Having staggered back to the entrance of Tech Valley, I was once again greeted by the multicoloured arches by Mainstreet. For my final experience of the day, I chose the path to my left and wandered across a bridge and on to 'Pirates Treasure Land'. The architecture was very homely, and as with the rest of the park, all amenities were fully available. As a way of recovering from my trials on Rush, I bought a coffee from 'Treasure Break' and took a seat next to a nice water feature. I could see a wooden structure encircling the island, but decided to try a flat ride first. Luckily, the gravitron ride 'Fort Gold Rush' was on hand, and I enjoyed being spun around gently while getting glimpses of the traditionally themed buildings surrounding the ride.

I got the impression that this area was definitely for adventurers - Tech Valley had catered for thrill-seekers, and the Canadian Forest was a family area; Treasure Land was for those of us with a vivid imagination and plenty of energy. I decided that now was the time for the wooden coaster I'd seen earlier, so I headed for the station and took the front seat of 'Treasure Hunt'. The lift hill was short and sweet, and as the train crested I got a great view of the island in its entirety - it really did look like something out of Hook.

Treasure Hunt

The ride was very exciting - plenty of overbanked turns, dives underground and gentle helixes, leveled out by coasting sections giving the rider the opportunity to catch their breath and take in the sights. I really enjoyed the coaster, more so than any of the others I'd ridden, mainly because the theming was so charming and the layout very crafty - several hidden turns disoriented me, but without making me feel sick. I have to admit I took a couple more goes on the ride, trying to predict what would happen next but failing each time. It really was a joy, and I can imagine that it would be a hit with old and young alike.

I left Treasure Land with a heavy heart, but I knew that the time had come to leave the park - my colleagues were getting tired with my constant analysis of the park, and had decided that the sooner I left the better. I didn't even get to meet Six Frags himself, as I'd hoped, but his personality was to be found in every subtle touch that turned Sparkly Paradise into a really enjoyable day out. Writing this report on my day there brings back really happy memories, and I'm sure the park will be a hit with the public. It's a shame I won't be able to visit again, though - I've been forced to visit and assess the entire Everquest series, and that may take a very, very long time...

                  -mantis