Say it Ain't So...

The End of Astroworld.

And just like that, they decide to put an end to that place that is 35+ years of being a part of the Houston Skyline - as well as a part of, dare I say millions, of people's hearts. When I heard the news I wanted to cry! This is Astroworld, we're talking about people! They say all good things must end, well this one is a shocker.

This is my ode to Astroworld.

It began many, many years ago for us. It was a guarantee that every summer we would make the trek from Sulphur, LA to Houston, TX to spend a few days at Astroworld and also to catch an Astros game or two. The anticipation would build in the weeks and days leading up to the trip. We used to pretend we were driving the car and whoever was behind the wheel would say, "Where do you want to go?" The other two would enthusiastically yell, "ASTROWORLD!!!" Hell, I STILL say that anytime someone asks me where I want to go...it's programmed into my memory!

So, the trip would begin. Like any antsy kid, we were so anxious to get there we could hardly stand it. The big deal was to be the first one to spot the Needle Ride. That was huge. Every tower that we saw caused a false alarm. But sure enough, there was this one overpass where it never failed, once we topped it, there was the Needle Ride in all it's glory.

Once in the parking lot, they used to have the trams to take you to the park entrance. It was like a ride in itself, kind of like the 610 Limited Train in the Park, only it wasn't on tracks. Then there was the Giant globe in the entry plaza fountain and you knew you were really there.

The first thing we would do, it seems, would be to go buy a miniature loaf of bread from the Rainbo Bakery. We would eat some and then tie the bag off on one of our belt loops to keep it handy for the long day's journey at the park. You had to ration your food, otherwise you'd waste precious time standing in line at a food joint when you could be waiting for the front car of the Texas Cyclone or Greezed Lightnin'.

Then it was off to stand in line to one of the above roller coasters. Usually, Mike and I would rush to the Cyclone. The anticipation of that ride was the most nerve wracking of all. The long waits in line, and then of course we had to be in either the very front or the very back car. Then the click, click, click, click...it just seemed to go on forever. Then the signs. I can't remember what the signs say, but they were just so menacing. Looking back, it seems like they were taunting us saying things like, "No turning back now..." And then there was the millisecond or so of silence where the clicking stopped and the lead car broke over the crest of the first drop. The silence was more pronounced because at that time, everyone was holding their breath. Then the "whoosh" and everyone screaming! What a rush.

Then there was the Greezed Lightnin'. Again, very first or very last car. I can remember how my heart raced as we just sat in that lead car, patiently. Everyone getting settled in. The ride attendant checking everyone's belts and then came the announcement, "All Clear!" BOOM you were off driven by the same mechanism that helps propel F-14's off of an Aircraft Carrier Flight Deck! After the loop, the pause at the tops of the arms seemed to last forever.

Another great ride was the Alpine Sleigh Ride. Having that cool burst of air during the hot Houston Summer was always a plus.

Now looking back on it, I guess the beginning of the end for me was when they closed down the Alpine Sleigh Ride. The mountain just sat there. Lonely. It was so depressing. When they began to use it for part of the Batman ride, that made me feel better, but the mountain still groaned for its glorious past.

I remember with perfect clarity, getting on the River of No Return and the boat captain picked my sister, Regina, to be the "captain." I really thought she was driving. The guy told her to go one way but the boat went another way and he said, "Oh no, you turned the wrong way!!" I really bought it and was freaking out. Man that was a great ride. King Kong at the end was really neat.

One trip, my brother, Mike, and I rode the Dexter Freebish/Excalibur like 50 times it seems. There was no line and they'd just keep sending us through. I seem to recall a few instances of that on the Cyclone too.

I remember being totally freaked out in the Wacky Shack...couldn't wait to get wet on the Bamboo Shoot...and Dad shaking the Cable Cars as we passed over the park. Thanks, Pop!

But it all began with the Serpent. I honestly have no memory of riding the Serpent, but last Summer when we all went there for vacation, my then 4 year old son, Evan, christened his first Astroworld roller coaster. I was able to ride with him and as soon as we took off, I immediately remembered the ride! It was a mind blowing experience. Evan loved it and I'm so glad that he was able to go experience a little bit of the magic of Astroworld.

I will do my best to give Astroworld an in person Farewell before the end of October.

Thanks for the memories.