Dry Run

My daughter Julie got hired at Silverwood theme park for the summer. Yesterday was the park's first day of the season, a dry run for the employees. Friends and family were invited into the park so that new employees could have a chance to get some on-the-job training before the public at large is invited in.

We had a charming time. It's always nice to spend time at Silverwood. The western theme town includes an old-time mercantile, a saloon with live musical acts, a theater that plays black & white flickers from the early 20th century, a candy store, a general store, a live theater that boasts a magic show, the Sugar Shack with freshly-made confections to satisfy your sweet tooth, an opportunity to dress in western gear and 'have your picture took,' and more.

Garfield the cat and his sidekick Odie can be found wondering main street. Then there is the whole midway and amusement park area with wild roller coasters and calmer rides for the more faint at heart. As the weather warms, the vast Boulder Beach water park will open.

A 'must' ride for old timers and bitty kids is this classic narrow gauge train ride through the wilds of Idaho. You get to see a herd of bison, cross the tremulous trestle, and then find yourself in a ghost town where hustlers board the train to rob you at gunpoint. The local marshal saves the day, of course, then serenades you until you're safe at the depot once again.

Engine No. 7

We took it slow, wandered through the town square, and were headed to the amusement park when the sky opened up with rain and hail. I've never seen a theme park clear out quite so quickly!

The the season has just begun. We will return. It's good to be transported to another time for a day.