Guess what? Saturday was a baking hot day too! Luckily the subway in NYC is air-conditioned (is it that difficult Ken?) so the ride to Coney Island was nice. We took a stroll down the packed boardwalk but the piercing sunshine forced us into the shelter of Astroland fun park where we paid our $5 and rode the most famous rollercoaster in the world. The Cyclone has been running in Coney Island since 1927 only now it has lap-bars to prevent the 100 or so deaths it has caused to people who have not held on tightly enough. The first drop is just stunning. A near vertical plummet with a slight twist to the track to cause a bit of disorientation. Look at the terror on this kid's face as she falls through that first drop. The ride wasn't as bumpy or rickety as I'd expected (did I mention it's nearly 80 years old?) and surprisingly provided an extremely high thrill level compared with todays gigantic monsters. The cars are beautiful but a bit on the tight side for two larger gentlemen such as Darren and I. The introduction of the padded lap-bar has reduced space even more and it was a bit embarrassing to be told by the operator, as we attempted to squeeze into the tiny seat, that we couldn't ride together!
As I climbed out of the car following my ride I sat on a bench in the station and watched Darren hurtling around the track laughing like a lunatic.

Darren returning to the station, Dave in the station and why do they put their arms in the air? (click to enlarge)

In the afternoon we found a shady spot and watched The Mermaid Parade which is a freak-fest on a gigantic scale. Classic cars, naked folk, drunks, punk rock bands, dogs, and nutters all parading through the streets in a vaguely under-sea theme. The King of the parade this year was David Johansen from The New York Dolls (last year it was Moby).

Noisy cars which made the crowd whoop and holler and a lorry carrying drunks. (click to enlarge)

Naked chicks. (click to enlarge)

David Johansen, George Bush and a very cute Jack Russell. (click to enlarge)

The plan after the parade was to eat at a very famous pizza place in Coney Island called Totonnos ("only God makes better pizza") but when we finally found it there was a queue round the block so we headed for the comfort of the air-conditioned subway and made our way back to Manhattan. We had an early dinner at Dallas BBQ in Chelsea then went for a nap as we had plans for later that evening. We'd printed flyers before we left home for an evening of homo-punk-rock entertainment at CBGB's where we had tentative plans to meet up with BJ. The nap started at 7pm and mysteriously ended at 2am!!! Damn that daytime excitement and BBQ ribs! Ultrasparky did go to CBGB's and here's his report with great pics.