Saturday was the annual company picnic at Knoebels Amusement Park, and, although it was quite steamy, even in this wooden haven known for its comfortable temperatures, Marty and I decided to take a break from household duties and spend a couple of hours at the park.
Along the way, which we've traveled numerous times, I spotted this Minersville Memorial which I had never noticed in the past.
Along the way, which we've traveled numerous times, I spotted this Minersville Memorial which I had never noticed in the past.
Unfortunately, it is located at a very busy intersection, which doesn't make it too practical for getting a closer look. On the way back home, I spotted several more monuments devoted to the miners who would have been a vital part of this town many years ago. I'm sure there is quite a history lesson there, but not one that I'll be sharing with you today. (But you never know when we might be gallivanting by for a closer look!)
Soon we were in the park, seeking out rides that were relatively calm as we have both decided that anything that goes in a circle at high speed is definitely out of the question for both of us.
So we started out on a ski lift, which was definitely calm and offered quite a view of the park on the way back down,
and the height didn't even bother me!
From there, we decided to try a hand at the boats,
where Marty proclaimed that I was to do the driving. The wait was painfully long, in the bright sun, which made it feel like 100 degrees, but, finally, we were at the launch and ready to board.
The boat had a mind of its own, despite my attempts at steering it. Note my calm demeanor. Someone would have you thinking that I was headed towards Niagara Falls!
From there we walked to the old-fashioned cars where, once again, I was to sit in the driver's seat. Sorry, no photos. Just like on the highway, we ended up stuck behind a traffic jam and it took us a while to actually exit the ride. But, at this point we were sitting in the shade, with a lovely breeze, so we weren't dismayed by our lack of movement, and the kid behind me refrained from running into the back of our car, which was much appreciated!
We headed past the statue of liberty
and found ourselves at the log jammer, which certainly looked refreshing.
We ended up in a log with two young girls in the back, as each log was required to have 4 people, if at all possible. We got wet, screamed, and got wet again, just enough to dampen the heat a bit. When we exited the ride, I was amused to see the parents of the girls who had ridden with us. They were obviously much younger than us, each holding a backpack, and enthusiastically asking their daughters how the ride went. I couldn't help but wonder what those girls thought about riding with two people who could easily have been their grandparents, when their own mother and father were standing on the sidelines. Perhaps we're not that old after all! Ok, so maybe we are.
We traveled through the haunted mansion, which is always good for a scream or two, and decided to take a ride on the ferris wheel.
The breeze felt marvelous, and the top offered some interesting views. A roller coaster in the distance.
And the Galleon, designed to assure that one gets more than just a bit wet.
It's a short ride, but packs a powerful punch. Not on our agenda, that's for sure! I didn't think to bring any spare underwear and I didn't feel like waddling out of the park.
Now it was time for Marty's all time favorite ride, the carousel. He loves reaching out and grabbing the rings as we circle around.
Look at that excitement after grabbing his first ring!
And his enthusiasm continued to abound as he managed to grab more than a fingerful of the circular rings!
It seems like nothing can beat the Knoebels Carousel.
Well, at least that's what Marty will tell you! I do believe that he is already counting the days until next summer's trip for another repeat adventure! Guess you'll just have to stay posted.
