An unapologetic plant geek shares advice and opinions on gardening, the contrived and the natural landscape, as well as occasional topics from the other side of the gate.

June 28, 2009

Friday at Busch Gardens

Here are a few scenes from Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. Unlike last year, we nearly had the park to ourselves (tough economy?).










Finally, a short video of our second favorite ride in the park, the Griffon (our fav is Apollo's Chariot). An overhead harness holds you in place on one of 3 rows of seats that remind me of of pews in a twisted church. You slowly climb to the top reclined with your fellow congregants, and I think this is the worst part, the anticipation, after that there is no time to think. The video will show you the rest.

13 comments:

  1. Great photos Les! Love going to BG. Haven't been this year yet but we're planning to go soon. The kids & wife enjoy the rides; I just tag along to watch them and to view the gardens among other things.

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  2. I just showed my spouse the ride! he isn't sure he would get on it either! I do like the garden photos and the pond surrounded by shatas is lovely~~gail

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  3. thanks for sharing the plantings at Busch. They always do a good job. I like Griffin....but whoaaaa it is a doozy!

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  4. Yeah, you didn't see me because I had to pass on a season pass this year - and this was the year I was supposed to get up the nerve to go on the Griffin!

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  5. i will pass on the Griffin....but enjoyed the garden shots!

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  6. Alan,
    I usually go with my son. When he was born I kept hoping he would grow up to be a person who likes thrill rides. Busch Gardens is a waste of money for my wife, she WILL NOT ride the rides and hates song and dance shows.

    Gail,
    There are nice garden spots all through the park, but the Shastas are in a part that is just about gardeneing.

    Janet,
    Yes it is a doozy. We heard rumors that Busch was building a new area last year when it came out that they had applied for a premit with James City Co. We were SO disappointed when they said it would be Sesame St.

    Quercus,
    Sorry you had to pass. The Va. resident deal is such a good thing. This is our 4th or 5th year doing it. Thanks for stopping by.

    Compost,
    Are you sure you will pass? It is a great way to start the day.

    Les

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  7. And you did that? Is there a big barf area at the bottom those dips? I would panic at the hang point. Wonder how many people pass out. Now my kids and MrD would be on there in a minute. They are thrill seekers.

    The flower combos are unique. I like the tree planters. Are you growing the new PW sweet potato vines? They are monsters and so far pretty bug resistant.

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  8. Oh my goodness, what a drop on that ride! Once upon a time, I would have wanted to ride that over and over, now, watching others is fine. Funny how that works. The plantings at the park look so fresh and colorful. Fun times. :-)
    frances

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  9. Anna,
    To my knowledge there is no barf area. I think the people who would expect to vomit would not ride in the first place, at least that is what the rest of us ride goers hope.

    They do such a good job on the landscaping at Busch Gardens that they have won the honor of being the most beautiful theme park in America for almost 20 years, and I agree with the honor.

    Frances,
    I love the rides, but wonder how long that will be the case. As it is now, one of the rides they have makes me slightly nauseous to the point I do not want to ride it anymore. I am going to blame it on the fact that the ride is about 15 years old, and not on the fact that I am close to 50.

    Les

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  10. Not only will I not ride the Griffin, I know I will be sick just watching the video, so I'll pass. The flowers are very nice. As always, great photos. H.

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  11. Helen,
    If the video makes you sick, don't even go near it when you visit. There is a walkway leading to it that goes right through the first loop and non-riders get a good view of striken faces and hear the piercing screams.

    Les

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  12. BG always has gorgeous garden displays to enjoy. Thanks for sharing! The Griffin looks like a fun ride. Haven't been on that one yet. ;)

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  13. Nope, not going on that ride!

    The photo fo the woman with the wolf cubs is a beautifully composed shot. I love it!

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