saginawhxc Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 (edited) I wasn't sure quite what to expect since this was my first event anywhere that I was going to attend. I had been warned at one point that people tended to stick to their little cliques. Since I do most of my traveling by myself I knew going in that it wasn't gonna be the end of the world if this was true. Worst case scenario it would be just like most trips, but with some much anticipated walk backs on some of my favorite coasters. In reality people were extremely friendly and open to conversation. Through out the weekend I met many new friends, and managed to put faces to many friends from online. As much fun as the festivities that the park offered were, the relationships formed were the star of the event for me. It was a great time and I look forward to going again next year. Due to the Timberliners not being ready they added free tickets for a return visit to our package, which was very nice and unexpected. They fed us a pizza dinner on night one and let us loose on the three coasters for some dusk/night ERT. The best perk of all though was FREE FUDGE! Since I recently posted a very thorough trip report on the park I will stick mainly to the walk backs, and then I will make a second post of shots that contain people that were attending the event on the rides. I will try to get as many people as I can into this thread with out it getting to out of control. While choosing the shots to include I am gonna try to show a preference towards people I was fortunate to meet during the event. On a side note I will mention that I put away my camera for the night time ERT, and I shot the Timberliner pics with my little point and shoot. I also took it on the Voyage walk back and used it to shoot the wide angle shots so I didn't have to keep changing lenses during the walk backs. You can really tell the difference in the pictures. I wish my dog was as cool as Holidog. Even though they weren't ready for us to ride yet they brought them out for us to play with. It was nice to get see them in person after all the talk we have heard. A shot of the restraints that will be on them. They were really comfortable and I really look forward to giving them a try when they are ready. My first walk back ever was to be during the early morning ERT on Wildebeest. We were led back by none other than Will Koch himself. The netting made photography slightly tricky. I had to turn auto focus right off and manual focus everything. We were allowed to shoot from the crows nest at the top of the lift hill. Also shot from the lift hill. While standing in line we warned them that the ponchos might not save them. I wonder if they worked? I wish I could of asked them afterwards. There is a shot of the crows nest we were allowed to shoot from. I'm not sure how I got so lucky, but I found myself being taken aside from the group to visit the opposite side of the ride. While over there one of the rafts became lodged in one of the tubes. A lifeguard had to climb inside and lead the riders back out of the tube. When this happens they need to re-launch the empty raft mid-course, and as I witnessed this can sometimes be tricky. I was informed that the rafts themselves weigh about 200 pounds each, then add in a water jug for extra weight, and they needed a second life guard to get this thing moving up the hill. With a little bit of work though they got it moving. There goes the empty raft back up the next hill. I wish I had the time to fiddle with my setting a little more to get a better quality picture than this, but here's a shot from the tunnel we were headed to before the stuck raft side tracked us. Excited with some of the shots I got here's one of the queue as I walked back towards it. As fun as the walk back was for Wildebeest I was ready to shoot some coasters. I shot almost every picture with my 18-55 lens which kept me from zooming in for some better shots, but allowed me to shoot the structure from a wider perspective. Thank God I figured out a better solution by the time I made my way back to Voyage. Our path led us right between the lift hills for Frightful Falls and The Legend. Under the hill and through the woods. The path provided us with some close up shots of area's that could only be previously seen from quite a distance. Then suddenly there was Raven. I love stumbling across random roller coasters while trekking through the woods. Since it goes almost completely through the woods Raven isn't normally very photogenic. But she was laid out in all of her glory for us today. What a drop. There really was some nice views of a ride that is normally pretty shy. The first drop from the woods. The same train, but I saw name tags. I never met them, but like I said I'm gonna try to get as many attendees in as I can. Now for the star of the show... My number one coaster... It's THE VOYAGE! I would do almost anything for more than an hour back here. With more time, I could of captured some absolutely great shots back here. There were dozens of photogenic areas of the ride from the pathways. I would be more than happy to camp out each spot for hours. Not that I'm complaining about the time provided, it was ample and very appreciated. But it was hard to keep moving from each spot. I just wanted to keep shooting. Tunnels! Walking was tough, it was hard to turn your back on a sight like this. There was a lot of camera clicking and video recording among all of us back there. Airtime! OMG! I don't think I'm very good at containing my inner nerd when it comes to this stuff. I really hope your not tired of Voyage shots yet. Because I still have several yet to share. There is just to many shots that I haven't yet been able to get. I don't think I could not share them. Believe it or not only a small portion of what I shot is making it in. I don't think I've ever in my life shot so many pictures in such a short period of time. The walk backs alone almost filled my memory card. We finally made it to the back of the ride. And found this extremely photogenic spot. I was very sad when they told us it was time to go. There is just to many shots back here that I wanted to give more love to. It really is a beautiful ride. I can't wait to do this walk back next year with the Timberliners. Another of the shots taken with my point and shoot because I couldn't get it in with my 55-200 lens. They are not as good of quality, but it did the job and kept me from missing the shots I really wanted. I actually wouldn't mind purchasing a more versatile lens to avoid having to do this in the future. I seriously wish I could just make camp back here. I'll close this bunch of photo's out with some 90 degree love! Edited June 8, 2010 by saginawhxc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saginawhxc Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 Okay some of these next shots may get tedious and repetitive to some. I never get sick of them myself, but you may breeze through them. Every single one of these pictures are chosen for having event attendees included within them. Once again here I am leaving out many pictures, but I'm trying to get as many people in as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceace12 Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 You got me in two pictures, I usually do so well to avoid the cameras. I knew that if anyone could make Wildebeest valley or stall a boat, HWN people could. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirouettes907 Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 These are some great pictures, and you managed to capture me in two of those Wildebeest shots. It was great meeting you during dinner Saturday night! What a fantastic weekend overall; reliving it in pictures is making me feel a little better that an hour from now I'll be back at work and back to reality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JEAPUgrad Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Were you scared of the fat guy with the pink tiara? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saginawhxc Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 (edited) You got me in two pictures, I usually do so well to avoid the cameras. I knew that if anyone could make Wildebeest valley or stall a boat, HWN people could. I also caught another nice one of you standing next Colleen's bucket. I tried to get one of the two of you together right after she stepped out but it didn't turn out at all. I had been back getting a few shots of Holwer when I was walking by and caught you guys riding Eagles Flight. At that point we had met briefly but hadn't really had the chance to talk. It was nice to stop and talk to you for a few minutes after I took that. So I'm glad I just happened to be walking by at that point. *edit: Wrong person completely. I'm confusing screen names and real names. Sorry to all. These are some great pictures, and you managed to capture me in two of those Wildebeest shots. It was great meeting you during dinner Saturday night! What a fantastic weekend overall; reliving it in pictures is making me feel a little better that an hour from now I'll be back at work and back to reality. I ended up doing St. Louis on Sunday. I don't know what the two of you had planned but I kicked myself for not getting contact info and getting you guys to meet up. I actually did the zoo, city museum, and six flags all in one day. It was a blast. That trip report should be up in the next few days. Edited June 8, 2010 by saginawhxc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saginawhxc Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 Were you scared of the fat guy with the pink tiara? No I wasn't scared. I stalked you all weekend.... remember? I had my point and shoot on me on Saturday night I can't believe I didn't get a picture of your group. I think I was to caught up in the Voyage night rides to remember that I wanted to take pictures too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robbalvey Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Wow! Nice to see a few Club TPR shirts in the mix! Remember, Club TPR Members, if you have a picture of you at Coastermania or HoliWood nights wearing a TPR shirt, post it in the Club TPR forum to get your free stuff! Thanks for posting this! --Robb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceace12 Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 You got me in two pictures, I usually do so well to avoid the cameras. I knew that if anyone could make Wildebeest valley or stall a boat, HWN people could. I also caught another nice one of you standing next Colleen's bucket. I tried to get one of the two of you together right after she stepped out but it didn't turn out at all. I had been back getting a few shots of Holwer when I was walking by and caught you guys riding Eagles Flight. At that point we had met briefly but hadn't really had the chance to talk. It was nice to stop and talk to you for a few minutes after I took that. So I'm glad I just happened to be walking by at that point. Colleen's bucket? I think you got me mixed up with another person because I didn't ride Eagle's Flight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saginawhxc Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 Colleen's bucket? I think you got me mixed up with another person because I didn't ride Eagle's Flight. Yes I must be screwed up here. I think I met way too many people in one weekend, and I'm trying to put faces, real names, and screen names all together in my head and somehow keep it all straight. I apologize. So if you could be so kind to point yourself out to me in one of my pics so I can get it right next time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiger01 Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Awesome stuff! TimberLiners Look great!!! I bet you had fun playing with them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceace12 Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 Colleen's bucket? I think you got me mixed up with another person because I didn't ride Eagle's Flight. Yes I must be screwed up here. I think I met way too many people in one weekend, and I'm trying to put faces, real names, and screen names all together in my head and somehow keep it all straight. I apologize. So if you could be so kind to point yourself out to me in one of my pics so I can get it right next time. That would be me in the back seat squezing out of my seat once I found out the lapbars went down, but not up, yet (back left in the picture, though actually back right seat when seated in the train). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saginawhxc Posted June 8, 2010 Author Share Posted June 8, 2010 Awesome. Sorry about the mix up. We'll blame it on too many Voyage rides... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kumba830 Posted June 8, 2010 Share Posted June 8, 2010 You got me and my friend in one of the Wildebeest photos. As well as two others that I know well in one of your Raven shots. Awesome photos, I already can't wait for next year! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GriffyTiffy Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 ^Tommy and I were in THREE Raven shots! VERY cool pictures, great job! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saginawhxc Posted June 9, 2010 Author Share Posted June 9, 2010 I'm glad I got you guys into to the pictures. Thanks for the kind words, and yes I am really looking forward to next year myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pirouettes907 Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 I ended up doing St. Louis on Sunday. I don't know what the two of you had planned but I kicked myself for not getting contact info and getting you guys to meet up. I actually did the zoo, city museum, and six flags all in one day. It was a blast. That trip report should be up in the next few days. It wouldn't have mattered; we went down to Beech Bend the following day and didn't head home until Monday. But those three things in one day? Do you ever sleep? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on my home park. Were you scared of the fat guy with the pink tiara? You were standing right behind us in line for dinner Saturday night. I should have said hi! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haux Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 You also caught me. I'm the doofus in the back of Raven wearing the B&M shirt. I'm also in a few of the walkback shots. Pretty cool photos, man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reon Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 I remember when Wildebeest valleyed. Me and my friends (read: Ted and his Bloomington crew+me) were in the boat in the pre-lift section sitting just outside of the station that whole time...Sad that I never got in any photos, but I didn't really stand out aside from my Voyage shirt and nametag. I tried wearing my zipup TPR hoodie a few times, but it was just too hot for it. Still, I think I got to talk to you a bit on the walk back to our cars, so all is well. Anyways, great photos! I'm so jelouse of all the professional photographers while I'm just sitting there with my little Kodak EasySHare C713. Hopefully you enjoyed the greatness that is Voyage at night as much as I did. It definately secured my favorite non-Phoenix coaster that night. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saginawhxc Posted June 9, 2010 Author Share Posted June 9, 2010 I remember when Wildebeest valleyed. Me and my friends (read: Ted and his Bloomington crew+me) were in the boat in the pre-lift section sitting just outside of the station that whole time...Sad that I never got in any photos, but I didn't really stand out aside from my Voyage shirt and nametag. I tried wearing my zipup TPR hoodie a few times, but it was just too hot for it. Still, I think I got to talk to you a bit on the walk back to our cars, so all is well. Anyways, great photos! I'm so jelouse of all the professional photographers while I'm just sitting there with my little Kodak EasySHare C713. Hopefully you enjoyed the greatness that is Voyage at night as much as I did. It definately secured my favorite non-Phoenix coaster that night. What color Voyage shirt? Where you riding Voyage at all during the daytime? If you were I probably got you somewhere I took hundreds of pictures that didn't make the cut. I even bypassed some of the best pictures to put one's up with event attendees. So give me an idea of exactly what you were wearing and I'll look for you. You actually tried to wear a hoodie!? I LOVE hoodies and you rarely ever see me with out one one when the weather is nice but it was so hot I would of went naked if I could of gotten away with it. I couldn't even imagine adding extra clothes. One last thing for the record here. Some of the other photographers made me feel like an amateur too. I'm far from professional, I just bought a fast camera so I can take enough shots so that somewhere in there I might find a shot that I like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reon Posted June 9, 2010 Share Posted June 9, 2010 It was a lightweight zipup hoodie, so I thought I might be able to get away with it during nighttime ERT...I was wrong. Anyways, I had a blue Voyage shirt and was dragging around my orange Coney Island bag (which lost a strap throughout the course of the day). As for photos, you'll see what I mean when I post my report/resize the photos to TPR standards. I'll probabbly put it in my thread *points at sig*, but first I have to post my Waldameer trip.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saginawhxc Posted June 11, 2010 Author Share Posted June 11, 2010 While I didn't find any pictures of you I did stumble across a little bit of Holiday World creepiness while searching. Can anyone please tell me why he has a dead bird on his head? I had never paid close attention to this shot till I started scanning closer looking for a possible picture of Reon, but does anyone else think blue tank top guy looks a little creepy here? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MillenniumCP Posted June 18, 2010 Share Posted June 18, 2010 Hey, it's Andrew Smith from Holiwood Nights. We met on the Voyage walkback. Like you, I am sad due to the lack of time and unforseen downtime back there with Voyage. I didn't nearly get as many stills or videos that I wanted. I liked your photos, they are a lot of fun. Plus I like the ones with myself in it. It was nice meeting you. I hope to get to more events and trips with Club TPR and get to know more people. Keep doing your thing with awesome photos. * * * RIP Will Koch * * * Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts