Stop number 2 on a mid-June coaster tour took me into New Hampshire, where I joined newlyweds Robb and Sarah Alvey on a trip to Canobie Lake Park. Canobie is a very nice traditional amusement park, in a very beautiful section of the country -- shade trees everywhere (although we really didn't need them anyway).
Upon entering, we noticed quite a few school buses in the parking lot. Yes, it was the middle of June, and that means school picnic time. From the time we arrived (roughly noon), until 3 or 4 pm, there was a healthy crowd of (well-behaved) school aged kids throughout the park. However, after the aforementioned time, the park seemed to instantly empty out, as all the school groups decided to leave at the same time.
The employees at Canobie Lake, EVERY SINGLE ONE we came in contact with, were VERY nice, courteous, and were genuinely concerned in making sure we would have a good time. In fact, once word apparently got around that "roller coaster enthusiasts in patch jackets" were in the park, we were treated almost like royalty. An example -- Robb and I made a trip outside the park, into the employees parking lot to get some pictures of the roller coaster. The security guard questioned us, but had no problem letting us into the parking lot after we explained what we were doing. Robb needed another roll of film, or new batteries, or something for his camera, which was back at the car. The security guard then took Robb back to the car in his golf cart, to retrieve said camera accessory, and brought him back to the coaster! That's not something you'll see at many amusement parks!
All of the rides at Canobie are well maintained. Among other rides, they have got a pretty good dark ride, themed as a haunted mine, the typical assortment of whirl and hurls (Tilt-a-whirl, Roundup, etc.), and (IMHO) the best darn Matterhorn ride on the planet!
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