Han30

I'm so slow I didn't even notice that X or Samurai weren't listed in the email regarding AP day. Disappointing that Swarm, Colossus and Rush won't be available but nice surprise about Slammer. Not sure I will visit Sunday - may as well just wait an extra week. I sort of think they should rename AP day as rehearsal day (or something similar). So that people who visit know that it is (obviously) the start of the season and that there will be a lot of new staff members working on rides for the first time. Of course some rides aren't going to be available or ready which is disappointing but I wonder how many complaints they will get regarding ride availability/slow operations. Just a thought

Never heard of "get in the bin" - have heard of "get in the bowl" though (m&ms yum). Some of the sayings these days really boggle my brain cell! Back to my previous toothache post I've started putting the clove oil on cotton wool (cheers for tips Ian-S!). I did wonder why the stuff wasn't working long when I applied it with my finger oohps. I think I've discovered the problem - one of my back teeth has a filling (actually most of my teeth do - probably due to the fact I used to eat 2 packs of polo mints every day). Anyway, the side of the tooth has come away (happened a long time ago) but I reckon there's a bloody hole inside the filling or that's what it feels like. I really should go to the dentist but I hate them - my old dentist who I used to see before he retired was brilliant although he was private - not too expensive though - last tooth I had out was about £60 back in 2010. I don't mind having teeth pulled - actually find it quite therapeutic but I dread fillings and I know I am due at least another one. Totally different rant - my sister is absolutely incapable of asking me to do something in a calm manner - she is nearly 37 and is aggressive it's unbelievable - I think if it wasn't for my niece I would possibly have nothing to do with her. Bad I know but we rarely get on and I've been physically hurt by her on more occasions than I care to think about - and that is nothing compared to the verbal abuse

SHEEPIEEE! Really surprised to read that - you thought about what you are going to do long term? Hope you find something that you enjoy doing. Do you still do the scare acting at Halloween time?

Yes! Broke the Internet - what the hell it makes no sense!!! My rant is...toothache. Frigging hurts like hell and I'm on the clove oil (anyone not aware of this stuff it's great for toothache but the downside is that it tastes revolting, makes you salivate ridiculous amounts- oh and no one is likely to go near you). If I had some pliers I'd be tempted to pull the blighter out. Ouch

Not been to Paultons for a couple of years so would be good to go - just need to figure out how to get there

Pretty much - it was the same thickness

I just stuck a straw in a tub of half melted ice cream and drank a load. That is all for today...

Totally agree with you - I was quite shocked when I went to Adventure Island to discover that they don't have a log flume and that is technically a fun fair. Log flume a are just great all rounders and I will be gutted if Loggers doesn't return. Hopefully Towers will replace the flume with something even better, fingers crossed

Cats cats cats - as mentioned before. I adore all animals (except for spiders but they are arachnids so it doesn't count - ooh, and wasps) - hmm yeah I had an amazing bond with my ginger cat and was devastated when he died - I still get upset now and it has been 18 months since I lost him. I have just adopted one of my foster cats - very sadly my other foster cat had to be put to sleep as it emerged that she had severe problems with her kidneys - I was with her when she passed and was an utter mess - she had only been part of my life for 6 months but from the scared underweight cat that arrived at my home back in August she changed into a trusting, loving and fantastic companion - most nights she would sleep so close to me and since she died 3 weeks ago I can't bring myself to sleep in my bed - so I'm getting crippling back aches from sleeping on the sofa.

I'm still upset that they removed submission - I quite liked it! Yes Alton Towers do for sure need more flat rides. I've never bothered with Blade or Enterprise but I've ridden similar elsewhere. Find it interesting that Blade was meant to go last year but they had a change of plan at the last minute - so wonder how long that will last? Would love to see them get a top scan or maybe a drop tower (even though I hate them) - they have a fab selection of coasters but theme parks, for me at least are not all about coasters - you need a good selection of coasters, flats, water rides and dark rides

Yeah I only rode it twice I think and gutted I didn't go on it more. I do prefer Loggers however The Flume was that bit longer and I liked how you could see the final drop whilst watching the ride (which you can to an extent on Loggers although there is a lot of foliage there). The first time I rode it I nearly soiled myself after hearing the loudest quack ever - I wasn't expecting it and think I may have screamed Never got to ride the original before the boats were re-done so can imagine it was a lot better in its time. I guess we all knew this was coming - so they have confirmed closure/removal of Ripsaw and The Flume but I wonder how long they will wait to announce further closures - methinks there are going to be some very disappointed people out there - some who perhaps might not have purchased an annual pass had they known for sure of ride closures before now. I will still visit and will miss Ripsaw and The Flume - will be properly gutted if Hex is shut for the entire season but again, with all the rumours flyiing around, won't be particularly surprised

Happy Birthday Thorpe Addict

Ooohps! When did they replace the guns?! Damn I can't blame my bad scores on the guns anymore Re; the logo - doesn't look too bad, could be worse I guess

Watched it a few times now (feel bad but morbid curiosity plus I can't figure out if it is real) - it does look a bit odd the position he came out of the ride. I've seen a load of fake accident vids that people put on youtube (purely to get views) and this just looks iffy. If it is real then that is horrific

I wish they would replace the laser guns in there - either they are crud, or my aim is shocking! Would love them to bring back Abdab aswell but that's like asking for Prof Burp to return dammit

A half done station - that'll look great

Haha good point! I quite like the portal/stargate/massive ring with spikes - looks pretty cool (I'm easily pleased!) Can't really pass judgment on what they've done to Air, sorry, Galactica..... but will say that as much as I really loved Air, to say it was lacking theming would be an understatement. From a personal perspective, I won't be using the VR head sets (glad they are optional!) - got nothing against them and if the theme was different I would try it out. Kinda gutted the theme is Space as it is one of my biggest fears (I get palpitations just looking into the sky)

Wow James that seems strange reading that - I forget you are now cracking on a bit (just kidding!) hope you enjoy the bar work! I'm still out of work and hate it - my anxiety and depression have been ongoing for a long time now. For the past 6 months I have done cat fostering for Cats Protection which I have enjoyed to the point of adopting my foster cat - I should have been adopting the 2 that I was fostering but sadly one of them had to be put to sleep 2 weeks ago after several health problems. Now means I won't be able to foster other cats but I have said that I am very interested in helping out the charity in other ways. I really should complete my Aromatherapy course as it means I could work as an aromatherapist but I started the course back in 2005(!!) so I don't know if they would even allow it (I have had a lot going on since 2005 - moving twice, losing my mum, recurrent health problems etc) the course does specify that you can do it in your own time but maybe 11 years is taking the pee?! Frustrating as I only have one unit left to do and then a practical. Bah

Good trip report - and some nice pics! When I went to AI I found the staff to be really friendly - one in particular who was busy singing and dancing away! Is it a typo or did you actually go on Time Machine 5 times?! Are you insane? That is the most intense ride I've ever done and I was convinced one (or all) of three things would happen - 1) I would vomit 2) I would faint or 3) I would die Only ridden in once - never again, could barely walk afterwards!

I have a keyboard, a large recorder (forget what its technical name is - only got it because I really wanted a flute or clarinet and couldn't afford one!), also have 2 chinese bamboo flutes, an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, an electric violin and an irish tin whistle - plenty to go around although I take dibs on the tin whistle - I can play a mean tune out of my nostril

Sorry but your post made me laugh - I think it can be an age think (no offence to your mum here) but I've started doing it generally if I stand up after sitting for a while - although it's more of a 'eeeeee' noise than a grunt. Thing is when something annoys you you tend to focus on it more which makes it worse!

So, Merlin are doing away with Merlin Memberships - not a huge shock considering they weren't taking any new memberships since 2014 (I think). I've had mine since July 2013 and am kind of gutted as it meant spreading the cost plus not having to faff about with renewals. The good thing is that they are taking last payments this month and then those who have membership will still be able to use their pass until September - so 6 months free. Think it is going to be difficult for families with memberships as it means renewal involves forking out a wad of money in one go so potentially losing custom. Was good while it lasted...

Will try to get to this one - last Chessie meet I attended was great fun

I could do with some suggestions for what to watch - haven't bothered with any of the soaps for almost 2 years (did catch one episode of Eastenders once at my sisters and there were 2 funerals in it - depressing to say the least). I have Netflix but can't seem to find anything interesting on there at the moment, or I may not be trying very hard As for AHS - I was really disappointed with Hotel - I loved the murder house and asylum - coven was ok and freak show wasn't too bad. I possibly didn't give it much of a chance - watched the first episode and thought "this is a bit odd" but hey - this is AHS. that's kinda to be expected but the next episode I couldn't focus on. Think I need something to watch that doesn't require a great deal of concentration

I don't envy retail workers since this bag tax has been implemented - have respect for anyone that works in retail anyway (having worked in retail myself and dealing with a-hole customers) - my younger sister works at Tesco and has had on more than one occasion a barrage of abuse thrown at her because bags are now 5p - it's 5p dammit - are people that tight that they get worked up over 5p? It's not retail workers fault at the end of the day - oh and people really should decide whether they want a bag before they finish paying - bahhh