Schlitterbahn New Braunfels - July 18th, 2014
Erin is all buckled up and ready for this weekend's adventure
Alex is ready to arrive at our destination still three hours away
Arrive at Schlitterbahn Resort at the Bahn way before check-in time
Grab the swim gear bag, change, and head to the park
Take the tram to the original Schlitterbahn West
First tube ride we try is the Raging River
Erin sticks with momma on all the rides this weekend!
Alex alternates between Ahma and daddy on the weekend rides
David tries out his Gear Pro video camera inside a waterproof case
He is a seasoned dynamic ride photographer with beer mug vise grip
But many photos will be obscurred by water droplets
So that is why you get a 64Gb chip and take 10,000!
Nena comes through the rapids still onboard and upright
Alex is having fun going through the shoots with daddy nearby
More rapids on the way for the family train
Around the corner and through the shoot . . . wheeee
Alex loves roller coasters and water based rides are even better!
Thin line to the Congo River Expedition, much longer tomorrow!
Erin makes sure mommy is nearby as the expedition begins
Alex boards her tube and is assisted to the river current
Alex safely between Ahma and daddy as we enter the foggy jungle
Fog and jungle growth make the tunnel kinda creepy
The Whoosh of the Mining Shack's impending drop off causes uneasiness
Overcast day requires warm up at the Lava Lagoon Heated pool
Chilly Comal River water has Alex enjoying the heated water
Ahma, Erin and Alex enjoy the warmth and relaxation
Giant mushroom seems to provide the heated water . . . groovy!
No better way to relax than with Cheetos and a hot tub!
Head back to the resort to try to check in and unload the car
Huge old tree opposite the resort's offices
Unload the van into room 200, upstairs, same building as the office
Head back to the river for more tubing fun after unloading the van
David sports his new river sombrero
Lines are long in the mid afternoon for the Hillside tube ride
Erin is having fun waiting with mommy & daddy despite the line
Good 45 minute wait for this ride in the middle of the day
Getting closer to the embarkment site just past the ivy building
Climbing the stairs and looking down at the line behind us
The original four rides started at this Tower back in 1979
It is finally our turn to jump onboard and tube down the Hillside
Inspired by the Bergfried Guard Tower at Solms Castle in Braunfels
Alex's turn after mommy and Erin are underway
Wave goodbye to our new friends who offered park insights during the wait
Schlitterbahn means "slippery road" auf Deutsch
David trails Alex who has just entered the rapids
Wind back and forth down the hillside through the rapids
Picking up speed but slowing down when rounding the corners
Pass by those waiting in line for the same ride
Pass by the same ride line on the left, just over the wall
Catch up with Ahma as we travel under buildings
Alex holds on as she hears rapids approaching
Enter the main locker room where our locker with bag is almost visible
Go through the locker room and under the walkways we passed earlier
Alex hits the rapids with other tubers
Hillside ride dumps out 45 minutes later into the Lagoon
David got dumped out of the ride and his tube at the same time
Find a short line at the Raging River so go do it again
Alex loves the tube ride, especially when there is little wait
David hits the rapids, feet first of course
Pass through the Downhill Racer ride that we never attempt
Continue the Raging River under walkways around the park
Come out under a roadway to find a park photographer
We pose for multiple photos but never go and view the images
Continue the Raging River to the other side of the park
We can hop out of the ride near our room just upstream
But there are still plenty of rapids for Alex to enjoy
Tube by the Bahnzai Pipeline ride
Final rapids, then hop out near our room, before the Comal River exit
Get cleaned up and head to Gruene for dinner
Nice gardens at the Gruene town square
My first time back to the Gristmill Restaurant since 2007
Erin & Alex pose with the Gruene Hall while the Sheriff watches
Erin leads the way to the restaurant
Gristmill Restaurant is located at the site of the town cotton gin
Huge line at a huge restaurant more than double it's size back in 1993
Erin checks out the natural playground nearby
Look for a seat near the band to enjoy drinks and appetizers
Margaritas, nachos and music make the wait quickly pass by
Nena and Donna share a full rack of ribs and whole potato wedges
David enjoys a Wurstburger with spicy barbeque sauce
Erin gnaws on ribs after eating her corn dog and nacho chips