Cedar Point

I went to Ohio this weekend. BTW - for anyone travelling by car to Canada, all that is required to get back into the US is a verbal declaration of US Citizenship. No, I am not kidding. Any ID would be helpful, but is not required. In January 2008, a birth certificate will be required and "sometime later in 2008" a passport will be required. If travelling by air, you need a passport or receipt of passport application. But by car, just to tell them you are a US Citizen. Boy, do I feel safe.

I found this out because I forgot to bring my passport with me on my way to Ohio on Friday. I had my driver's license and made it through no problem. I first went to a small town outside of Youngstown, where Terry's family lives. They founded the town, actually. He has a very warm, gregarious family. Even his father, the stereotypical retired marine, was charming. Maybe it was all an act, but they left a good impression.

Terry and I went to Cedar Point. We rode 11 of the 17 roller coasters. 1 was closed, 2 were for kids, 1 would have been the 3rd wooden roller coaster and our heads had been jostled enough, the last we're not sure if it was actually running or not, but we only had time to do 1 more and choose to ride Top Thrill Dragster again.

The best ones are described here: Millennium Force was a very smooth coaster with a 300, 170 and 180 foot drops, and went 90mph. No loops, but very smooth with lots of airtime. Maverick is the newest one. It shoots you off at a mere 72mph over the first drop of 120 feet, but it's at a 95 degree angle. Think about that. A 90 degree angle would be straight down. 95 is in a little bit. 4 loops, corkscrews, tunnels and twists. Wanted to ride that one again in the front car, but not enough time. The one I did ride twice is the Top Thrill Dragster. It was short, but intense. It shoots you from 0 to 120mph in 3.8 seconds. You go straight up 420 feet, the straight down 420 feet, do a 3/4 turn and end on a stretch. 90 degree 400-foot drop at 120 mph. Wow. Because of the 3/4 turn, every seat gets a great view of nothing beneath them. It is a rush.

The rest of the trip was tame in comparison. I went to Wal-Mart and bought cat litter and cat food, since it's less than half the price and I went to Staples to ship a package UPS. Exciting stuff. That's about it. Great weekend.

Today is Canada Day and everything is closed, which is not a big deal since I need to stay in and work.