Sunday, June 26, 2016

Father's Day at Cedar Point


On Sunday June 19th 2016,  we arrived for a 3-day visit to Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky OH.  Our tickets originally got us entrance to the park on the next day, however my Daughter Karyn surprised me with evening passes for Father's Day!  Here we are entering the park.


One of our first rides was the Raptor, a tune up to the bigger, faster rides to come. 


Someone convinced Karyn, I think it was Hailey, to ride the "Wicked Twister". She was not so "thrilled" as one might think.  



On board the Gate Keeper. That's me, waving to Kathy.


Here's a short video of the Gate Keeper.


The fastest ride in the park "Top Thrill Dragster". It was the first full circuit roller coaster to exceed 400 feet in height, and was the tallest roller coaster in the world, before being surpassed by Kingda Ka at Six Flags Great Adventure in May 2005.


After leaving the station, the train enters the launch area. To the left of the launch area is a "Christmas tree" light, similar to those employed at the starting line of a drag strip. A brief message is played to the riders to: "keep arms down, head back, and hold on." Once the train is prepared to launch, a motor revving sound effect is played and its magnetic braking fins are lowered from the launch track. It then launches, accelerating to a speed of 120 mph in 3.8 seconds. Shortly after reaching its maximum velocity, the train begins its ascent up a 90-degree incline, twisting 90 degrees clockwise before climbing over the 420-foot top hat. Upon descending, the track twists 270 degrees before leveling out, allowing the train to be stopped by the magnetic brakes.


A photo of Kathy and I standing in front of my favorite ride "Top Thrill Dragster" in the background. 


I am pointing at Kathy's bandage.  She tripped getting out of a ride called the "Monster" and scraped her knee.  She is hoping that snoopy will console her. 


Wayne and Kathy share a seat on the Scrambler. It's listed as an Amusement Park ride. Let's leave it at that.


 Kathy and I in front of the Millennium Force.  May the Force be with us!.  It is one of my favorite rides at Cedar Point. 


Jake and Hailey decided to do the Slingshot.  You strap into the seat; the seat rolls back as shown, then shoots you up above 300 feet at 62 mph.  Jake said you do get to see all of the park, if only for a few seconds.  


Jake and I just chilling at the campground.


A group shot with Hailey, Wayne, Karyn and Jake.  Ryan stayed at home to take care of the dogs; Grace and Oscar, and Jake's Cat Sophie. We had a terrific time.  This is Wayne's first visit to the park. Something tells me it will not be his last.


Kathy and I wish Karyn and Wayne an amazing journey as they get get ready to begin their new life as husband and wife on July 3, 2016.   We look forward to being there for the big day!



Monday, June 20, 2016

Flight 93 National Memorial



This is a photo of our first visit to the Flight 93 Memorial in 2013. The Flight 93 National Memorial is located at the site of the crash of United Airlines Flight 93, which was hijacked in the September 11 attacks, in Stonycreek Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania.


Fast forward 3 years to the new Flight 93 National Memorial.  


A new 26 million dollar facility that is a fitting tribute to the 40 men and women that perished that September day.  We toured the memorial site with our friends Vaughn and Margie Woods.  


The day started out like any other day.


The second plane hits the second tower.


At 9:25 a.m. the FAA orders a nationwide ground stop of all flights.  


This shows the flight path of United Airlines Flight 93.


Here you can listen to actual calls from individuals on board to their love ones.  Many of these calls will make you cry.


This display is dedicated to first responders. 


Here actual debris that was found at the crash site is displayed.  


This display includes items that were left at the site from fellow Americans honoring these heroes.  Due to the tremendous number of items placed at the site, the display will be changed this year with other items that were also placed at the site.  


Here is a list of all the people that were killed that dreadful September day.


If you click to enlarge this photo you will see a boulder that represents the actual crash site of United Airlines Flight 93.  May God bless those brave souls and may they never ever be forgotten. 




Thursday, June 9, 2016

Grandson Graduation Video

The below video is dedicated to our grandson Ryan who just graduated from Eastern Technical High School.  



The Marquee photo. 


Ryan watching the proceedings. 


The 2016 graduate.


Ryan and his Mom.


Ryan and his very proud grandparents.

That diploma you hold in your hands today is really just your learner’s permit for the rest of the drive through life. Remember, you don’t have to be smarter than the next person, all you have to do is be willing to work harder than the next person.

Click arrow to start presentation. Click box in lower right corner to access full screen.


Pulling up Anchor at Acadia National Park

 I thought it would be nice to add a few facts about Acadia National in each of the photos below. We decided that our last trip here at Acad...