Book Review - Insight Guides to Cruising and Cruise Ships by Douglas Ward

Thinking about taking a cruise? Perhaps you're new to cruising? Or maybe just deciding on your next ship? This is an excellent guide for understanding cruising and getting high-level insights to all the cruise lines and the ships that are available in 2025 (when this book was published).

If you're new to cruising, start with the Introduction section which gives a nice overview of what cruising is and some good first cruise experiences. Plus some what to expect type things.

The "Cruising Uncovered" chapters has lot of great advice, tips and question-answer type nuggets. Considering using a travel agent? There's a nice list of 6 questions to ask a travel agent. Considering travel insurance, check out the "7 Tips to Get the Best Travel Insurance" side bar. Be sure to read the "5 Rip-Offs to Watch Out For" so you don't end up having a huge bill at the end of your vacation. "7 Money-Saving Tips" has some useful tips when booking. If you want to keep your trip under budget, check out "10 Things Not Included in 'All-Inclusive'" so you can avoid spending too much extra on these experiences or activities.

If you're a history buff, there's a chapter on "The Chronology of Cruising" which has a lot of interesting information.

The next section, "Choose The Right Cruise" offers suggestions based on destination and/or ships. Choose Your Ship discusses the different sizes and classes and advantages/disadvantages. I like the side-bar "10 Cabin Locations to Avoid". Sometimes, if you book too late, you really can't avoid these options.

"Types of Cruising" section has lots of good chapters - "Cruising for Families", "Cruising for Solo Travelers", "Cruising for Seniors", "Cruising to Suit Travelers with Additional Needs", "Expedition Cruising Uncovered", and more. Lots of good tips and information on all these different segments.

"The Cruise Experience" section talks about Life Aboard the cruise ship, Entertainment, Excursions, Casinos, Spas and Wellness, and more. A lot of ships charge extra for these experiences (see the "10 Things Not Included in All-Inclusive" mentioned earlier.

Now, "The Cruise Companies" talks about the Major and Smaller Cruise Lines in brief.

"Practical Information" is great. You can find the useful "What To Do If" chapter with question and answers that almost everyone will ask at some point. And a chapter on "Cruising and Safety" which I hope none of us will ever need.

"The Ships and Their Ratings" comes next. You can find almost every cruise line and a selection of their ships listed there with points on Ship, Accommodation, Food, Service, Entertainment, and Cruise Experience as well as information about the ships themselves.

Overall a great book to borrow from your local library to get an intro into cruising and to narrow down some possible trips/ships to take.

Title: Insight Guides Cruising & Cruise Ships 2025: Cruise Guide eBook
Author: Douglas Ward
ISBN: 978-1839054259
Pages: 408

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Event - #Travel #Texas - Groves - Groves Pecan Festival - October 8-11, 2026

Groves, Texas - Groves Pecan Festival
October 8-11, 2026
Lions Park
Groves' 57th annual Pecan Festival is promising lots of Cajun yummies like a Gumbo Cook-Off plus tons of Pecan themed goodies.
There will also be a Car Show, Beer Garden, Pet Show, Horseshoe Tournament that you can enter, carnival rides, food and drink vendors, artisans and craft vendors, and more.
World’s Largest Pecan just blocks away.

Address: 6200 Jackson Blvd., Groves, TX 77615
Hours: Thursday and Friday 5:00pm - 10:00pm CST; Saturday 10:00am - 11:00pm CST; Sunday 12:00pm - 6:00pm CST
Fees: FREE entry; vendor prices vary

For more information, click here: https://visitportarthurtx.com/event/groves-pecan-festival-2/

Book Review - Clanlands: An Unforgettable Journey Through Scotland’s History, Legends and Whisky by Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish

I'll be honest, I never finished watching the Outlander series because my Starz subscription expired and I didn't renew it. So a lot of the references in this book are lost on me. I picked up this book because Scotland is on my bucket list and I hope one day to visit. So if you're not a fan of the Outlander series, you will still find this book worth reading.

The book follows Sam and Graham, who worked together on the series, as they take a major road trip around the Highlands of Scotland stopping at historically significant places (such as Glencoe). Since the two men are good friends there is a lot of bantering back and forth and jokes. The antique motorcycle incident at the end of the book was amusing thanks to Big Tam until Graham runs into trouble.

Graham seems to be an expert on Scottish history and I thoroughly enjoyed his explanations on the various battles (such as the Battle of Culloden). In addition, there are discussions with experts and guides throughout which offer lots of good history or knowledge. For example, there's a small bit about Rob Roy MacGregor toward the end and where he may or may not be buried with several email exchanges to Graham.

I also enjoyed learning bits of Scottish Gaelic that is sprinkled throughout the book. There's even a two page spread of "Sam's Scottish Slang" midway through the book with some interesting phrases.

On page 49 is a nice "Key Dates in Scottish History". Page 238 has a nice "The House of Stuart" family tree of those who ruled England and Scotland from 1603 through 1714.

Interested in the movie making process? There's plenty of educational bits throughout the book.

Sam Heughan has ventured into the whiskey making business with his own brand, Sassenach. There's some interesting discussions of whiskey making as well as different types of whiskey and alcohol.

Overall, this is an entertaining read especially for anyone interested in Scotland or Scottish culture. Try to find it at your local library if you can. My library had a waiting list so it took a few weeks before I could check it out. I guess there are still people out there who loved the Outlander shows or books.

Please note that this book does contain some adult language and themes. Also this book was published in 2020 so be sure to verify locations before setting out as accessability might have changed.

Title: Clanlands: An Unforgettable Journey Through Scotland’s History, Legends and Whisky
Author: Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish
ISBN: 978-1529342024
Pages: 359

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Book Review - 50 Best Adventures on Earth by Richard Bangs

Richard Bangs has a lot of amazing credits to his name - he co-founded Sobek Expeditions in 1969, one of the original travel-adventure companies (it's now called MT Sobek). This award-winning company arranged small groups of adventurers into all sorts of experiences all over the world. If you browse the website (https://www.mtsobek.com/) you can find all sorts of options from luxury to roughing-it type trips.

The introduction lists out the activity levels (1 being the easiest up to 5 being strenuous) so you can decide where on the scale to focus on or to eliminate. Of course, most of the moderate trips can be customized to be harder or easier.

The book is then divided into locations starting with Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, and the Polar Regions.

Each suggested trip includes information on "Best Times" to go, "Activity Level", "Accommodations" (suggestions), "Features", and "GPD Coordinates". Then the trip is broken out into day-by-day itineraries which can be customized as well depending on how long you plan to visit.

Some level 1 activities include Botswana Flying Safari. Accommodations are "high-end eco-lodges" and you will definitely be paying the price for these luxuries. This is a 9 day itinerary but could easily be shortened.

Level 2 which is a little more strenuous than level 1 but is still good for all ages. Cruising the Galapagos falls into Level 2 with a lot of traveling from Quito to Galapagos and other nearby islands. Great for nature lovers.

Easter Island is another Level 2 activity. The five day itinerary consists of just exploring the island and some local's unique culture.

Cuba is listed as a Level 2 activity, but getting to Cuba is challenging. Keep this in your back pocket until they lift the restrictions to visit as a tourist.

Rafting Guatemala is a Level 4 and the accommodations lists Tents and Eco-Lodges. It's 10 days of what I'd call "roughing-it".

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a Level 5. Ironically, the accommodations sound better than Guatemala - "comfortable camping" and "comfortable hotels". This one is also 10 days.

Hiking Wild Scotland is a Level 3. The best times to attempt it is May through September before the weather turns sour. Hiking Ireland North to South is also Level 3 and runs along the same months. This one is a bit longer at 12 days.

Another Level 3 in America is Rafting the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Despite the summer months, May through September, I've heard the water is ice cold. So arrive prepared. This itinerary is a long one at 14 days.

Overall, this is an interesting book to get some inspiration and trip ideas. You could easily customize the suggested itineraries to your own needs. I'd definitely look for it in your local library or share through inter-library loans.

Title: 50 Best Adventures on Earth
Author: Richard Bangs
ISBN: 978-1493085453
Pages: 272

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Book Review - Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wally Koval

If you don't know, Wes Anderson is a filmmaker with a distinctive style and eye for places. The author, Wally Koval, mentions in his introduction that this book started as a bucket list of places that Wes Anderson has featured or has been shown through photographs in the similar style. But it expanded as other adventurers suggested places from all over the world.

As you flip through this huge book, you will start seeing similar pastel colors and imagery and you will feel inspired as well. Next time you pass a baby blue building or a pastel pink tower, you may add it to this list.

The chapters are divided by location - United States and Canada, Latin America, Central and Western Europe, United Kingdom and Northern Europe, Southern and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, South, Central and Eastern Asia, Oceania, and Antarctica.

There are several lighthouses and towers featured in this book - Old Barney on Long Beach Island in New Jersey; Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse in Ushuaia in Argentina; Lighthouse in Klein Curacao in Curacao; Pierhead Light in Milwaukee; The Island Lighthouse on Fire Island in New York, and more.

A few everyday items in odd places made the book - A bright yellow telephone in Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve in Gustavaus, Alaska; a Viewfinder at Newport Beach in California; a Subway Pay Phone (against a bright red wall) in Toronto, Ontario; a Viewfinder on Reykjavik in Iceland.

Flip through the book and you will see lots of colorful, ornate buildings such as Yenidze in Dresden, Germany; New Palace in Potedam also in Germany; Hotel Moskva in Belgrde, Serbia, and more.

Overall, a fun book full of interesting photographs. This book was published in October 2020 so be sure to check ahead before deciding to visit any of the locations mentioned in the book. Also, try to find this book at your local library.

Title: Accidentally Wes Anderson
Author: Wally Koval
ISBN: 978-0316492737
Pages: 368

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Event - #Travel #Texas - Surfside - Texas Navy Day Commemoration - September 19, 2026

Surfside, Texas - Texas Navy Day Commemoration
September 19, 2026
Surfside City Hall

Texian Navy Day was established in 1835 on the third Saturday of September. There were three Texas navies originally. The first was established in 1835 and patrolled the Gulf of Mexico until 1838. The second was transferred when Texas became part of the United States. The third is an arm of Texas's civil defense.

This commemoration will honor the Navy with a speaker and some light refreshments. If you're already in the area or plan to be in the area, try to stop by to show your support of our great Navy. Otherwise, since it's only an hour long presentation, it may not be worth a long drive.

While you're in Surfside, check out the beach. There are special beach-friendly wheelchairs/mobi chair rentals you can reserve through City Hall (check the second url down below for details).

If you come a day earlier or stay until Monday, there's a nice, small museum to check out: Surfside Historical Museum, 1304 Monument Surfside Beach, Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

You can also find water sport equipment rentals. Or just beachcomb for seashells. If you enjoy birding, download the birding guide: https://www.visitsurfsidebeachtx.org/upload/page/0068/docs/birdingbrochure.pdf
Enjoy history? Check out what remains of Fort Velasco which, in 1832, saw the first battle for Texas' war for independence from Mexico. You can find historical markers.

Address: 1304 Monument Dr, Surfside, Texas
Hours: 2:00pm CST - 3:00pm CST
Fees: FREE

For more information, click here: https://www.surfsidetx.org/
Visitors can check out https://www.visitsurfsidebeachtx.org/
For more information on Texian Navy Day, click here: https://drtinfo.org/Members/Members/Events/Event_display.aspx?EventKey=TEXNAV26

Book Review - DK Eyewitness Travel - Off The Tourist Trail

This massive (and heavy) book is absolutely loaded with suggested places to visit that rival famous and very touristy locations and even popular festivals. Full-color photos will inspire you. Most of the suggestions come with Practical Information boxes with "Getting There and Around", "When to Go", and a useful website for more information. I like the This vs That format of each location and even offers a little side bar about why you should skip the more famous site.

My favorite part of the book are the chapters titled "Less-Explored" such as "Less-Explored New York" and "Less-Explored San Francisco" located toward the end. They offer unique and interesting experiences without dealing with the long lines or high prices. "Less-Explored New York", for example, has suggestions for Off-Broadway Theater and Performances, international foods to try, Hidden Parks, Music Venues, and suggestions on where to stay and where to eat.

Also at the end of every section are these great "44 More" sights to explore with pages full of great suggestions.

The section "Ancient and Historical Sights" highlights plenty of interesting alternatives such as Pyramids of Meroe in Sudan versus the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt followed by 4 more pyramids to check out. Avebury versus Stonehenge followed by 6 more prehistoric sites. Pula Arena in Croatia versus Rome's Colosseum. This is followed by 6 more amphitheaters to visit.

The "Festivals and Parties" section has suggestions all over the world including Salvador Carinval versus Rio Carnival. Both are in Brazil but the Salvador version offers more participation and is actually the biggest street party in the world. This is followed by 4 more Carnival parties to attend. If you enjoy music, check out the Montreal Jazz Festival versus the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland - it's much closer and much more manageable.

"Great Journeys" section includes chapters "Less-Travelled China" and "Less-Travelled India" in addition to famous treks such as Coastal Route 15 in Mexico versus Route 66 in USA or a Pilgrimage to Rome vs Camino de Santiago in Spain.

"Architectural Marvels" section includes lots of famous structures including Haghia Sophia in Istanbul versus Basilica San Marco in Venice. Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles versus Sydney Opera House in Australia (and it's much closer for us). Notre-Dame d'Amiens in France versus Notre-Dame de Paris.

The next section, "Natural Wonders" has several good American options - Devil's Tower in Wyoming and Bryce Canyon in Utah, but then the authors choose Iceland over Yellowstone.

The "Beaches" section has some gorgeous pictures. Turtle Bay in Watamu, Kenya, Sabratha in Libya, Manzanillo Beach in Costa Rica, and more.

"Sports and Activities" section has some adventurous options. Skiing in Kicking Horse versus Whistler in Canada. Hiking Mount Stanley in Uganda versus Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Diving in Australia's Christmas Island versus The Great Barrier Reef.

"Art and Culture" section includes some interesting options such as Wine-Tasting in Mendoza in Argentina versus Napa Valley. Rock Art of Drakensburg in South Africa versus The Cave Paintings of Lascaux in France. Lyonnaise Cuisine versus Parisian Cuisine. New York's Independent Galleries versus MoMa also in New York.

And finally, "Cities" section featues a lot of "Less-Explored" chapters in addition to a nifty Geographical Index.

Overall, this is a great book to get inspired for some new places to visit and new experiences to try. The price of the book is pretty reasonable. I leave my copy on the coffee table so guests can also feel inspired by the beautiful full color photographs.

Title: Off the Tourist Trail: 1,000 Unexpected Travel Alternatives
Author: DK Publishing
ISBN: 978-0756653996
Pages: 336

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Event - #Travel #Texas - Marshall - Rueggenfest - September 12, 2026

Marshall, Texas - Rueggenfest
September 12, 2026
Rueggenbach Brewing Co
Men, put on your liederhosen. Women, done your favorite dirndls (dress). Let's head to Marshall for a German-inspired festival with games, live bands, craft beers, and lots of heritage.
Check the website for useful "how to get here" information and some links to local hotels.
Some other fun activities: Dauschund Races (at 2:30pm CST), Keg Rolling (at 3:00pm CST) and Yodeling (at 6:00pm CST). Plus costume contests and other fun activities. Prost!

Address: 108 W. Houston St, Marshall, Texas
Hours: 11:00am CST - 8:00pm CST
Fees: FREE but vendor costs vary

For more information, click here: https://www.rueggenbach.com/rueggenfest

Book Review - Lonely Planet: Sustainable Escapes

This book starts with a well-written introduction to sustainable travel which is summarized as "tourism that delivers meaningful guest experiences and benefits locals without negatively influencing communities and the environment." As a traveler, it often means choosing a vendor that utilizes local resources or invests in their local community in a positive way. I was also surprised that many of the places highlighted in this were actually reasonably priced.

Right after the intro is a nice highlight of "Innovative Sustainable Tourism Attractions Around the World" which features 12 sites that were cutting edge in 2020 when this edition of the book was published.

The next chapter focuses on "Nature" with color-coded dots to showcase Wildlife Watching, Outdoor Adventure, and/or Conservation. Each listing includes bullet highlights of the location and a side bar which includes cost (when available), typical food offered, location and website. The chapter contains a guide on "7 Tips for Responsible Wildlife Interactions" which is a bit eye-opening.

"Relaxation" is the next chapter with color-coded dots for Eco-Luxury, Sustainable Dining, and Wellness. This chapter contains a note on "7 Ways to Reduce Waste on Your Travels" with simple tips anyone can try to incorporate.

Next is the chapter on "Culture" with color-coded dots for Community Interaction, Arts and Traditions, and Homestays. Within this chapter is a useful guide on "How to Choose a Responsible Tour Operator". The colored sidebar offers great suggestions on a responsible tour.

The next chapter is titled "Urban" for locations in cities and the color-coded dots include Eco-Luxury, Sustainable Dining, and Community Interaction. Many of the places in major cities are actually reasonably priced. The guide "Identifying a Sustainable Sleep" has some tips on picking a good place to spend the night (not necessarily a resort or hotel).

Next is a chapter on "Learning" where you can combine your travel with education but some of these tours might be a bit of a monetary stretch such as the Antarctica Scientific Expedition Cruise running over USD$14,000. But that is offset by the absolutely free Australia Beach Clean Up 10 day Expeditions. This chapter also contains the guide "How to Choose a Sustainable Volunteering Project"

Since this book was published back in 2020, you will want to verify all the information before making reservations or heading out.

Overall, this was a great book to find locations to stay at or visit that will minimize your impact on the planet and, for many locations, without spending gobs of money. Try to find this book at your local library or through inter-library loan programs.

Title: Lonely Planet Sustainable Escapes
Author: Lonely Planet Authors
ISBN: 978-1838690373
Pages: 256

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Event - #Travel - #Texas - Slaton - 2026 Texas Banana Pudding Festival - September 5, 2026

Slaton, Texas - 2026 Texas Banana Pudding Festival
September 5, 2026
Slaton Bakery
There are people in my life who think they know how to make Banana Pudding. Well, they don't. It's terrible.
But, here is an opportunity for us to try four professionally made puddings (one is not banana) and $5 for every ticket is donated to charity. You will get 5oz of each flavor.
The website says we can bring coolers to take any leftovers home (which I doubt there will be any).
This is a bigger event than just eating pudding. There will be music, vendors and other entertainment as well. The whole town will turn up.

Address: 109 S 9th St Slaton, Tx 79364
Hours: 10:00am CST - 2:00pm CST
Fees: Puddin' Pass is $26.50 online ($25 plus $1.50 fee)

For more information, click here: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/slaton-bakery/2026-texas-banana-pudding-festival

Book Review - Subpar Planet by Amber Share

This is a fun, entertaining book that features some of the most famous landmarks and tourist destinations around the world and what a one-star reviewer said about them.

The author describes each location in great detail with some insight, oftentimes questioning what the reviewer might have experienced. One example: Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada which someone said was "Not Really the Best Place". Amber then discusses the appeal of the park and what a typical tourist might actually experience such as the blue and green lakes filled by glaciel melt, wildflowers in the Sunshine Meadows, and more. Another example: Taj Mahal in Agra, India. The reviewer said "Not as Spectacular as I Had Thought". Ouch. Amber gives the background of this masterpiece with the Emperor Shah Jahan who commissioned it in the 17th century for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died after having 14 children.

The chapters are broken out by continent or region - Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania. Each chapter has a colorful map of locations.

On pages 40 and 41 are a great "Which Waterfall is 'Best'" discussion comparing some of the most famous waterfalls in the world.

Pages 114 and 115 illustrate "The Big Five", the animals most people want to see when they head to Africa for a safari.

There's a funny chapter called "How to Have an Absolutely Terrible Time Traveling" at the end. This chapter offers some useful advice on not overloading your trip or your expectations.

This is not an actual travel guide but reading through the author's descriptive research, it's hard not to add many of these sites to your bucket list of places to visit. Definitely look for it in your local library for a quick, easy read.

Title: Subpar Planet: The World's Most Celebrated Landmarks and Their Most Disappointed Visitors
Author: Amber Share
ISBN: 978-0593473177
Pages: 254

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Event - #Travel #Texas - Fredericksburg - Gillespie County Fair and Festival - August 27-30, 2026

Fredericksburg, Texas - Gillespie County Fair and Festival
August 27-30, 2026
Gillespie County Fairgrounds and Exhibition Hall
Gillespie County is hosting this year's 138th fair! It's the oldest continuous county fair in Texas.
Check out the antique tractor pull and the 42 domino tournament (which I've never seen before so I'll be stopping by to watch).
There will be livestock shows, contests, goat roping, and horse races as well as other agriculture-related exhibits. Check the website for entry details if you want to participate.
Of course there's a carnvial and midway.
From the website under "concessions": All food and beverages must be purchased with tickets. 1 ticket = $1. Beer/Wine (limit of 2 per person) are 5 tickets each. Sodas are 2 tickets. Water is 1 ticket.
Per the "FAQ" on the website - No dogs allowed. No coolers allowed. You can bring a lawn chair.

Address: 530 Fair DriveFredericksburg, Texas 78624
Hours: Hours vary
Fees: Entry fees, Concession and activity prices vary. If you purchase entry tickets online they add a service fee.

For more information, click here: https://gillespiefair.com/

Book Review - Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures from the World's Leading Travel Authority

When planning a vacation, if you lean towards activities that are more physical or challenging such as running marathons or rock climbing in the desert, this is the book for you.

For me and my family, I focused on activities that young children could enjoy which wasn't many. Here are the chapters that could fall into the family-friendly category or could be re-worked a bit to become family-friendly: Going to Extremes (a few choices such as the Dead Sea, Greenland, Vatican City), Best Four-Legged Adventures (Reindeer Sledding, Dog Mushing (check on age range requirements), Wagon Train Adventure), Boy's (and Girl's) Own Adventures, Get Your Thrills Indoors (Chakazoolu Indoor Theme Park or Indoor Skiing and Snowboarding), Intrepid Treasure-Hunting Trips (Gold Panning in British Columbia, Canada), Best Undiscovered US Parks, and a chapter dedicated to Family-Friendly Adventures (options like beaches in Bali, Indonesia or Ranching in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Are you a strong swimmer and enjoy water activities, check out these chapters: Best Spots to Catch a Big Wave, Wildest Swims in the World, Epic Sea-Kayak Paddles, Sail or Bust, Get on Board, Truly Wild Waterways, Best Rafting Rivers, Sweetest Snorkel Spots, and more.

Enjoy rock climbing, these might appearl to you: Mountain Quests, Most Spectacular Rock Climbs, Rock Stars: World's Best Bouldering, Best Beginners' Climbs, and more.

Prefer running or extreme hiking? How about Gotta Be In It to Win It: Best Races, Downhill Dashes, Mind-Blowing Marathons, Best Treks with Killer Views, Best ultra Runs, World's Highest Treks, Longest Treks, and more.

Like animals plus adventure (no petting zoos in here), try these: Scariest Animal Encounters, Most Excellent Equine Escapades, Best Birding in Highlands and Islands, Essential African Adventures, and more.

This book was published in 2013 so double-check all the locations to be sure they are still open to tourists and the information is correct.

For a family of young children or for really lazy people who prefer relaxing, this wasn't a very useful guide but there were a few suggestions. If you enjoy daring activities, you'll get plenty of inspiration.

Title: Lonely Planet's 1000 Ultimate Adventures from the World's Leading Travel Authority
Author: Lonely Planet Authors
ISBN: 978-1743217191
Pages: 352

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Review - Travel - Texas - Arlington - Six Flags Over Texas 65th Anniversary and the All-New Tormenta Rampaging Run Roller Coaster

 

Six Flags Over Texas is my home park and I'm blessed enough to be able to attend their 65th Anniversary and to get to ride the newest roller coaster, Tormenta Rampaging Run.

This is the original amusement park of the Six Flags Corporation. It opened August 5, 1961.

So for the 65th Anniversary, Six Flags had some really fun "Then and Now" picture boards set up around the park. I first visited SFOT as a child when I first moved to Texas in 1980. Throughout the 80's I visited many times with my family or my school. I remember actually going to the top of the Oil Derreck (it's just decoration now). And the free-fall drop tower the Texas Cliffhanger (and later Wildcatter).

The Silver Star Carousel opened in Long Island, New York in 1926 so it's celebrating it's 100th birthday this year. It was bought by Six Flags and moved to this park in 1962.

Runaway Mine Train is 60 years old, opened in 1966. It's the oldest coaster in the park. American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) gave it a landmark award in 2006 for its significance as Arrow Development's first Mine Train Roller Coaster with steel tubular track.

Runaway Mountain Roller Coaster's 30th anniversary having opened in June 12, 1996. It was Premier Rides' first roller coaster.

Dive Bomber Alley is also 30 years old having opened on March 9, 1996 in time for Spring Break. It actually costs extra to participate.

Wile E Coyote's Grand Canyon Blaster also has a 25th anniversary and same birthday.

Bugs Bunny Cloud Bouncer celebrated its 25th birthday having opened March 10, 2001 on the park's 40th anniversary. It's a kid's ride that bounces up and down.

I love all the Historical Plaques around the park celebrating its rides.

This year is also America's 250th Birthday so Six Flags added some nice 250 touches around the park.

250th Photo Prop right past the park entrance (to the left of the Customer Service booths).

Some banners.

Bunting and decor.

Special 250th Anniversary Treats

Another Postcard Photo Op near the Texas land

Special Drinks

American-themed merch in the main shop near the park's exit

The swing ride (Texas Screamer) with red, white and blue theme. I got the sun hitting the star at the top.

I'm not sure how long the special treats and drinks will be available. Hopefully til the end of the year.

Ok and now for the newest and most exciting addition to Six Flags Over Texas in a looooong time - Tormenta!

To accommodate the massive ride, the land of "Spain" was remodeled. I'll need to dig out some previous pictures one day and show the transformation. For now, check these pictures out:

They've added some Spanish entertainment (check the mobile app for times).

An interesting history of Mexico and their independence from Spain.

Food trucks. You can order your food here and take it to a covered table in the nearby "plaza".

This is the remodeled entrance to the land called "Spain". A good sneak peak of the ride shows just over the gate.

Some interesting costumes the team members wear.

A nice covered shop just outside the ride's exit. There are benches to sit. Some people were sitting along the fence (shaded) while waiting for friends or family to exit.

Right now, at this shop, they only had 1 shirt design available.

I took this video from the "plaza" area where there were a few umbrella-covered tables and some benches to sit on. It was nice and quiet back here. So if you or your kids need a break, take a rest. There's a nice air-conditioned gift shop.

The Raging Bull statue. Take a pic with it after you exit the ride.

Really nice fountain area outside the ride exit (or to the right of the start of the queue line).

The World Records

This is where I stood for the videos I took of the ride. You can get most of the ride here.

I took this picture from the Carousel steps.

And this Farewell pic was taken in the parking lot.

Some stats on Tormenta Rampaging Run:
Opened as the first "giga dive coaster". It's also the tallest dive coaster at 309 feet. The track length is 4,199 feet (Longest Dive Coaster) and reaches top speeds of 87 mph (Fastest Dive Coaster). It has the longest beyond-vertical drop at 285 feet (95 degrees). The first inversion is 218 feet (an "Immelmann Loop") is the tallest of its kind and one of the tallest inversions. The vertical loop is 179 feet and is the tallest.

For more information, click here: https://www.sixflags.com/overtexas

Park map (which is available in the app): https://qr1.be/H70R