Page 33 of Arranging Ayra
“Hmm. Alrighty then. Challenge accepted. Let’s see. We’ll try a slow build up approach. Let’s start with the Galactica.”
“Whatever you say. Lead the way.”
We walked through the throngs of park goers and when we passed through a particularly dense crowd, Barn took a firm hold of my hand.
“Wouldn’t want to lose you before we even get started,” he said with a wink.
I smiled, far too pleased to have my hand in his. But my pleasure was short-lived as he released it the moment the crowd thinned.
“Here we go,” he finally said. “Galactica. Don’t mind the long queue. It moves rather quickly.”
And indeed it did.
“You’ll see,” Barn promised. “It’s probably the closest thing to flying you’ll ever experience.”
As our turn to board the coaster came, Barn made sure we were seated up front. I was confused as to how we would fly.
“Looks a bit like a sort of typical roller coaster car. I mean, it hangs on the track from the top... I’ve seen that before... but we’re just sitting like in any other coaster.”
We sat down and were strapped in, but what surprised me most was when they strapped in our ankles.
“Why are they doing that?”
“You’ll see,” he said with a grin.
With everyone seated, I let out a yelp as our seats were suddenly pulled up and back, leaving us facing the ground.
“Oh, my God.”
“And this is how we fly.”
The coaster took off and I hung on for dear life.
“Let go,” Barn shouted as he held his hands straight out over his head, enjoying the flight
I was reluctant, and as the ride flung us upside down, I hesitated. But once level to the ground again, I released the holds and let myself enjoy the ride the way it was meant to be.
I was flying.
Breathless and eager to do it again, we got off much too soon.
“How was that?” he said as he guided me to the next ride.
“Good start,” I said, not willing to concede defeat so soon. “There are a few rides similar to this in California... but, yes... very nice. Very smooth.”
Very smooth, indeed.
“What more do you have for me?” I challenged.
“Wicker man roller coaster is interesting.”
We made it to the ride, a large wooden structure surrounded by intricate and interesting designs in... I guess wicker.
After a pre-ride little show, we boarded the coaster and went for a rather bumpy ride.
“Is my head still on?” I said when we stepped away from the ride.
“Some do get a little rattled.”
