faeriewench

Knott's is doing it too. I like it.

I actually signed up August 2006 (mostly for SOB news) but lurked for a couple years prior to that as well.

For those curious, wanna see a really upset orca? Meet Kalia, the daughter of the matriarch in San Diego having a full blown temper tantrum. When they start tail slapping (often a display to others around them that they are frustrated) and making those calls, all pod mates and trainers try to get out of the way (I must say I wish I had her stamina) As I said...can't force them to do anything they don't want to do, they usually really good at letting you know as seen here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL8fZXLA1Gs

Tillikum was out of shows for several months following the 2010 incident and again for awhile in 2012 but started again during the Xmas season. So in other words he's kinda been in and out, seemingly by choice on his part more recently. Can't force an animal of this size to do anything he/she doesn't want to so...yeah. And I've seen these guys refuse to perform (primarily the dominant females..and especially the gals of San Diego) and the trainers just work around them if they refuse to go to the back pools. IMO, he needs the stimulation the shows provide for him mentally and physically. All of them do. But that's a topic for another place.

I been trying to find that out for awhile but I have yet to see a updated MMIR (Marine Mammal Inventory Report) that includes KI yet from the NMFS, (I need to get another anyway) but judging by the records for KD they may have remained at the park during the winter, not completely sure yet so if anyone knows please share, lol. Only thing I have the dolphins belonged to Marine Animal Productions (same folks who sent out dolphins to KD, CW, Knott's and Hershey among many, many others) and not to the parks.

Plenty people have, myself included. (The plaque and 2 bolts)

Goodbye Jess..

Star Wars is Disney now. hehe Yeah, don't mind me. Just HAD to... XD

They're still selling bolts, from what I understand the plaque's been sold. My dad's bolt from Sonny just arrived today

Ahhh the lift chain.... how I will miss shoving my fingers into my ears while climbing the hill. XD

I just had the greatest mental image of this. (I'm easily amused) I was never a fan of actually riding SOB but some of the best moments I had back when I worked summers at KI involve the Son in some way. My first ride on it was its debut year, and I did not like it, even vowed to myself that I'd never ride it again. At that time I had my dad turned into a coaster buff. He was supposed to go on that first ride with me its debut year. However the way the lap restraints were set up and my dad's leg is fused so he couldn't bend his knee to get into the car... I ended up taking that first ride alone. He wanted to try it when the other trains came about but his cardiac issues he stayed away. Though that promise to myself about not riding it ever again was broken 2 years later. Before I learned to drive and after I get off of work and go change I'd often ride SOB as a way to kill time while I waited for either my mom or dad to pick me up. I think the few good rides I gotten when it had the old trains was riding it during ride nights with fellow coworkers and it was also the last coaster I ever ridden with my cousin before he got killed (he was killed last year in a car crash). So that's a memory of that ride I now cherish. After the accident and the loop was removed, I was actually pleased with those other trains that first month it reopened. Almost to the point I could say Sonny was my favorite in the park... Shame though because it felt like it started to get mean shortly after. I have a high tolerance to pain (unless you are my dentist then its a different story) so I was never really hurt too much thankfully. I will miss Sonny just cause of how the skyline looked when you drive by, even if it was only there for about 12 years sure felt like it been there forever.

I don't think I'll be cleaning mine

I can run my fingers across it and no issue with rust powder coming off^ I would make it known to my future heirs my park stuff are to be kept around!

Mine has a slight curvature too as well I noticed

My pieces arrived today. I'm actually impressed with the plaque. Well done KI.

My dad is a boy scout leader too! Which is amazing considering all his ailments. Glad he's doing better.

Airplanes, amusement parks, cetaceans (marine mammals), RV'ing, classic muscle cars, friends, photography, and um....kitties

Why am I not surprised by this? lol

I've seen a lot larger than that o.o

I lost count for KI but Knott's was around 10-ish I think.

I like this Can't wait to go back next year.

That display actually saddened me seeing them under those sheets.

Barbra Streisand was one

UncleHenry. Nuff said. :b

Dunno if I'm doing this right? The longest I gone without riding anything is 6 months. If its about certain coasters well its been almost a decade since I've ridden half of CP's stuff.