In my young youth (I know – redundant. Don’t care), we lived in Orange County and we went to Long Beach every 4th of July. Now why did we do that? They had the best fireworks in the area of course. By the way, they also had a nice beach, which we made sure to use until we were well worn out and tanned. It was a blast. Wouldn’t really mind doing it today, but I would suspect that it is too crowded. Nonetheless, there was, maybe is, a very nice amusement park that had lots of fun rides.

Back then, we didn’t have much money, same as now. Mostly, we just walked around. However, we did go on a few rides and through a few fun houses. Thinking back over it, it was more fun than Disneyland and far less expensive. I just didn’t know better then.

In the park, they had a rollercoaster they called the Cyclone. I was too young to ride it. They had one of those signs, “You must be this tall to ride,” or something like that. I longed so much to ride that roller coaster. It looked like so much fun.

Finally, one year I was tall enough. I rode the coaster and it was the last time I ever rode any coaster. There are people who rode that thing with their hands up in the air instead of holding on. Seemed strange to me. However, I guess it does make sense. If that thing went off the track, holding on wouldn’t help much. And by the way, since I rode it, I heard on the news that it did go off the track a couple of times.

Even now, I can remember getting in the coaster. The operator pushed a lever forward and we rolled forward a little. Then there was the clanking. We were pulled by a chain to the top of the first hill. I think it was about worst part. By the time we got to the top, it was a long ways down up there. I think this is when I discovered I have this fear of heights.

There was a bit of an allusion. I knew at the other side of the hill, the track continued but it didn’t look like it. I held on for dear life hoping against hope that the track did continue. I mean I knew it was there. I had watched it hundreds of times. Still, there was that allusion.

I understand why people go on roller coasters. I really do. Some folks love the feeling utter fear. The more they fear, the more they love it. Me, I think I will remain happy to keep my feet on the ground and watch.

Other rides, as the Matterhorn at Disneyland, I’ll ride. That is different. Rollercoasters, never again.

Note, when it got good and dark, we were all entertained by a great firework show. Then it seemed forever leaving Long Beach. For some reason, it seemed everyone else decided to leave same time we did.

And yes, you can call me coward. Yes, when I went to Nam as a Marine, I was afeared, but not as much as when I was on that rollercoaster.