#262 / Big Dipper

I remember the first time I rode the Big Dipper. It was with my Dad. I was pretty young. We didn't live in Santa Cruz then. It was a long time ago, and the rules were different. You could stay in your seat and keep on riding if you just paid the attendants.

As we came out of the last few up and downs at the end of the ride, and returned to the beginning, where the tracks come inside the structure and curve around, and are flat, I saw a sign. I remember what it said, exactly. It said: "Pay Your Fare, Ride Again."

I asked my Dad, "do we have to?" I thought it might be a requirement. I wasn't sure I could take it.

Now that I'm older, I know we only get one ride.