Raincheck

Back in March, George and I were planning on going to Six Flag’s Magic Mountain. Due to record rainfall in Southern California at the time that plan literally went down the drain. We opted instead to go see a concert of the L.A. Philharmonics at the Disney Concert Hall.

About three weeks ago we were finally able to cash in that raincheck and spent another fun day at Magic Mountain in Valencia, in the outskirts of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area. This huge, green and lush theme park, which is nestled in picturesque rolling hills, is home to some the fastest and wildest roller coasters on this planet. With the opening of a brand-new conceptual coaster, called the “Green Lantern,” later this summer, it will boast the most numbers of coasters in any theme park in the world.

The afternoon and evening before was spent with George’s brother Thomas and his friend at Downtown Disney. We had a wonderful dinner together and were strolling through the Disney resorts and stores afterwards.

Below are some images from that weekend.


We stayed at a hotel on Katella Avenue in Anaheim, CA, in walkable distance to the Disneyland Resort.

Even though we didn’t actually visit Disneyland we took some obligatory pictures standing ‘in front’ of it.

At Downtown Disney, this man worked hours and hours on this sand sculpture, promoting the new Disney Nature film “African Cats.”


George, his brother Thomas and I at a nightly Downtown Disney.

The next day we drove to Magic Mountain. Here is the marquee along the I-5 freeway at Magic Mountain Parkway.

The first few of countless roller coasters in various shapes, heights and forms are visible from the parking lot.

Way up in the hills is the Viper, with its many loopings, corkscrews and other types of twisted inversions.

A interesting view looking upwards the X2, one of the craziest, most wildest rides around. X2 is a so-called fourth-dimension coaster. When I rode it for the very first time a few years ago I didn’t even know what just had happened to me. Too many sensations at once...

The totally awesome Tatsu, a “flying” coaster and the white loop of the “Revolution,” the world’s first-ever looping roller coaster. This one was featured in the 1977 disaster-suspense movie “Rollercoaster,” starring Richard Widmark, George Segal and Timothy Bottoms. We would pass the spot of the curving steel track many times where Timothy Bottom’s character would eventually find his demise at the end of the movie. A ‘historical’ landmark, so to speak.

George waiting in line for Tatsu.

One has an incredible view of the Santa Clarita valley from the boarding station of Tatsu.

Part of the ‘flying’ coaster Tatsu and the Sky Tower, one of the few remaining original attrations from when this park first openend back in 1971.

The sun is setting behind the Southern California hills and “The Riddler,” the world’s fastest standing coaster.

Thanksgiving with Rover and Cal

George and I spent this long Thanksgiving holiday weekend in Los Angeles. Our friends Rover and Cal invited us to their annual Thanksgiving potluck at their amazing home. We also stayed with them for the rest of the weekend. Please feel free to click on the following photos to see them enlarged.



We stopped in Victorville on our way to L.A. to gas up the car and enjoyed a little ice cream.


It was raining in Los Angeles just before we arrived. These are the leftover storm clouds over El Cajon Pass.

Invited guests brought an array of different foods, desserts and drinks for the Thanksgiving potluck. About 20 people sat around a beautiful appointed banquet table and feasted on delicious pumpkin soups, salads, turkey, dressing, casseroles and other delectable dishes. The list of a variety of foods went on and on. There was lots of laughter, singing and lively conversations. Rover and Cal’s friends are a very eclectic group of people, living a bohemian way of life. Since almost everyone is either an artist, performer or musician, this wonderfully intellectual group is full of live and knows how to celebrate.


Rover and little Connor provided the right beat and joined James on the piano for some sing-along.


James is giving little Connor some advice how to make some noise.


The kitchen always provides some conversation fodder.


Cal and Thomas are relaxing after an amazing Thanksgiving feast.


The following day started with a scrumptious breakfast, cooked by our most gracious host Rover. Around noon George and I were heading towards the Pacific to spend the afternoon in Santa Monica. The partly clouded sky casted a spectacular scenery over the ocean. What a dramatic background. Every once in a while the sun would peek through the clouds and dip the Palisades into this amazing light.



George always enjoys our walks along the Pacific Palisades in Santa Monica.


Along the Pacific Palisades.


And there was actually some sun as well. This is L.A. after all. Quick, get the camera. Smile and say Cheese!


After a nice and simple dinner at Coogies on Santa Monica Boulevard, we took our time driving through Beverly Hills and West Hollywood toward our final destination in downtown L.A., the Ahmanson Theatre at the Music Center to see this:



The Tony Award winning musical made a stop in L.A. on its national tour.


The Music Center in downtown Los Angeles with the Walt Disney Concert Hall, George with the Ahmanson Theatre in the background and the Dance Door bronze sculpture.


George and I at the Music Center Plaza.

We bought tickets a while ago to see the award-winning musical “Spring Awakening.” We always loved the songs, but to see the whole play unfold and perform live on stage was amazing. What a great cast. George and I are so glad we were able to see it.

Saturday turned out to be the most perfect day. Sunny, no clouds and with spring-like temperatures. We invited Rover and Cal to come with us and George’s brother Thomas to Six Flag’s Magic Mountain. Before we were all ready to head on over to ride some of the greatest and craziest roller coasters on this planet, Rover had to make a stop at the Pasadena High School Theater where he was preparing the sets for the upcoming performance of “The Crucible.” Since Rover comes from a theater background, he’s lending his expertise to build the stage props and will help the kids learn how to set up the stage and the lighting.


On stage with Rover and Cal, inspecting the progress of the set for the play at the high school theater.


Some of the old and newer rollercoasters at Six Flag's Magic Mountain.


Impressions of the "X-2" rollercoaster, the world's first 4th dimension thrill ride.


Cal, Thomas, Rover and George impatiently waiting in line to finally get on the "X-2" ride.


The "Viper" with multiple drops, twists, loops and corkscrews.


After hours of being twirled, swung and looped around on these crazy coasters at Magic Mountain, we decided to have a dinner at one of those last remaining old-fashioned hamburger stands in Pasadena, called “The Hat.” Junk food at its finest. The best Pastrami Burgers, grilled Cheeseburgers and Tuna Salad Sandwiches one can think of. With a mountain of Chili Cheese Fries, Onion Rings and Jalapeños. And of course buckets of sodas. We don’t eat like this very often, but when we do we really enjoy this. And boy...did it taste good.

Then we were off to Hollywood to see this:






The marquees of the historic El Capitan movie palace and the relatively new Disney's Soda Fountain & Studio Store.

We purchased tickets early on to see the newest Disney flick “Bolt” at one of our most favorite movie palaces of a by-gone era, the El Capitan. Before the movie, Disney had a little Broadway-esque Christmas show which was performed live on stage. As expected from Disney, it was corny and cheesy but very cute. The computer-animated feature “Bolt” was presented in digital 3-D, which made the film that more special. We all loved the film. It was very well executed, really funny and the Hamster character Rhino was just downright hilarious. We can highly recommend this film.

As all good things eventually come to an end, so did our little Thanksgiving excursion. Late Sunday morning we were on our way again back home to Las Vegas. What a great time we had. Even more so thanks to Rover and Cal.

We always do with these two.