About the event in general, I think I was disgusted by the commercialism of the Thomas-ness but what else can you expect. For those who have not attended, there is of course a ride on train pulled by a functioning "REAL" Thomas. Very cool...actually surprisingly cool. Somehow, the event planners really missed hyping up Thomas...there should be much more fan fare when Thomas comes and goes from the station. Hey, maybe Sir Topham Hatt announces the coming and going with a recording of a marching band...something. Beyond the train ride, there are lots of activities.... drawing/painting, story telling, train tables, bouncy houses, etc. The real disappointment was the lack of consideration for their real audience (most of which are 2-6 year olds), who do not understand or have any good ability to wait in line. Seems that there have been YEARS to prefect this event and figure out how to flow guests through or stage so that you do not have to make kids and parents suffer through waiting in lines for everything. My last pet peeve was only kids 13 and under can get a temporary tattoo...excuse me WHO paid for the tickets and shouldn't it be one per paying ticket holder??? (Alston still talking about how sad it is that MeMe could not get a tattoo...)
Whew, now that I have that out of my system...
Alston really enjoyed the afternoon. We rode a train shuttle to/from the main station and then of course Thomas' train, which was of course awesome. About 1/2 through the Thomas ride, Alston warmed up and got over the shock of the crowded car and began rambling about how we were riding on "Annie", the passenger car. There was pretty magical moment when the train first pulls out of the station area and suddenly you are surrounded by towering redwoods. The shade was crisp and light sparkled through the trees. Everyone felt it and seemed in awe.
Alston was also excited to see the inflatable Percy engine but refused to go back to see Thomas up close or have his picture taken with him (odd...maybe it was all the people or just his interest in doing stuff). The ink stamping in the craft area was a big hit. Alston's hands were dark blue by the time we left.
Since we rode the last train of the day, we closed out the train yard...and then Alston finally got a close up view of Thomas as they pulled him off on a side train for a night of rest. It was an odd sight and kind of unsettling to see Thomas' face covered. For me, it kinda sums up the day in a weird way.
Of course, there were lots of trains cruising around all day and Roaring Camps Railroad is pretty amazing. We'll be excited to go back on a non-Thomas day to enjoy the beauty of the area and simplicity of these well maintained trains.
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