Derby Racer

Back blip 4/5

We spent the night in a little seaside hotel. It was charming, small, inexpensive and close to Blackpool Pleasure Beach, a classic amusement park we'd both dreamed about visiting for ages.

It was wonderful finally seeing this place in person. There are so many older rides here that I never thought I'd get to ride. We started on this Derby Racer, one of only three left. Now we've ridden all three, and all of them this year! The other two are in the U.S.

There also is a swing ride from 1904, Flying Machines. It's similar to a ride called the Circle Swing. There are no more Circle Swings, though Disney's California Adventure park has a modern version. This park also has the only Steeplechase left. There are three tracks, but we only rode the yellow track. Guess we'll have to come back to ride the other two!

We rode nine coasters today. My total is now 411, 51 of which are from this year alone! This is the best coaster year I've ever had.

In extras are Flying Machines, Icon (foreground) and Big One, and the Big Dipper (that goes over the station, but the train also travels in a tight circle in front of the ride's sign).

We drive back to London tonight and fly out early tomorrow morning.