Sunday 28 September 2014

Nemesis Nick at Basingstoke Leisure Park 20 Sep 2014

Date: Saturday 20 September 2014
Venue: The Lagoon at Aquadrome, Planet Ice
Who Went: Just me

Rationale For Trip
A trip to Basingstoke Leisure Park to enjoy water sliding at Aquadrome Lagoon in the morning, and ice skating at neighbouring Planet Ice in the afternoon. My original plan was to do this trip one Saturday during spring 2014, but for various reasons it took until the second half of September for this trip to materialise.

Getting To Basingstoke
An early awakening was necessary for me to catch the 7:33 train from Dorchester South to Basingstoke. Having reached Basingstoke just after 9:30 I had a coffee at Sainsbury's café before catching the shuttle bus to Basingstoke Leisure Park.

The Lagoon at Aquadrome
Basingstoke Aquadrome is a multi-purpose leisure centre at Basingstoke Leisure Park. I went there to use the Lagoon, which has the following facilities:

Yellow Peril (yellow water slide)
A closed tube all the way down with plenty of twists and turns, making for a fairly fast but gentle ride. Bathers must use a tyre on this.

Master Blaster (blue)
An uphill water slide, this is what I call a "roller coaster water slide", featuring three net covered uphill ramps in addition to closed tube descents. A net covered steep drop into a catch tray completes the ride. Much more thrilling than the Yellow Peril. If you're lucky, you might just get a pop of AIRtime on the final descent. A tyre is required on this.

Space Bowl (green)
Speaks for itself: it takes sliders down a narrow tube, into a giant space bowl. After a rapid spin around the bowl, one drops through the centre into the 2.5 metre deep plunge pool. Tyres are prohibited on this.

Fun Pool
This includes a river run.

Session Overview
Upon entry I was given a wristband. They call a colour out after a certain length of time in the event of The Lagoon reaching capacity. Thankfully my colour was not called whilst I was in The Lagoon, thereby allowing me to stay in as long as I hoped.

Having entered The Lagoon around 10:30 I immediately took to the slides, starting with one go on the Yellow Peril. Next I enjoyed one go on the Master Blaster roller coaster water slide. After that I was going to have one go on the Space Bowl, but since that wasn't due open until 11:00 I had two more goes on the Master Blaster. My next few slides were three goes on Yellow Peril followed by two goes on Master Blaster. At this point Master Blaster stopped for some reason. Thankfully the Space Bowl was now open, so I enjoyed my first go on Space Bowl. Before setting off I informed the lifeguard that I'd been on this Space Bowl on previous visits, and on space bowls elsewhere.

I was hoping to ride the Space Bowl again, but for some reason it was temporarily closed again. Instead I enjoyed another go on the Yellow Peril. After that, the Space Bowl was open again, so I enjoyed nine more goes on the Space Bowl. The position at which I landed in the tank at the end of each go determined how easy or difficult it was to swim out due to a swirling current around the tank.

To round off my session I enjoyed one go on Yellow Peril, one go on Master Blaster (which was now running again at last) and two goes on Space Bowl. I finally left The Lagoon at 12:53 to have ample time to dry myself, dress, have lunch and be on the ice at Planet Ice next-door by 14:00.

Summary of my sliding in actual order

Yellow Peril 1
Master Blaster 3
Yellow Peril 3
Master Blaster 2
Space Bowl 1
Yellow Peril 1
Space Bowl 9
Yellow Peril 1
Master Blaster 1
Space Bowl 2

Cumulative Summary of Slides

Slide
Total
Yellow Peril
6
Master Blaster
6
Space Bowl
12
TOTAL
24

Lunch At Aquadrome Café
Having dried myself and dressed, I went to the Aquadrome café for some lunch. I was hoping to have a hot dog, chips, and coffee. Unfortunately the menu has changed since my previous visit in May last year, e.g. hot dogs and fries are no longer available. Anyway I had a toasted panini and a small Americano.

Planet Ice
After lunch, I headed next-door to Planet Ice. Once admitted everyone was off the ice pad as it was being resurfaced. By the time I got my hired skates on and put my rucksack in a locker, the ice pad was open again. Around 13:55 I fearlessly walked on to the ice in open space and quickly picked up speed. The rink was lit by coloured stage lights, and music was being played. Throughout my time on the ice, the far end of the rink was closed off for skating lessons, but there was still plenty of space for the general public to enjoy. Around 15:00 I temporarily left the ice pad to sit down for a couple of minutes. In addition I had a few other brief off-ice moments during the session. This time I didn't bother trying any one-legged skating. I had one fall during my time on the ice, which was a pity as I was hoping for a fall-free session. At 16:00 the session ended, and all skaters were asked to leave the ice.

Afternoon Coffee
Having left Planet Ice around 16:20, I caught the shuttle bus back to town. Once there I went to Sainsbury's Café, where I enjoyed a slice of chocolate cake a cup of coffee.

Journey Home
Back at Basingstoke station, I caught the 17:00 train to Winchester for the connecting 17:33 train to Dorchester South. I finally reached Dorchester at 19:04.

Outro

Highlights
Sliding the Yellow Peril, Master Blaster and Space Bowl at Aquadrome Lagoon.
Approximately two hours of ice skating at Planet Ice.

Lowlights
Master Blaster not running for a significant portion of my time in The Lagoon.
Having one fall whilst skating, I was hoping for a fall-free session.

Summing Up
Another mega fun day out, during which I enjoyed water sliding and ice skating in one day. Although it took place considerably later in the year than I originally hoped, it was well worth the wait. It's a pity the Master Blaster wasn't running for a substantial part of my time in The Lagoon, but fortunately I managed to get five goes on it early on and one more goes on it just before leaving. The ice skating session was also great fun, it's a shame my hopes of a fall-free session vanished with a fall about mid-way through. Thankfully I only had one fall.

Reflections
This was my sixth time of doing this trip in this manner on my own. My previous visits to Basingstoke Leisure Park to go water sliding at Aquadrome Lagoon in the morning and ice skating at Planet Ice in the afternoon were March 2008, November 2009, April 2011, February 2012 and May 2013. Going by the fun I've had each time, I seriously think this combined water sliding and ice skating trip could make an excellent official RCCGB trip one Saturday between November and March when most amusement parks are closed. Gala Bingo could then be an optional evening add-on as that's another amenity at Basingstoke Leisure Park.

Tuesday 16 September 2014

Nemesis Nick at Splashdown Poole 16 August 2014

Date: Saturday 16 August 2014
Venue: Splashdown Poole
Who Went: Just me

Rationale For Trip
Since 2004 I've visited Splashdown once a year. From 2005 to 2011 I normally went on a Saturday in mid-September (exceptionally in 2009 I went on the second Saturday in October). That seemed an optimum time to go on two counts: (i) the place should be quieter than during the July / August peak season, (ii) such a time would still be before the weather started getting colder (important as some of the slides are outside). In 2012 and 2013 I went in July, on Saturdays which happened to be hot and sunny, with very little wind, which was ideal for the outdoor slides. For my summer 2014 visit I was hoping to go in July, but for various reasons didn't get round to it. As it happened, Saturday 16 August 2014 seemed a reasonably fair day weatherwise for a trip to Splashdown. Just one question, how busy would Splashdown be on a Saturday afternoon in the middle of August?

Getting To Splashdown
I was at Dorchester that weekend and therefore caught the 12:33 train from Dorchester South to Poole. Having arrived Poole at 13:04 I had a coffee at Shake Away in the town centre before going to the bus station. There I caught the 13:30 bus to Tower Park.

Splashdown
Splashdown is a large water park at Tower Park leisure complex on the outskirts of Poole. In fact, it claims to be "The South's Ultimate Water Park". Other amenities at Tower Park include Gala Bingo, Bowlplex (ten-pin bowling), Lemur Landings Soft Play Centre (a kids' indoor play area formerly called Monkey-Bizness) and Empire multi-screen cinema, along with fast food restaurants KFC and Burger King.

Welcome To Splashdown
I got into Splashdown around 14:00. A "busy day alert" sign warned of long queues for the slides, but I decided to go ahead with my visit anyway. At least I managed to get in straightaway, unlike Swansea LC six days earlier. You can buy a two hour ticket or an all-day ticket. Initially I bought a two-hour ticket, and just like previous years, had a discount by showing my Wilts & Dorset bus ticket (Poole Bus Station to Tower Park). Clearly this is an incentive for people to do their bit for the environment by taking the bus instead of their car to Splashdown.

Background Information
For the last few years they've used the smart band system. You have to pay a deposit which you get back when you return the smart band at the end of your visit. If you pay for two hours, the band is pre-loaded with two hours and ten minutes of sliding time. The extra ten minutes is to allow you ten minutes to change. Obviously if you manage to change quicker e.g. in five minutes, you can take advantage of those bonus minutes.

Each time you are about to go down a slide, you have to tag your band against a sensor which tells you how much time is left. Tagging the band changes the light from red to amber (and then to green when the slide is clear) or directly to green if clear. If the light flashes and the time left is zero, you can have that "final go" you've queued for, but can't have any more goes after that. Clearly, the smart band is to stop those who've paid for two hours staying longer!

Here is an outline of the indoor slides.

Colorado Coaster
A wide blue tube slide. There's a shallow descent over the roof of the back section of the building, followed by a series of twists and turns until you land in a landing pool.

Red River Roller
A narrow pink tube slide (however the entrance is red), which you must slide on your back. There's a shallow descent over the roof of the back section of the building, followed by a series of twists and turns until you land in a catch tray.

Zambezi Drop
A narrow yellow tube slide, which you must slide on your back. There's a shallow descent over the roof of the back section of the building, followed by a U-bend and a very steep drop until you land in a catch tray. Not for the faint hearted!

Baron's Revenge
A narrow black tube slide, which you must slide on your back. You are only in this slide a few seconds as you face a very steep drop, which takes you around a bend into a landing pool. A short, sharp shock treatment, not for the faint hearted!

Black Thunder
A wide tube slide in which rain, thunder and lightning are simulated. However there was no flashing when I descended it this time, so evidently the lighting effects were either not working or intentionally switched off. You land in a landing pool.

Dragon's Lair
Until 2004 this was called Torpedo Run. You crossed an enclosed bridge and climbed a tall tower (off-set from the front of the building) to the launch point, set off down the slide and looped right around the tower before going "into the building". In 2005 that tower was demolished to make way for KFC (an alteration which was beyond Splashdown's control). The replacement tower is not so tall, and the same slide, now called Dragon's Lair, now starts where the Torpedo Run "entered the building" after looping around the old tower. Personally I think that alteration spoilt the slide as it shortened it somewhat. In what's left of the former Torpedo Run, they've added a dragon face part way down and dragon sound effects to make the slide scarier. Personally I think that enhancement is a gimmick, which doesn't really make up for shortening the slide from when it was the Torpedo Run. You land in a catch tray next to the Zambezi Drop catch tray.

The idea of Torpedo Run was to gain speed as you travelled downwards looping around the old tower prior to entering the building, so by the time you reached the steep drop shortly afterwards you were going really fast. Now there's not enough run-up to gain high speed before the steep drop (which is still present), therefore the dragon theming was an attempt to make the best of what's left of the former Torpedo Run.

Space Bowl
The first time I ever saw this at Splashdown was when I visited on Saturday 24 July 2004. On my previous visit, 30 September 2001 (which was my 30th birthday), it wasn't there. This was a much-needed retro-fit to the place, as I feel every good water park should have a Space Bowl. You begin your journey down a narrow tube slide which takes you into a giant space bowl. Once in there you spin around like a human pinball. The faster you enter the more times you spin around. Eventually you drop through the centre hole into the deep tank below (thus it's essential that you can swim). The best way to land is feet first. Don't land sideways so your elbow hits the water first. Finally you must exit the landing tank as quickly as possible.

Mississippi Drifter
You need a tyre to slide this. You step into a u-bend shaped splasher pool, go down a short slide into the second splasher pool, then down another short slide into a third splasher pool. After going down one more short slide you drift around a bend and down a ramp out of the building to begin the Grand Canyon.

N.B. Prior to the installation of the Space Bowl, the above ride began at the launch point for the present Space Bowl, and went down a slide which took you to the first splasher pool where you now begin the journey. At least the installation of the Space Bowl didn't spoil Mississippi Drifter in the way I feel the 2005 alteration spoilt Torpedo Run to become Dragon's Lair.

Next-door to the ramp which goes out of the building is another internal ramp. I think that takes you around a bend to the top of Black Thunder / Baron's Revenge. I read somewhere that during the winter, riders who have done Mississippi Drifter complete their journey down Black Thunder instead of Grand Canyon (which being an outdoor ride has to be closed all winter). I've never visited Splashdown in the winter when the outdoor rides are closed.

Grand Canyon
Having completed Mississippi Drifter the journey continues outside along the Grand Canyon. You drift along a lazy river type ride, around a bend and eventually enter a tube slide with a shower part way down. After that you pass through another outdoor splasher pool and go down a ramp into the building to land in a landing pool between Black Thunder and Colorado Coaster.

By leaving through the door at the back of the ground floor and walking up a path, you can climb a tower to access four outdoor flumes Louisiana Leap, Tennessee Twister, Screamer and Velocity. None of these existed when Splashdown first opened circa 1990. The first ever time I saw Louisiana Leap, Tennessee Twister and Screamer was on my 30th birthday visit there 30 September 2001, although I'm not exactly sure when they first opened. Velocity is the latest addition to this group, it opened early summer 2012. Being outdoor slides, these are closed in winter.

Louisiana Leap
A wide tube slide, which until 2009 was only for under 12s. Since 2010, all sliders have had to sit on a tyre to slide this. That new rule was introduced to allow over 12s (including adults) to slide this flume. It consists of a series of twists and turns and lands in a catch tray.

Tennessee Twister
Another wide tube slide. When it first opened, this was an all-age slide. In 2007 the management decided to restrict this to under 12s, just like Louisiana Leap. That seemed totally unnecessary to me, as previous years I'd slid it and it seemed safe enough for adult use. Since 2010, all sliders have had to sit on a tyre to slide this, thereby allowing over 12s (including adults) to enjoy it again. It goes around a series of twists and turns to land in a catch tray.

Screamer
A narrow tube slide, which you must slide on your back. One of the scariest of all Splashdown's slides, you face a very steep drop as you gradually curve around to land in a catch tray. Not for the faint hearted!

Velocity
Splashdown's newest slide, which opened in 2012. It launches from the same tower as Louisiana Leap, Tennessee Twister and Screamer; its launch point is directly opposite the launch point for Screamer. This is a narrow tube slide, which you must slide on your back. Shortly after the start you go down the steep drop (albeit not vertical), and really fast along the almost flat run-out. Not for the faint hearted! If any slide is scarier than Screamer, this is it. It's certainly a thrilling addition to the complex, but it was all over too quickly for my liking. Worse still, at the end, one has to walk down some steps which are set in the hill side to return to the bottom of the main tower. I think it would have been better if this slide had been continued further down the hill to land at the same level as the other three aforementioned outdoor flumes.

The Splashdown Poole web site has an animated graphic plan of the Park, showing all the slides (including Velocity which opened in 2012), complete with statistics.

My First Two Hours
I entered the slides area eager to begin sliding. On past visits I've begun with Colorado Coaster, Red River Roller and Zambezi Drop, but this time the queues for all three of those slides were too long for my liking. Instead I began this visit with two goes on Dragon's Lair, which had a considerably shorter waiting time. Next I headed for the outdoor slides. There was a chilly wind whilst waiting for a tyre, but once I was inside the tower conditions were bearable, and it felt warmer still inside the slides. I enjoyed Louisiana Leap and Tennessee Twister in sequence three times over. The wait for those slides was quite short, and I was able to keep my tyre between goes. Having given up my tyre I enjoyed Screamer and Velocity in sequence three times over, both of which had short queues.

Back inside the building I approached Colorado Coaster. Its queue was too long for my liking but I just waited as I thought I might never go on it if I backed off. Due to its queueing time, I limited myself to one go for now. Afterwards I went down Red River Roller and Zambezi Drop (both of which had considerably shorter queues) in sequence three times over.

My Exra Time
At this point I returned to the café to pay £1.50 for an extra hour. Back in the slides area I began with one go on Baron's Revenge. Its queue was longer than I expected. The queue for Black Thunder was even longer, so I limited myself to one go. Afterwards I had one more go on Baron's Revenge.

I had yet to ride the Mississippi Drifter / Grand Canyon tyre ride. I had to wait a few minutes for a tyre at the bottom, but fortunately I quickly managed to get on to the ride at the top. The indoor part Mississippi Drifter was great fun, but it was a bit cold for the outdoor Grand Canyon part. For now I just had one go.

Next I enjoyed Colorado Coaster, Red River Roller and Zambezi Drop in sequence twice over. Thankfully the queues for those slides were now shorter than earlier. Afterwards I fancied another go on the Mississippi Drifter / Grand Canyon tyre ride. This time the queue for a tyre was shorter than earlier, but nonetheless I limited myself to just one go on this tyre ride. Finally I just had time for four more exciting goes on Dragon's Lair before my time was up.

Summary of my sliding:

First two hours:
Dragon's Lair 2

Louisiana Leap
Tennessee Twister
Louisiana Leap
Tennessee Twister
Louisiana Leap
Tennessee Twister

The Screamer
Velocity
The Screamer
Velocity
The Screamer
Velocity

Colorado Coaster

Red River Roller
Zambezi Drop
Red River Roller
Zambezi Drop
Red River Roller
Zambezi Drop

Extra time:
Baron's Revenge
Black Thunder
Baron's Revenge
Mississippi Drifter / Grand Canyon

Colorado Coaster
Red River Roller
Zambezi Drop
Colorado Coaster
Red River Roller
Zambezi Drop

Mississippi Drifter / Grand Canyon
Dragon's Lair 4

Cumulative summary of slides:

Slide
Total
Baron's Revenge
2
Black Thunder
1
Colorado Coaster
3
Dragon's Lair
6
Louisiana Leap
3
Mississippi Drifter / Grand Canyon
2
Red River Roller
5
Tennessee Twister
3
The Screamer
3
Velocity
3
Zambezi Drop
5
TOTAL
36

Rest of Day
After leaving Splashdown I caught the 18:16 bus back to Poole Bus Station. When I arrived there around 18:40 the bus station fish and chip shop was still open, so from there I bought myself fish and large chips, which I ate at a seat in the bus station. The portion size was larger than I expected and, unusual for me, I was unable to eat all my chips. Had I known I'd have ordered standard chips. Afterwards I returned to Poole train station and got there just in time for the 19:37 train back to Dorchester.

Outro

Highlights
Sliding the indoor and outdoor flumes and tyre ride again.
Reasonable slide count considering how busy the place was.

Lowlights
Some queues were too long for my liking.
Missing the Space Bowl altogether due to its queue length this time.
It was a bit chilly for riding the Grand Canyon and approaching the outdoor flume tower.

Summing Up
Altogether, an afternoon of "flumin' good fun" at "the South's ultimate water park". The only extra Splashdown could do with is a roller coaster water slide, like the ones I've been on at Blackpool Water Park, Splash Waterworld at Butlins (Skegness and Minehead), Basingstoke Aquadrome, and Swansea LC. It's a pity the place was a bit busy overall and thus the queues for some indoor slides were too long for my liking. My biggest disappointment was not sliding Space Bowl at all, due to its queue being really long all afternoon. Maybe going on a Saturday in the middle of August wasn't such a good idea after all. The fish and chip takeaway in Poole town centre early evening was the perfect end to a wet and wild afternoon. Altogether a great afternoon and early evening out.

I'm not sure when I'll next visit Splashdown, most likely my next visit will be some time next year.

Wednesday 3 September 2014

RCCGB Mega-GLOW-Mania Weekend 2014

Date: Friday 8 August to Sunday 10 August 2014
Venues: Folly Farm, Oakwood Theme Park, Heatherton World of Activities
Who Went: Me and a large number of other RCCGB members, including Andy Hine, Alan Chilvers, Doug, Charlie and Lizzie, Happy Helen, Ianto Gulliver, Mark and Margo, Matt Walker, Planenut, Ryan Hackett, Sophia Jones.

DISCLAIMER: The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of everyone who attended. It's a small sample of attendees; mainly those I spoke to and/or rode with at Folly Farm and/or Oakwood. I sincerely apologise to anyone I've not listed. Not everyone (whether or not listed above) attended all three Parks.

Introduction
The Club's annual visit to rural Pembrokeshire, primarily to visit Oakwood Theme Park. Just like in 2013, the Oakwood visit was on Saturday when the Park was open to the public until 22:00, thereby enabling us to end the day with the traditional dark ERS on Megafobia. Add-ons to Oakwood were Folly Farm near Kilgetty on Friday (including exclusive use of the Vintage Funfair after closing time), and Heatherton World of Activities on Sunday. Just like last year, I attended Folly Farm and Oakwood, but for various reasons gave Heatherton a miss. In preparation for this trip, I had the slogan "Coaster Crazy Kid on Tour!" printed on the back of a pink hi-vis jacket at T-Shirt Print, Bristol, and bought fluorescent pink and fluorescent yellow sports shorts from Sports Direct, Bath.

To make the rest of this report easier to read, I've split it into sections. Click the applicable link below to jump to the section you want to read:

Thursday 7 August
Day 1 - Friday 8 August
Day 2 - Saturday 9 August
Day 3 - Sunday 10 August
Outro

Enjoy my report at your leisure.

Thursday 7 August

Getting To Tenby
For me the weekend began with a train journey from Bath Spa to Tenby, which unfortunately was plagued with problems from the start. The 13:36 train from Bath Spa to Newport, on which I had an Advance ticket Bath Spa to Swansea, was late leaving Bath, and hence late into Newport. Thus I missed the 14:31 Newport to Swansea train which I was due to catch next. Fortunately I was able to continue my journey on the 14:53 Arriva train from Newport to Swansea, which got to Swansea at 16:17. Consequently I missed the 16:00 train to Tenby which I originally hoped to catch, and which would have got me to Tenby at 17:45 (that one would have been ideal as I would have checked into my hotel and got a pub meal in Tenby around 19:00). Although I had a separate flexible Swansea to Tenby ticket, and thus didn't have to worry about catching a specific onward train, the next train to Tenby was due to leave Swansea at 18:09 and reach Tenby at 19:52. I was concerned it might be a bit late to get a meal in Tenby then.

Instead I caught the 16:40 Milford Haven train, and got off at Carmarthen at 17:27, hoping to have a meal there. I went to Yr Hen Dderwen (Wetherspoon), where I enjoyed Welsh dragon sausages and mash, followed by Belgian waffle with ice cream and maple syrup. Altogether a delicious meal. Afterwards I returned to Carmarthen station with time to spare for the 19:02 train to Tenby. Having finally reached Tenby at 19:52, I checked into The Myrtle House Hotel where I stayed three nights.

Thursday Evening
Having checked in, dusk wasn't far off, so I went for a walk along the South Beach whilst it was still light. Since it was low tide I was able to walk to St Catherine's Island, but it was closed at the time. By 21:00 I was back in my room and relaxed the rest of the evening.

Back to the top

Day 1 - Friday 8 August

Friday First Thing
Having awoke at 7:00 I had breakfast at the normal time of 8:00 consisting of cereal, a glass of orange juice, full traditional breakfast, four triangles of toast and a cafetiere of coffee.

Daytime
I left the hotel at 9:25 and caught the 9:40 Haverfordwest bus which stopped outside Folly Farm around 10:15. Folly Farm was already open and the public were being admitted. The RCCGB was officially due to enter as a group at 11:00. I showed the receptionist my RCCGB membership card and explained that I was booked on the RCCGB trip here, but had forgotten my letter and trip badge. The receptionist found my name on the list and admitted me no problem.

I began in the area across the road known as Follywood. There I saw various breeds of pig in Percy's Piggery, and had one go on the land train which followed a track past various animals. Back in the main part of the Park, I entered the Jolly Barn where I drew a pig on the large chalk board on which visitors are welcome to draw farm animals.

Since it was currently dry and sunny, I headed for the zoo next and saved indoor attractions for later, just in case the weather deteriorated later. In the zoo I saw giraffes and zebras, Common Squirrel Monkeys and the new-for-2014 lion enclosure Pride of Pembrokeshire. My first sighting of other RCCGB members was in the area between Pride of Pembrokeshire and Penguin Coast around 12:50, when I met Nev, Debra Boggis and Planenut. Afterwards I walked around the Penguin Coast area.

After a light snack (filled deli bread and a cup of coffee) at Carousel Café, I saw the rest of the animals around the zoo, including emus, red river hog, reindeer and cusimanse, Tapir Territory (a lake populated by tapir birds), Bactrian camels and the Pride of Pembrokeshire lion enclosure again. Having left the zoo I had a whippy ice cream from an ice cream kiosk, followed by one go on the Pembrokeshire Wheel.

Late afternoon I had a cappuccino at Coffee Shop. Afterwards I walked around the Jolly Barn seeing sheep and lambs, goats and goat kids, bronze turkeys, pigs, a shire horse and miniature ponies. Just after 16:30 I enjoyed playing on all parts of Carousel Woods indoor play structure until closing time of 17:30, including the 4-lane Bumper Slide, tube slides and multi-level towers. A fun way to round off normal opening time.

Exclusive Fair Session
The Park officially closed at 17:30. For us the best was yet to follow: our Exclusive Fair Session in the Vintage Funfair. Together we rode the 1950s Caterpillar Ride, Jets, 1937 Coronation Speedway, Rock n' Roll Waltzer, Ghost Train and 1938 Dodgem Track once each (a few but not me were lucky enough to have two goes on Dodgem Track).

After a meal in the Funfair Restaurant we had a few more rides: 1936 Lakin Swirl, Chair-o-Plane, Folly Farm's Famous Gallopers and 1950s Cyclone Twist once each (however some including me were lucky enough to get two goes on Cyclone Twist). To round off the EFS we had the chance to walk the Brooklyn Cakewalk; I managed three goes. I wore my pink hi-vis jacket for the last few rides (Gallopers onwards) and several other members liked it.

Alphabetic Summary Table of EFS Rides

Ride
Total
Brooklyn Cakewalk
3
1950s Caterpillar Ride
1
Chair-o-Plane
1
1937 Coronation Speedway
1
1950s Cyclone Twist
2
1938 Dodgem Track
1
Folly Farm's Famous Gallopers
1
Ghost Train
1
Jets
1
1936 Lakin Swirl
1
Rock n' Roll Waltzer
1
TOTAL
14

Rest Of Friday
When the ERS ended everyone returned to the car park. Andy gave me a lift to my hotel in Tenby. A little later I went to get myself an ice cream from Fecci's Ice Cream Parlour, and sat in the Paragon garden to eat it. Back in my room I got what I needed ready for Saturday.

Altogether a worthwhile appetiser to Mega-Glow-Mania at Oakwood. I particularly enjoyed playing on Carousel Woods indoor play structure for about an hour late afternoon, and one go on the Pembrokeshire Wheel. Best of all was after 17:30: a few vintage rides, a meal, and more vintage rides. Basically the visit to Folly Farm can be summed up as a leisurely day around the farm, zoo and other attractions, culminating in a spin on the vintage rides early evening, as a warm-up to Oakwood next day. Furthermore the weather was better than predicted, dry all day, and mainly sunny. Many thanks to Nev for arranging this day, including EFS, at Folly Farm. Thanks also to ride operators for running the rides for us, and caterers for providing the meal, after normal closing time.

More about Friday at Folly Farm available here

Back to the top

Day 2 - Saturday 9 August

Saturday First Thing
Having awoke at 6:10, I had an early breakfast at 7:30, which consisted of cereal, a glass of orange juice, fried egg and beans on toast, four triangles of toast and a cafetiere of coffee. At 8:00 the taxi which was booked for me the previous evening turned up to take me to Oakwood.

Welcome To Oakwood
When I reached Oakwood, I immediately noticed the entrance had received a change of colour scheme since last year. A few members were already there, and others gradually arrived. Just before entering Nev gave a welcome message.

Morning ERS
The day began with a one hour ERS on Oakwood's famous wooden coaster Megafobia During this hour I enjoyed six goes on Megafobia, seated next to Andy on two goes and seated next to Planenut on one go.

Morning Free Time
When the ERS ended, members dispersed around the Park, however I was alone most of the time until the afternoon baseball. I began morning free time with two goes on Treetops Coaster. After briefly talking to Ianto Gulliver I enjoyed two goes on Speed. Next I enjoyed both Waterfall slides twice each, and managed to sail across the landing pool without keeling over each time. In the circus area, Clown Coaster may be Oakwood's smallest coaster, but I found one go on it worthwhile. After a coffee at The Little Darlings' Café, I enjoyed two goes on Crocodile Coaster followed by one go on Tink's Flying School.

Baseball
Around 13:30 the Club gathered at the front of the Park to play baseball. Nev asked those who wanted to play to get into two teams, Woodies and Steelies; I joined the Woodies team. As usual Nev played on the Woodies team. The game ended after both sides had batted and fielded twice each. Unsurprisingly the Woodies won.

Afternoon and Evening Free Time
After the baseball ended, members returned to the camp site for a rest or returned to the Park. Some including me caught the train from the entrance to the reception. Back in the Park, I went to The Little Darlings' Café for a cheese baguette and cup of coffee. It now was raining, so I donned my all-in-one splashsuit and went outside. The rain quickly became extremely heavy and I sheltered in the Neverland photo collection point. When the rain eased, I had one go on Tink's Flying School. Unsurprisingly I was the only rider on it. Next I enjoyed Skull Rock log flume twice. Afterwards I rode Tink's Flying School again. Since the rain had now just about stopped, more people wanted to ride it. By turning the rudder the right way at the right time, I took advantage of the wind, which added to the fun. My final Neverland ride for now was one go on Neverland Chase tractor ride.

Having left Neverland I had one go on Teacups in the circus area. The ride experience was what one would expect from a tea cup ride. Next I faced a lengthy wait for Bobsleigh. Riding this toboggan run in its wet and slippery state following the earlier rain was different to riding this in the dry conditions I experienced previous visits; I had to take extra care, braking regularly on the descent. Back in Neverland, I had a coffee at The Little Darlings' Café. Afterwards I enjoyed Oakwood Aerodrome and Tink's Flying School once each. Having left Neverland for the last time, I enjoyed four goes on the Moon Landing drop slide, and made it over the hump on one of them.

It was raining again, so I donned my splashsuit and headed for Snake River Falls. The rain became extremely heavy. There were just a few other riders in front of me for my first go, on the tube slide Cobra. After that I rode the two open slides and Python tube slide despite the downpour, and unsurprisingly I was the only rider approaching them each time! Next I approached Bounce. Although the rain had eased, this drop tower was walk-on, and I was able to stay on for two consecutive goes. Charlie and Lizzie saw me on my second go. Finally I enjoyed two goes on Speed, which ran without any problems in the rain. Charlie and Lizzie sat next to me on my first go.

Around 20:45 I went to Woody's Burger Bar for a large double beefburger meal, which I ate it in the indoor seating area due to the rain. Helen and Sophia, who I saw whilst ordering, sat next to me whilst I was eating my meal. Afterwards I got myself ready for the dark ERS on Megafobia. The final ten minutes of normal opening time were filled with a highly impressive display of fireworks, lasers and fountains, set to music.

Megafobia Dark ERS
With the public now gone, the finale was our dark ERS on Megafobia. Many of us wore or held glow sticks to create a glowing effect. Doug kindly gave me six of his glow sticks (one for each wrist plus four for a necklace); also I wore my fluorescent yellow cagoule, my pink hi-vis jacket and fluorescent pink sports shorts, which added to the fun. In one hour I enjoyed six goes. The train gave a really fast and rough ride around the wet track in the rain. Party music completed the atmosphere. Altogether a fun ERS, despite the rain.

Cumulative Summary of My Rides (ERSs and Freetime Combined)

Ride
Total
Bobsleigh
1
Bounce
2
Clown Coaster
1
Crocodile Coaster
2
Megafobia
12
Moon Landing
4
Neverland Chase
1
Oakwood Aerodrome
1
Skull Rock log flume
2
Snake River Falls: Cobra
1
Snake River Falls: left open slide
1
Snake River Falls: Python
1
Snake River Falls: right open slide
1
Speed
4
Teacups
1
Tink's Flying School
4
Train park entrance to reception
1
Treetops Coaster
2
Waterfall left slide
2
Waterfall right slide
2
TOTAL
46

Rest Of Saturday
When the ERS ended just after 23:00 Nev gave a short speech before everyone returned to the car park. Mark and Margo took me back to Tenby. At quarter past midnight I was back in my room, dead tired.

Altogether a mega fun day at Oakwood. I enjoyed riding all five roller coasters and several non-coaster rides again. The non-coaster rides Neverland Chase, Teacups and Oakwood Aerodrome, which I rode for the first time this visit, are undeniably tame but it was still great to add three more rides to my ride count. It was also a pleasure to meet other members including Nev, Doug, Charlie and Lizzie, Happy Helen, Ianto Gulliver, Mark and Margo, Planenut, Ryan Hackett and Sophia Jones again. Best of all was the dark ERS on Megafobia, despite the rain. Many other members liked my self-designed pink hi-vis jacket and fluorescent pink sports shorts; wearing them in conjunction with my fluorescent yellow Skatedrive cagoule added to the fun of that ERS. The biggest let-down was the weather. Although it was mostly dry and sunny up until mid-afternoon, it rained much of the time after 15:00, including two extreme downpours. Despite the rain, I had plenty of rides in the rain. Thankfully it didn't rain heavily all day. Many thanks to Nev for organising this trip to Oakwood, the staff for running Megafobia before opening time and after closing time, Doug for giving me the glow sticks and Mark and Margo for kindly giving me a lift back to Tenby in the evening.

More about Saturday at Oakwood available here

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Day 3 - Sunday 10 August

Introduction
The final day of Mega-Glow-Mania weekend 2014. Mid-morning some members met at Heatherton World of Activities to enjoy go-karting and/or other activities available there. Nev even arranged an EGS (exclusive go-kart session) for those interested; according to the trip invitation it was billed to run from 10.00 to 11.30. For various reasons I gave Heatherton a miss. The following outlines how I spent Sunday.

Sunday First Thing
Having awoke at 7:00, I got ready and packed my belongings, I had breakfast around 8:30. I had the same selection as Friday morning including full cooked, and enjoyed it at a more relaxed pace than Friday and Saturday.

From Tenby to Swansea
Having reached Tenby station around 10:45, I caught the 11:05 rail replacement bus from Tenby to Carmarthen for the onward 12:29 train to Swansea, and got there at 13:15. Once there I walked straight to Swansea LC.

Swansea LC Water Park
I reached the LC reception around 13:30 only to be told that the next available water park session would be 14:30, so I unwisely had a coffee at the LC café to kill time. Once I finished my coffee, the earliest I could be admitted to the water park was 15:15, so without further ado I bought a ticket for that session, and waited in the café until I could get changed at 15:05.

When I finally entered the water park at 15:15 I went straight to the slides, only to find the three slide queues were all really long. Thereafter the queue for Aqua Tube varied, (it tended to be shortest when the waves were on), but the other two slide queues remained long. In order to have as many slides as possible, I spent my entire session sliding and didn't go in the Wave Pool or Lazy River at all. In two hours I enjoyed thirteen goes on the fast, closed tube slide Aqua Tube and two goes on the slower open-top Aqua Slide. Despite the longish queues for tyres and at the launch point, I managed to have one go on the roller coaster water slide Master Blaster. Although I'd have liked more than one go on Master Blaster, one go was better than none. Altogether a wet and wild way to round off Mega-GLOW-Mania Weekend; it's a pity the queues meant I had fewer slides overall than I'd have ideally liked.

Cumulative summary of slides:

Slide
Total
Aqua Slide
2
Aqua Tube
13
Master Blaster
1
TOTAL
16

More about Sunday afternoon at Swansea LC Water Park available here

Evening Meal
Having dressed, I finally left the LC at 17:30, which was later than I expected or wanted. I needed to get myself something to eat quickly before I was due to resume my homeward train journey at 18:24, so I went to McDonalds in Castle Square to have a Chicken Deluxe Meal followed by a toffee sundae. That was a pity as I really wanted to round off my weekend with a Sunday Club Meal at The Bank Statement (Wetherspoon) before returning to the station, but due to my later-than-desired exit from the LC, there wasn't time for that. I'd have preferred an earlier sliding session to have been out of the LC by 16:45, and thus had time for a meal at Wetherspoons before returning to the station. As it was, I only just had time for my burger meal and sundae at McDonalds!

Journey Home
Having left McDonalds I returned to the station in time for the 18:24 train to Newport. Despite the train being diverted between Bridgend and Cardiff, I reached Newport with plenty of time to spare for the connecting 20:32 train to Bath Spa. I finally arrived home around 22:00.

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Outro

Highlights
Three nights' B&B in Tenby, including the delicious filling breakfasts.
Visiting Folly Farm and Oakwood for the third year running.
Playing on Carousel Woods indoor play structure late afternoon Friday.
Exclusive Fair Session on the Vintage Funfair rides plus meal in the Funfair Restaurant Friday evening.
Saturday morning ERS on Megafobia.
Riding all five coasters (Megafobia, Treetops Coaster, Speed, Clown Coaster, Crocodile Coaster) and various non-coaster rides again Saturday.
Adding Neverland Chase, Teacups and Oakwood Aerodrome to my ride count Saturday.
Fireworks, lasers and fountains accompanied by music at 21:50 Saturday evening.
Saturday evening dark ERS on Megafobia after closing time, despite the rain.
Meeting Nev, Alan Chilvers, Doug, Charlie and Lizzie, Happy Helen, Ianto Gulliver, Mark and Margo, Planenut, Ryan Hackett, Sophia Jones and other members again.
Sliding the Aqua Tube, Aqua Slide and Master Blaster at Swansea LC Water Park Sunday afternoon.

Lowlights
Problems with my train journey from Bath to Tenby Thursday, and hence getting to Tenby later than expected.
Suddenly realising, on my way to Folly Farm Friday morning, I'd left my trip badge and letter at my hotel.
Having to take my rucksack around Carousel Woods with me Friday afternoon due to lack of lockers.
Rain on and off (very heavy at times) after 15:00 on Saturday.
Drenched out of action throughout Saturday, though perhaps that was a blessing in disguise considering the weather after 15:00.
Long wait until 15:15 for a two hour sliding session at Swansea LC Sunday afternoon.
Swansea LC Water Park was way too busy for my liking Sunday afternoon, hence my overall slide count was lower than I'd have liked.
Long queuing times for the Master Blaster at the collection point and launch point Sunday afternoon, hence only one go on Master Blaster.
Having to make do with a burger and fries, plus sundae, at McDonalds Castle Square Sunday early evening due to my later than desired exit from Swansea LC.

Summing Up
Altogether fun-packed long weekend away. It was great to visit Folly Farm and Oakwood for the third year running and thus ride many of their rides (particularly Oakwood's Megafobia) again. Many thanks again to Nev for arranging the trips to Folly Farm and Oakwood (also Heatherton for those who went), the other Andy for kindly giving me a lift from Folly Farm to Tenby Friday evening, and to Mark and Margo for kindly giving me a lift from Oakwood to Tenby Saturday evening.

Mega-Glow-Mania weekend 2014 can be likened to a three-course meal as follows:
Starter: Folly Farm on Friday
Main course: Oakwood on Saturday
Dessert: Heatherton (or in my case Swansea LC) on Sunday

One other bit of trivia worth mentioning: I went down at least one slide of some sort Friday, Saturday and Sunday as follows:
Friday: Carousel Woods Bumper Slide and tube slides at Folly Farm.
Saturday: Moon Landing drop slide at Oakwood.
Sunday: Aqua Tube, Aqua Slide and Master Blaster water slides at Swansea LC Water Park.

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Monday 1 September 2014

Nemesis Nick at Swansea LC Water Park August 2014

Date: Sunday 10 August 2014
Venue: Swansea LC Water Park
Who Went: Just me.

Introduction
Officially this was the final day of RCCGB Mega-Glow-Mania weekend 2014. After the Club visited Folly Farm on Friday 8 August and Oakwood Theme Park on Saturday 9 August, some members chose to spend Sunday 10 August at Heatherton World of Activities. Although I attended both Folly Farm and Oakwood the previous two days, I gave Heatherton a miss for various reasons. Whilst planning my Sunday train travel, I discovered that by leaving Tenby at 11:05, I could reach Swansea around 13:15, and thus enjoy an afternoon session water sliding at Swansea LC Water Park during the rest of the afternoon before resuming my train journey home to Bath in the evening.

Welcome To Swansea LC
I finally reached the LC reception around 13:30. On arrival I was told the water park was really busy, and the next available session would be 14:30. Rather than stand at the reception and wait until then to get a ticket for that session, I went to the LC café for a coffee to kill time. This was a big mistake, because when I returned to the reception around 13:50, I was told the 14:30 session was sold out and the earliest I could now be accommodated was 15:15. When I mentioned what had happened so far, I was told that when I entered at 13:30, I could and should have bought my ticket for the 14:30 session straightaway. Unfortunately I wasn't told that on arrival; if only I'd known then I'd have bought my 14:30 session ticket and then had a coffee. Anyway at this point I bought a ticket for the 15:15 session, and sat in the café again with nothing to do until I was able to go to the changing room at 15:05. Once there I managed to find a tall locker big enough to contain my large holdall, rucksack and laptop bag.

Background Information
The old Swansea Leisure Centre opened in 1977 and closed in 2003. During 2007 the building was gutted out and rebuilt internally at a cost of £32 million. In March 2008, the current LC opened on the site of the old Leisure Centre, and it's completely different to what it used to be inside. I know, I went to the fun pool and slides at the old Swansea Leisure Centre during my week long Swansea holiday in June 2000. The current LC has commonly been known as LC2 (even I've called it that), since the wave logo which appears after the initials LC resembles a 2, but officially it is LC. Logically though, one could say the current LC is the second leisure centre to be housed within the same building shell. This was my fourth visit to the LC Water Park in its current form, having previously been there early September 2008, August 2012 and August 2013.

Swansea LC Water Park Features
The water park boasts several features, outlined below.

Aqua Tube
A narrow twisting closed tube water slide, which lands in a catch tray. This slide is really fast.

Aqua Slide
This water slide is open top all the way down. There's a u-bend to the right just after the start, followed by a straight bit, a bend to the right, a straight bit, u-bend to the left and finally land in a catch tray. This slide gives a longer and slower ride than Aqua Tube.

Master Blaster
You need an inflatable tyre to ride this roller coaster water slide. There are several places where it goes up as well as down. If the RCCGB decided to do an organised visit here (e.g. outside the coaster season) this would be the one for us to have an ERS on.

The Aqua Tube, Aqua Slide and Master Blaster were made by Aqua Leisure International, but I don't know the heights of the slides.

Wave Pool
A funny shaped fun pool with wave machine. It's not on continuously, but the wave sessions are quite frequent.

Lazy River
This spurs off the Wave Pool. You swim around clockwise with the flow.

Boardrider
A surf facility which you have to wear a surf suit and helmet for. I think you have to pay extra for it; anyhow I gave this a miss.

All of the above have been there since the place opened in 2008.

Volcano Bay
Volcano Bay opened in summer 2010. It's a mock-up of a volcano with a slide descending from it. I didn't bother with this during my visit.

The only extra Swansea LC Water Park could do with is a space bowl. Every good water park should have one. Strangely enough, the old Swansea Leisure Centre actually had a space bowl.

My Session In The Water Park
Having changed I handed my key to an attendant in exchange for a wristband, I was given a black one. The session was officially due to last about two hours. At the end of my session all bathers with black wristbands including me would be asked to leave.

When I finally entered the pool and slides area at 15:15, I headed straight for the slides. Lo and behold, the queues for all three slides were rather long. My initial impression was that nobody would get many slides today. Anyway, I began with two goes on Aqua Tube. The queuing time was longer than I would have liked for both goes, but the slide was fast and fun, and therefore worth the wait both times. Next I faced an even longer wait for the Aqua Slide, but once it was my turn I enjoyed its long and gentle ride to the bottom. Due to the long queue I limited myself to just that one go on for now. Afterwards I enjoyed another eight goes on Aqua Tube. The queuing time varied considerably from almost as long as earlier to just two or three in front of me. Interestingly the queue was shortest when the wave machine was on, presumably because that's when other bathers tended to take a break from sliding to enjoy the pool waves during those moments.

So far I still hadn't been on the Master Blaster roller coaster water slide, and as a RCCGB member I was determined to have one go on it. I faced a lengthy wait at the landing point for a tyre, and another wait at the top to get on to the slide, but again it was well worth it. Seated on my tyre, I set off on the Master Blaster around much of the water park, taking in uphill as well as downhill sections. A mega fun ride which was all over too soon. Sadly this was my only go on this all afternoon as I didn't want to wait ages queuing again for it.

By now my two hour session was drawing to a close. I rounded off my session with one go on Aqua Tube, one go on Aqua Slide and two goes on Aqua Tube. After that I headed towards the wristband return point. Just as I was doing so, all bathers with black or purple wristbands were asked to leave, as their session was over. As I handed in my band, I said to the person behind the counter "perfect timing". Even if my colour hadn't been called, I would have needed to have left now anyway to allow time to dry myself, dress and get something to eat on my way back to the station, as the time was now 17:20. Having dressed I finally left the LC at 17:30.

Summary of my sliding in actual order:

Aqua Tube 2
Aqua Slide 1
Aqua Tube 8
Master Blaster 1
Aqua Tube 1
Aqua Slide 1
Aqua Tube 2

Cumulative summary of slides:

Slide
Total
Aqua Slide
2
Aqua Tube
13
Master Blaster
1
TOTAL
16

Outro

Highlights
Sliding the Aqua Tube and Aqua Slide.
One go on Master Blaster roller coaster water slide.

Lowlights
Long wait for a two hour sliding session.
Water park was way too busy for my liking, hence my overall slide count was lower than I'd have liked.
Long queuing times for the Master Blaster at the collection point and launch point.

Summing Up
A wet and wild afternoon session at Swansea LC Water Park to round off Mega-Glow-Mania weekend. It was great to slide the Aqua Tube, Aqua Slide and Master Blaster again one year on from my previous visit in August 2013. The Master Blaster roller coaster water slide is definitely the best of the three. It's a pity the queuing times for tyres and the launch point were so long, which is why I limited myself to just one go on Master Blaster. Nonetheless one go on the Master Blaster was better than none. I didn't go in the Wave Pool or Lazy River at all this visit, as I wanted to have as many slides as I could.

It was really infuriating that I ended up having to wait until 15:15 to begin sliding, and hence it was 17:30 by the time I finally left the LC. The upshot of that was I only just had time for a burger and fries plus a sundae at McDonalds in Castle Square before returning to the station in time for the 18:24 London Paddington train on which I was to resume my journey home. I'd have preferred an earlier session to have been out of the LC building by around 16:45, in order to have comfortably fitted in a Sunday Club roast at Wetherspoons before returning to the station for the said train. Waiting over one and a half hours in the LC reception / café area, two hours of water sliding and a rushed meal at McDonalds was not, in my opinion, the best way of dividing my available time in Swansea.