang". )

 

 

Re-riding Viper. Haha, Matt has no friends!

 

 

At closing, the whole group traipsed off to Steak N Shake. I won't bother going into the whole story, but basically Steak N Shake has HUGE nostalgic value for me and I just adore the place. I used to eat at ones in Florida on a pretty damn regular basis, and it had been five years since I'd set foot in one. So this was majorly exciting. Hence the giant smile.

 

 

*drools*

 

 

This picture is like porn to me.

 

 

As a side note, I'm astonished I managed to take pictures at this meal considering all the poking that was going on.

 

 

So overall, it was a GREAT day, and really a perfect start to the trip. I liked the park a lot, far more than I expected to, many of the coasters greatly exceeded expectations, I had amazing company... Couldn't wish for anything better!

 

No parks in the next update, just Chicago touristy stuff, so be warned.

[mcjaco]

I need more Lou poking........

 

Unlike my ride with Jahan, we totally failed at Ragin' Cajun. That was one of the worst rides I've ever had on it. Fortunately, Fiddler's Fling with you made up for it.

 

I'm proud to say I not only molested Lou, but we poked each other too.

 

Miss you, Lou!

[Carnage]

Iron Wolf was fine, though I didn't love it.

 

Really? I think it gave me a concussion before the first drop.

 

That raft ride was alot of fun. I remember being dry, then taking a water canon straight in the face. The rest was a blur of water.

 

It was fun to come down and meet up with you guys. It was just what I needed.

[ebl]

^ I don't believe we have Steak n Shakes in California---if so, I've never run across one. What they have looks good, though.

 

I'm enjoying your Photo TRs, Louise. Interesting and entertaining.

 

Eric

[Louise]

Iron Wolf was fine, though I didn't love it.

 

Really? I think it gave me a concussion before the first drop.

 

That rings a vague bell actually... Perhaps I sustained enough of a concussion to eliminate the memory of the concussion-inducing incident?!

 

 

That raft ride was alot of fun. I remember being dry, then taking a water canon straight in the face. The rest was a blur of water.

 

It was fun to come down and meet up with you guys. It was just what I needed.

 

LOL, the water cannons were hysterical, we literally did go from dry to soaking in like three seconds.

 

I'm really glad you came down too, especially with you not doing a TPR trip this year! Us Brits and Canabians need to stick together. (Just emphasising the spelling so people don't think it's a typo. )

[TheStig]

...went for a hotdog...

 

Hehehe, I remember the last time I went for a hotdog with Cameron!

 

Great stuff Lou, SFGAm is pretty much my favorite park outside of FL also. Glad you had a good time, and bring on the Chicago pictures! I freeking LOVE that city!

 

Nice report, looking forward to seeing the rest of it...

[Carnage]

I'm really glad you came down too, especially with you not doing a TPR trip this year! Us Brits and Canabians need to stick together. (Just emphasising the spelling so people don't think it's a typo. )

 

Ahh, but that did start with an actual typo.

 

I've still got that luggage tag on my Balder backpack.

[mcjaco]

I so want a Steak & Shake milk shake right now.....and to ride Hades in the rain.

 

OK, not so much on that last thing.

[TheRapidsNerd]

^ That's a good idea and I'm all hungry. See you guys in a while.

[TexTitan01]

mmmmmm....steak n shake....side by side milkshakes....mmmmmm

 

oh dammit now I miss steak n shake!

 

If it wasnt for the rain SFGAm couldave been a very good experience for me. Heck, the ERT I experienced there was awesome! But then the rain came, and went, but by the time it went, we were on our way out of the park...

[TheRapidsNerd]

Lou,

Your porn was too much for me. Had to go satisfy a craving. A small vid posted below.

 

mcjaco, had a milkshake in your honor.

 

Ok, now back to regular Lou programming.

 

EDIT: My 600th post. Another milestone, another good thread. Ok, now really back to Lou and her awesome TR.

steaknshake.zip

I had part of Lou's meal from earlier in this thread and a milkshake. Good stuff.

[Tömmioh]

Lovin' this TR. Awesome.

Great stories, pics and most of all, memories

 

I totally understand why you feel like you've taken too few photos at some parks, as I get/got that same problem, it just easily goes that way, when you have fun and explore new places and enjoy it.

I am a bit late but...I'll agree that the Madrid subway system kicks a$$, used it a lot before the trip and also after, have no complaints whatsoever.

Also I can't believe how red or tanned I look in one goodbye-photo, lol.

 

The boat-jump ride at Klotten looks so fun. As well as the rest of the mini-europe trip.

btw. does any Swedes (or anyone else) know if Kneippbyn still has a ride like that?, as I vaguely remember I've been on something like that there in 2001.

Are dippin dots quite like Calippo shots, icey 'pearls'?

 

Anyway, looking forward for the Chicago and further photos and text, it's really nice to see some non-park photos as well and pictures of food mmm...

[Louise]

^ I've never seen those Calippo things, but they look very similar!! It's basically tiny tiny little balls of ice cream... I think they're frozen into shape using liquid nitrogen actually, though I'm not scientifically-minded enough to know how this works.

 

You do look a bit pink in that goodbye photo, Tomi!!! You should see the pictures from Japan though, where EVERYBODY looks burned, red, hot, sweaty, ewww. I love how messy everyone looks at the end of a trip.

 

Lou,

Your porn was too much for me. Had to go satisfy a craving. A small vid posted below.

 

You BASTARD. That was torture. But quite funny. I don't always drink milkshakes, but I often had one at Steak N Shake for dessert.... That one looked yummy. *sigh* Need to come back to the US soon, if only for the food.

[TheRapidsNerd]

^ Oh, and it was... Between your meal pics and mcjaco's musings, I couldn't take it anymore. Good menu choices by you two and a good excuse to go there.

 

Enjoying the TR much and looking forward to the next round.