Road Trippin'

Last weekend, my friend LKM and I decided to visit Kings Island (her idea), IKEA (my idea) and a couple of locations in between. Kings Island was in a word.... sweltering. The temperature in the Cincinnati area was in the 90s. The temperature recorded at the park was more than 100 degrees. Perhaps the rides and concrete were the cause of the extra hotness. The benefit of this is that lines for rides were short. It appeared anyone with any sense (and a swimsuit) escaped to Kings Island's companion water park, Boomerang Bay.

LKM and I decided to visit this area and I can report that those seeking a tan, a swim or thrilling water slides will be fulfilled. My only unsolicited advice would be for those who are parents to teen girls. Pay attention to what they are wearing to the park. The "anything goes" vibe in today's swimwear seems to be embraced by visitors of the bay. I believe this is fine for women. However, it is troubling to see those under 16 in clothing more befitting a Playboy Playmate or rap music video hoochie.

On to the rides.... LKM enjoys a good roller coaster so she could not wait to try out KI's newest offering, Diamondback.

She sat in the very front of the coaster, while I stood on the ground observing because I am not a coaster fan. She also rode the Vortex. After the Vortex, she declared the she was done and was ready to go back to the car and sit in front of the air conditioning. She was joking (sort of). We went to a cooler location, had pricey soft drinks then continued on our journey of amusement. I rode the Grand Carousel and experienced Dodgem, the bumper cars(twice). We both rode the K.I. train, went on the Scooby Doo Haunted Castle ride (FUN!) and hiked for what seemed like 2 miles through the woods to get to Whitewater Canyon. I believe I never experienced this ride in my previous K.I. visits because I never knew exactly where it was located.

For those familar with KI, this ride features the circular rafts encased in what look like giant tires. The rafts forcefully travel down a "river" for 5 minutes. Water seems to pour from everywhere and riders get drenched. Thankfully, I was prepared when it came to my hair. I bought a swimming cap from Target.
Much to LKM's dismay, I actually put the cap on. I looked goofy as hell but I was fine with that in this instance.

LKM visited the K.I. tower and afterward we left the park thoroughly exhausted from the heat and activities.

The next day, we visited IKEA's location in Westchester, Ohio. This was LKM's first visit, but not mine. http://moorewrites.blogspot.com/2008/07/amusing-thing-happened-on-way-to.html

I purchased several packages of IKEA ground coffee and Espresso (I'd rate this coffee a 9), pasta, large hazelnut and milk chocolate bars, scented tea lights and potpourri. LKM purchased some silverware.

Of course, no visit to the Cincinnati-area would be complete without stopping for Graeters, which I believe is the best ice cream in the United States.