A Warm, Sunny Day

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is an odd amalgam of thrill rides and animal exhibits. When Marine World departed from its costly Peninsula digs over 20 years ago for a more spacious Vallejo spread, it stayed true, for a time, to its zoological roots. However, the crowds didn’t come, so economics forced a merger with amusement park giant Six Flags. Now the giraffes and the elephants watch bemusedly as roller coasters such as the Medusa, the Cobra, and the Roar roar overhead.

Last Saturday we meandered along the paths between the animal shows. We had long since passed the age when experiencing whiplash was enjoyable; watching the walrus was enough.

We had come with a friend. She had a season pass that enabled us to buy tickets at half-price, increasing our enjoyment.

With the money saved we stopped at Toto’s in Belmont and ordered pizza for ten people, four who were late arrivals whom we invited via text-message on the way back.

One fellow, a prosperous but overworked businessman, said it was the best party he had been to in a long time. He should get out more, perhaps to Vallejo with his family on a warm, sunny day. © 2008 Stephen Yuen