Kumba yah

There's something to be said for spontaneity.

With less than one week's planning, Susan and I woke up on Saturday morning and found ourselves in sunny Tampa, Florida staying at the Thunderbird Beach Resort on Treasure Island. Neither of us had visited this area of Florida, and I must say we were blown away by how comfortable we felt. So comfortable, in fact, that we bailed on all our scheduled meetings with wedding planners and hotel event coordinators that day. Instead we slept in late, ordered room service, had breakfast in bed, then hit the beach for the better part of the afternoon.

Cabanas were neatly laid out in a straight line up and down the beach. How nice for the hotels to provide this for us! We found an empty cabana with two lounge chairs and thought ahhh, it can't get any better than this. A Cuban family in front of us had their radio turned to a Latin station playing the most perfect beach music imaginable. Ahhh, it can't get any better than this.

Approximately one minute later a car pulls up to our cabana, a guy gets out and asks "how long you want to stay?" (forever!) "Pardon me?" "I rent these. They're five hundred jillion dollars for two hours, or you can have it all day for only nine hundred jillion. Save ya a hundred jillion."

"Oh."

What a coupla bumpkins we are.

We tucked tail between our legs and crawled out from under the cabana. We mustered all the dignity we could find and went searching for a choice area of sand, located a safe distance from cabana man and his commercial exploits.

I went swimming in the Gulf and I can't explain the shock of tasting saltwater on my lips for the first time! I frolicked like a kid out there. Susan wouldn't come in - the water was cold initially and I think she'd had her fill of being cold back in Minnesota. Finally we went back to our room, took a shower and headed out in search of a beach on which to get married next February.

We went to only two hotels and a place called Honeymoon Island - all were nice but none of them particularly stood out and said *this is the place.* So we went back to our hotel just as the sun faded from the horizon.

About an hour later there was a knock on our door. It was RRCers Tom Kelley and Curt Hassinger! They surprised us with a bottle of champagne *and* 4 champagne glasses! "Please, we can't have you drinking this out of a plastic cup!" Tom said, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. Brian Peters showed up about half an hour later - he was in town on business and as spellbound by the magic of Florida as we were, he bailed on his plans to attend EastCoaster. The five of us sat on our balcony overlooking the gulf for awhile and just talked and joked around, then went out for the most delicious dinner at a place called Shells. We had a bayside table and I tried crabcakes for the first time - they are *to die for!* Tom brought some of his photos but mostly we just laughed and talked and laughed some more. I thought I saw Venus on the horizon but everyone insisted it was only a passing ship. What do they know. Anyway, it was a wonderful, and I do mean WONDERFUL evening!

I am so loving this place!

Sunday morning we woke up fairly early and spent some time on our balcony watching the gulf and old people going for their morning walks. Susan began calling me Old Man Florida. Actually I think she's onto something. It would be very easy to assimilate into the lifestyle here. There's an air of relaxation that is sadly missing in many parts of the country.

We had an appointment at 10 o'clock with two people from Busch Gardens, Brenda and Donna, to discuss holding our wedding reception at the park. We were directed to park in a security lot next to the special events building. Fortunately for us the special events building was located right next to Gwazi! We walked right up to the edge of the construction area and had ourselves a good look. It has all the classic GCI curves and drops. It also has at least 3 close encounter fly bys where the two trains will appear to collide with one another. It looks sensational! And while I remember I want to add that we overheard several people entering the park and wondering loudly *what* a wood coaster was like and *why* was the park building a wood roller-coaster! Boy, are these people in for a treat. And, might I add, so are we!!!

We met with Brenda and Donna and they couldn't have been nicer. They showed us lots of pictures of the Crowne Colony room and how it would look for our reception. They completely makeover the entire room. Then off we went for a firsthand look at the building. We snuck our way through a secret opening and suddenly we found ourselves inside the park.

The first thing I noticed was the lush vegetation. It is everywhere, and it is overwhelming to the eye. I've never seen such a variety of vegetation before. Donna explained that a fire or a flood (I forget) wiped out much of the vegetation that had been growing in the park for over 40 years and all of it had to be immediately replaced with we were seeing now. I was absolutely amazed!

One other thing: no concrete. All the walkways in BGT are covered in a variety of stone patterns. The effect is not as subtle as one might think - it's *very* attractive!

We passed the Clydesdale horses and voile, the Crowne Colony. But right when I turn my head who is standing there waiting for us but none other than Todd and Billy Long! They were standing there with Tom Kelley. Todd told me he would be there but I really didn't expect him to come - this would be his third Sunday in a row at Busch! Todd gave me a hug and said they would wait for us over by Montu. Brian Peters and Curt were over there already and Max Cannon would be there as well. So we told them we'd see them in a bit after we toured the Crowne Colony.

Wow. This building is gorgeous with a capital F!!! It has a grand staircase - Susan even said she could envision a wedding there. And the grounds are immaculate. Incredibly vibrant colors of forest green and white dominate the area with hanging baskets of red, pink and white peonies I believe. To the right of the building stands an old clock tower that chimes gracefully. A large patio wraps around the main floor of the building with outdoor dining available. Inside, the room was just as pretty as the pictures, minus the decoration. A second floor also has outdoor dining on the balcony. But once we got upstairs my eye was immediately drawn to:

"Look!!!! Montu!!!!"

I *ran* to the edge of the window and stared at it. It looked magnificent!!! I always imagined it would look kind of small since alot of it is low to the ground or in tunnels, but it really is huge! And the navy blue and tan colors fit in so well with the area. What a sight! I think Brenda and Donna were amused (they were warned we were coaster enthusiasts). I was entranced! Susan warned them I could be there for hours, so they told us they were going to leave us in the park and did we have any questions? All right!!! They comped our parking and admission! We thanked them for their time and told them we'd be in touch. I could tell Susan was *very* impressed.

We headed over to Montu and sure enough the whole gang had assembled. Brian was waiting for a friend, but everyone else got in line to ride. Since Billy (I noticed Todd calling him Bill, however I propose his name be officially changed to FlyerBill) was too short to ride Todd said he'd wait on the exit side and hop on in when it was our turn to ride.

Waiting for Montu. I just love how the coaster comes at you as you enter the queue area. There is nothing to heighten the sense of anticipation better than having the coaster fly right by you. It was around this time Curt informed me that Busch Gardens went to extreme lengths to ensure all the hieroglyphics in the area were nothing more than gobbledygook. Very effective themeing though - Susan loved it too. Even the garbage cans are themed!

As for the ride, let me just say that Montu is just as magnificent as everyone claimed. Susan got the back right seat which was purported to be the best seat, I took the back left. Todd jumped in beside me (and, I should add, both Tom and Todd insisted we be the first to ride the outside seats). The little dip out of the station is very cool. After that it is just two and half minutes of pure intense blood rushing fun! It is *much* more forceful than Batman, the first half of the ride is all out OHMYGOD!!!! speed and g's, the mid-course brake was on but did not seem unreasonably heavy, and in particular the last inversion before the brake run is exquisite. It is very easy to see why Montu tops the list of so many coaster enthusiasts' steel lists.

The line for Montu was quite long and our day was quite short, so we decided to make our way over to Kumba. Okay, at this point I would just like to say that it *truly* felt like we were crossing a continent just to get there! Holy cow, what a hike!!! Fortunately there are an unending number of distractions along the way. We saw giraffes, gazelles, a humongous crocodile (that we were apparently privileged to see move), pink flamingos, white tigers, humongous turtles, koalas (again, suprisingly in motion), you name it - we saw it. I saw an elephant urinate and I had an inexplicable urge to grab me a bar of soap! What a shower!!! We also some spider monkeys and when I yelled out Sean Flaharty's name one of them looked up and seemed very excited!!!

We stopped at the bird exhibit and everyone fed the birds. Todd saw two lovebirds and began singing "Mark and Susan sittin' in a tree...." FlyerBill found a couple of birds hiding in a corner. Much later Susan discovered she had been the recipient of a little birdie gift on her shirt (she tried to pass it off as lunch). The thing that amazed me was how closely some of the birds flew by you, yet none of them actually hit your head. This was an amazing exhibit - the most time we spent anywhere other than coasters.

We saw so many animals I couldn't possibly remember them all. And with the exception of the huge crocodile (who was confined to a tank much too small for its size), it was great to see so many animals living in a fairly natural environment. And it was wonderful getting to interact with so many of them! Both Susan and Tom fed the emus, which are so beautiful and yet so hideous looking. Unfortunately time wouldn't permit us to see everything, but it definitely gave us reason to come back.

As if there weren't reason enough.

We rode Scorpion next. This Schwarzkopf single looper doesn't have quite the intensity of Dorney Park's Lazer Loops, yet it is a surprisingly fun coaster! I rode with Max in the next to last seat and I found it very thrilling. I could have easily ridden it again and again. Watching it was great fun, too.

FlyerBill wanted to ride the Sandstorm next, so Susan went with him and I went off to find me some genu-wine Florida orange juice. Oh my God, is there anything better than freshly squeezed orange juice? I'd serve this at our wedding if Susan would let me.

Todd also showed his mastery at the games of skill area. I'm not even sure what it was called, but he used a fishing pole with some kind of magnet attached to it. Todd has this thing licked. He said he felt sorry for the attendants whenever he walked up cause he knew they were going to have to give him the prize. Sure enough, he grabbed both "fish" and won a Busch Bear, which he generously gave to Susan. Todd Long is as advertised, one helluva guy.

Now that I've complimented Todd on what a nice guy he is, I can also tell you he is one the nastiest guys I've ever met as well. He told the filthiest and funniest story I've every heard about him and some other guy bowing down to what he called the "Penile God" at Busch Gardens. If any of you ever find the penile God, you can thank Todd for single-handedly getting the phallic part removed! Fortunately I captured the penile God and the story on videotape and you can rest assured it will be in the next "Coastered!"

Finally, our marathon walked brought us to the coaster I have most looked forward to riding on this trip.

Kumba is......... it's a perfect roller-coaster. It's now my favorite steel roller-coaster. I knew this after my very first ride. I have never witnessed such a perfect blend of elements, one weaving seamlessly into the next. Everything about it is just perfect. The lift hill's climb though the loop is classic, that first drop is deadly from the back right seat, the second inversion fantastic, but everything sets you up - yet nothing prepares you for - the third inversion. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!! is the only way to describe it. I have no idea what to call it other than the Kumba thing. It is simply the greatest inversion I've ever experienced. The Kumba thing is pure exhilaration.

But the ride doesn't end there. The cobra roll - was this the first coaster to include a cobra roll? The second half of the ride is just as unique as the first. I LOVE that high curvy bit - it's like a carousel loop! And the concrete built into the ground for the track to follow reminds me of an alpine slide. The tunnels - I screamed every single time we entered that last tunnel. And the helix made my legs go numb every single time. Kumba has it all - perfect looks, perfect loops, perfect pacing. Kumba is primo coastering.

We had to say goodbye to Todd and Billy at 3:00, but not before visiting the giant purple mushroom and getting another gander at Gwazi. We meant to see Todd later in the day at Old Town, but alas, Busch Gardens took everything we had to give on that day. We ate lunch on the balcony of the Crowne Colony to sample the quality of the food we'd be served for the wedding reception. Busch Garden's roast beef is excellent as is their chocolate cake! We also enjoyed a marvelous view of Kumba, Montu and Gwazi in the distance, as well as all the safari animals. I find ostriches both intriguing and a little bit frightening!

We rode Montu one more time - this time I got the right back seat and holy cow!!! What a coaster! Montu is the standard by which all other inverteds must be compared. Montu is King. We bid farewell to Max and Brian at this point, then Susan, Tom, Curt and I headed to the far side for some final festing on Kumba.

And fest we did. A full hour of non-stop coastering. Eleven rides in a row without getting off. We only had to run around twice. We rode in all different seats, but mostly in the back. I think I like the front for the first part of the ride, and the back for the second half. I would also like to thank Sean Flaharty for suggesting I put my feet up before the third inversion. I was airborne on every single ride Sean!!!

Finally our day at Busch had come to an end. We said our good-byes to Tom and Curt and were graciously led back to our car by a security guard. We intended to drive to Orlando and Kissimmee for a peek at IOA as well as rides on the Skyscraper and Old Town's Windstorm and skycoaster, but on this day we gave everything we had to Busch.

The next morning Susan and I drove to one last place before it was time to head home. The Clearwater Beach Hotel. Now *this* is the place! We both loved it. A nice, classic, grand hotel, with a private beach conducive to our requirements. What luck! What a perfect trip!!!

It is late Tuesday night and my mind is still in Florida. Everything we hoped for came true on this weekend. And what made it perfect was sharing it with our friends. It was nice meeting Max. And to Todd, FlyerBill, Brian, Tom and Curt -

Thank God we have good friends.

Mark-
Old Man Florida