POSTCARD FROM SANDUSKY, OH—PART 2 – TUESDAY, JUNE 23, 2009

Good thing this is typewritten, because I apparently have screamed away my voice….blame just the two rides I rode on today.  But isn’t that why we are at Cedar Point??? 

We started out with breakfast at our Sleep Inn, no problems getting everyone on the bus this morning with what laid ahead!  After we checked in at the amusement park, we hiked to our performance location within the park, and poor Aaron had to lug his 60 pound keyboard all the way!  Sweating hot, we arrived at the risers, greeted by the staff member who had everything set up for us, rested until performance time and then 1-2-3, the kids were right on target with a great mini concert!  Not many folks actually got to appreciate us for much time at all, but we achieved what we needed to, had a fun performance, looked like a real choir (which, of course we all know we are!), and got reduced price admission! 

Kids were each given $$$ for lunch and we had bought unlimited drink bands so they were all set until we were to meet at 5:00 pm for dinner together.  Off they scattered – we didn’t have to tell them goodbye more than once!

As official WCC Roadies, Chris and I were responsible for getting the equipment back to the bus but no way, no how were we going to carry that keyboard (and Aaron probably wouldn’t have trusted the two of us to do so), so we “owned” a baby stroller for the day, loaded up all the stuff, and wheeled it back to the bus.  Jim got to disappear for the day and wash all those bugs off the bus, while Chris, Margaret and I took a hike throughout the whole park.  It was HOT, HOT, HOT!  In our whole walk through the park and for about 3 hours, we didn’t see one single choir kid!  They were clearly having the time of their lives and making the most of the time at the park.  When up to an hour of time is spent waiting in line for the most popular rides, you don’t have much spare time to dilly-dally. 

Dinner time arrived and everyone was there right on schedule.  We had a great opportunity to regroup, share ride stories, eat a full meal and sit in comfy air conditioning before taking off for the final 4 hours of fun.   Even Chris and I made it onto the infamous DRAGSTER!  In less than 4 seconds, you reach 120 mph, next climb up to 420 feet high, and end up back at the platform in 17 seconds.  This is the ride that is worth a 7 hour drive to have the chance to wait minimum of one hour in line for a 17 second total experience – hence the voice issues on my end! 

The kids did a bang up job of being where they needed to be when they needed to, and right at 10:00, we were heading out of the park back toward the hotel.

There was a tour wrap-up get together at the pool, then the kids were set free for another hour before time to be in their own rooms with instructions for the morning departure.

A reminder to check the website in a couple of weeks for the final tour photos once Chris T. is back from his travels to Germany.

We thank our driver Jim for taking such great care of us – from loading and unloading our luggage, to his great sense of humor, and to the safe driving – it wouldn’t be the same without his expertise. 

So, folks, here’s your last postcard from tour 2009.  We will be home as scheduled and should any changes develop (earlier or later) we will give you a call.  It’s been a fantastic tour, kids only get better every performance, we will miss our departing choristers and Aaron of course, we all have many new friends from our stays, and memories – what memories!  Thank you for entrusting us in taking your kid on this journey of growth and development, as well as an introduction to parts of the country they may not have yet been. 

Til next time,

Sue