Love Knoebels!

This past weekend was a busy one, with a visit to relatives in Catawissa, a great day in State College for Arts Fest at Penn State, taking in another fest in Boalsburg and then a visit to Knoebels amusement park. 

It wasn't a long visit, since we were heading home after such a whirlwind weekend, but it was great to be there nonetheless.
And here are a few photos from our time there. If you get a chance to head to the park, don't miss it. Free parking and free admission, a relaxed atmosphere and a great park for the whole family!

 I love the train! The photo above was shot from the meandering rail trip, and you can see the train below...

The carousel is just a blur ... another favorite!

Don't miss the Haunted Mansion. Love it!!

 The water at the base of the flume ride is a refreshing spot...

And there's plenty of beauty throughout the park...

Fear of heights? Avoid this one!

And if you remember -- and loved -- the Golden Nugget in Wildwood from days gone by, don't miss the Black Diamond. Knoebels rescued the old ride and revamped it for this park. It's not quite the same, but brings back great memories regardless.

Great summer day...

Spent a great day at Knoebels amusement park near Elysburg this past week. Lots of fun, amusement rides, food and just relaxing.

We had a great time, but our hearts go out to the family whose young son died in a tragic accident in the park's Crystal Pool.

HersheyPark Happy!!

Saturday was just an amazing day, weather-wise, and was made even more amazing by a trip to HersheyPark!
Thanks to free passes provided by my very good friend Lynn, we were able to bask in the beauty of this day -- and also go on several roller coasters, the whip, the Wild Mouse, Coal Cracker, Trailblazer and several other rides.

 The view from the Kissing Tower is outstanding!

 The Dry Gulch Railroad may be a bit hokey, but I still love it!

 Enjoying the cool breeze on the monorail also gives you a great view of the park.

But the carousel is still my all-time favorite! I could just ride and ride and ride... 

Hersheypark happy!

Sunday was a perfect day to be outside -- and, in this case, to be at Hersheypark!

Thanks go the great generosity of my friend Lynn, we were given free passes to the park this summer, and Sunday proved a wonderful day to take advantage of the wonder of this park.

I hadn't been in the park for probably about 20 years. Scary thought that it had been that long. The park has grown and changed plenty since then, but it was good to see that some of the staples had survived, including the Comet roller coaster, the Kissing Tower, the Coal Cracker  and the Trailblazer.

 Still love the whip!

The Kissing Tower is cool, literally, and the views are spectacular.

 The Dry Gulch Railroad is tame, but still fun … and features a not-so-scary snake.

 Make a wish at the fountain...

 The carousel is still my big favorite...

Yep, it was a great day. The big wooden coasters, the calm of the monorail, plenty of walking and just plain fun. Thanks for the wonderful day, Lynn.

K-K-K-KNOEBELS!!

Saturday was gorgeous -- the perfect day for FINALLY getting back to Knoebels amusement park up near Catawissa. (Remember, you DO pronounce the K!).

Sure, they use an address of Route 487, Elysburg, but I like the name of Catawissa better... Besides, that's closer to where my sister lives, just over the mountain from Knoebels.

The park is great -- free parking, free admission, free entertainment, free use of pavilions if you want to take your own picnic lunch. You can get all-day ride plans or just buy some tickets if you don't plan to tackle many of the rides. There are plenty of places to rest, lots of trees and just a great family atmosphere. Check it out at www.knoebels.com

I've been wanting to ride the Black Diamond, which used to reign at Wildwood as the Golden Nugget   in my youth and had been bought by Knoebels.

The park has changed the ride quite a bit, but it's still great! There's even a small homage to Centralia-- that "hot spot" nearby!

 And of course I LOVE the carousel. I had to have an "up and down" horse, but my daughter chose an "outside" stationary horse so she could grab the rings as the ride spun past that fun challenge.

It's a blur on that ride!!

It's a little racy at the carousel.... and a little grumpy!! But the tunes are catchy!

Of course you have to try the wooden coasters .... The PHOENIX!!

And waiting to ride the Twister...

Should go without saying!!

Waiting to ride the big ferris wheel... the view was worth it!

You have to try the ice cream at the Old Mill ... the salted caramel truffle with hot fudge sauce was SO GOOD!!

Reminders of the floods are seen throughout the park... 

Yep, Knoebels -- k-nothing's more fun!!