El Aserradero (The Mill)

I grew up going to the original Six Flags Over Texas. When I was young, the park theme was truly based on the Six Flags that flew over Texas (Mexico, Spain, France, Confederate States of America, the Republic of Texas, and the United States of America). There were some really cool rides, La Salle's Adventure (a river boat adventure), Spelunker's Cave (the date makeout ride!), the Run-away Mine Train, and El Aserrado (the old log mill flume ride--the world's first!). A couple years ago, my friend Michele and I went to Six Flags during the week for a concert; we played hookey (okay, we took vacation days, but it sounds more cool if I say we played hookey) from work.

It's a different park now than from my youth. Now, it's very commercial with rides like Batman: The Ride, Mr. Freeze, Superman Tower of Power, the Texas Giant, and the Wildcatter. We rode lots of the wild, fast, gut-wrenching rides, having a blast. Then we stumbled on El Aserradero. I instantly remembered alll the wonderful times I rode this ride with my family; we laughed at the simplicity of this old ride among all the modern ones. But we decided riding it was a must and we'd enjoy a relaxing ride. Once in our flume, we floated somewhat aimlessly through the water, catching sharp curves and an occasional splash of cooling water. We really began to laugh as the log climbed a steep hill near the end. I was in the front, and it was all I could do to hold on and not slam back into Michele. We teetered for just a moment at the top, then it dropped us into a free-fall. The picture shown here was captured by the ride's camera just as we fell into the free-fall. Michele couldn't believe I'd spend $7 for a polaroid photo, especially one that is less than glamorous. But I love the youthful look of pure glee on our faces. Going to Six Flags as a child was a magical experience for me. And for a brief moment, all of my adult cares were gone and I was a kid again as we torpedoed down that steep embankment with a big splash of water awaiting us at the finale.

How about you? What moments instantly wipe away all cares throwing you back to a more simple, delightful time?