Wednesday
3rd September 2003
Week 28, Day 162
There's nothing quite like a staff day out, and this was no exception.
The hype revolving around the trip to Blackpool's Pleasure Beach was
huge, but luckily, it wasn't a let down. Twenty-one of us set off at
10:30am, making a riot on the train (as you do) and feasting on sweets,
donuts and muffins. Upon arrival we headed straight for the trams. Pardon
me for being such a tourist but they have double-decker trams! And then
all the others are themed, obviously sponsored by local stores and sights.
At Pleasure Beach (the name still cracks me up because it really is
as trashy and tacky as the name suggests, but somehow, that's its appeal)
we sorted out our wristbands for unlimited rides and set off. Now, I
was dying to get on them as I had heard so much about how great they
were. And you know me, I'll try any ride once!
First up was Grand National - a classic and one of the oldest there.
The scariest thing about it is that it's a rollercoaster hoisted up
on wood, as opposed to the security of the modernday metal ones. So
there's a lot of bumping about and seriously, I almost fell out of it
a few times. Still, I went on four times. There's two trains so each
one races against each other, hence the name of the ride. Duh!
The log ride was a bit disappointing except for Jackie and Laura who
insisted on splashing water at each other and me getting in the crossfire.
Then as we were climbing up to the first drop our boat stops and we
get told off by the conductor saying that if we don't keep our arms
in the boat, we'll get chucked out of the park. Very amusing.
Over at the Black Hole - basically just carts that hold about four people
and spin around as the whole lot spin around. Waltzers I think they're
called. It was all in the dark except for some flashing lights here
and there, and I liked it best when our cart just continued spinning.
The next one, whose name escapes me now, is basically one long arm which
spins around like a windmill. At the end of the arm are four seats (two
back to back) which are on a turnstile and also spin as the big arm
spins - so it's a double effect. You get propelled quite high up into
the air, and is loads of fun when you get turned upside down and you
look over the city as you're doing so.
The Avalanche proved to be fun but a little short. It's a row of tabogans
linked up like a roller coaster, and you go down a tabogan shaft. I
apologise to Andy, whom I shared the tabogan with, for slipping as I
got in and landing where I shouldn't. I am a klutz afterall!
The Irn-Bru Revolution was one I was looking for. Aussie will be familiar
with Australia's Wonderland's The Demon which is the roller coaster
that goes backwards. So does the Revolution but I was very disappointed
that it was a really short ride. Basically, rather than the rollercoaster
climbing up high and being released, there is a mechanism that pushes
the rollercoaster out like a bullet, and then at the other end it gets
blasted back. It does go upside down in a loop so that's a bonus.
Finally we got to the rollercoaster I had heard so much about and looked
forward to most. Pepsi Max - and it was worth the wait. My stomach didn't
jump at all but there were so many ups and downs, and twists and turns,
that I was very satisfied. It starts off with a huge climb towards the
coast so when you get to the top it looks as if you're going to drop
into the sea. Instead, there's an almost vertical drop (seriously, it's
damn steep) and it goes on from there. What was even more amusing was
Jennel next to me. Poor thing was scared but I assured her she'd be
ok. She held onto me the whole way and screamed for help too. But she
made it!
Jess and I shared a horse on the next ride. You're meant to race your
friends but they only had one track going at the time we were there.
It's just a horse you sit on and get strapped to, and it goes around
a track which is like a rollercoaster track. It was a tad dangerous
with all the turns as you jolt a lot and could suffer seriously from
whiplash! Excuse the pun.
After some lunch and wandering around, the others went on Valhalla -
a viking inspired ride. I decided to avoid it after watching all the
people walk out of there soaking wet. I didn't fancy going home dripping
wet. Instead, I went on the Ice Blast twice. It's like the Channel 7
Probe at Australia's Wonderland where you go on a vertical drop. However,
it starts from the bottom and when you least expect it, you're propelled
upwards, and then dropped, then taken up again and dropped once more.
Then I went on the fastest Merry-Go-Round I've ever been on.
The Haunted Houses (there's three) weren't all that freaky. The first
was really lame - the type you sit in a cary and they just have flourescent-coloured
dodgy 'scary' dolls that move towards you. The second was cool when
it was pitch black and you had to walk through the house. You get to
the dinning room where you sit around in a large disc. The lights get
turned off and it begins to spin and jolt. That wasn't bad. The last
was an Illusion place, so it was more of interest than scarieness. The
last part is that you sit in a swing in a room and then it looks as
though you're going around and upside down in it, when obviously it's
actually the room spinning around you.
Finally it was time to head home. On the long walk back, we passed some
vending machines for knickers (picture is below to explain that further).
We also stopped at the beach and believe it or not, but there was a
lovely sunset. The beach does leave a lot to be desired though, in comparison
with those back home and others I've seen around the world. What was
most amusing was the fact there are donkeys on the beach that you can
pay to ride. Sarah told us the story of how once when she was on, it
rode out into the water - crazy.
At the station, I went to the local greasy spoon where Louise, Jess
and Paula welcomed me to the delight of heart-attack greasy foods that
are meant to be declisiou. Chips & gravy and chips & scraps
(never heard of that, but apparantly they put batter in the oil and
put that with the chips)
were the two highly recommended. As was the battered sausage I ate but
could only eat part of because I felt like I was just eating oil after
a while!
On the trip back, I was somewhat exhausted but still managed to do crosswords
with Jackie and Marie. Some chose to sleep, some chose to drink. I chose
the former - I was exhausted after a day full of fun!
Excited to be going to Blackpool - Satnam, Mark, Chi & Jennel.
Sarah & Laura finally give me a smile for the camera.
Yes, I am excited!
Waiting for the tram - the gang with Blackpool Tower in the background.
Cool eh?
Outside the Park entrance. There's a very annoying laughing clown to
the right, inside that display, which I am sure scares every child walking
into the place.
You know I had to.
You know I made him!
The gang try out their basketball shooting.
All photos © Vanessa T Martins, 2003.
