Sometimes I wish a theme park - other than Hoffman's Playland - was in my coverage area so I could go to debuts of new rides too.

But, since there's not, I'll have to live vicariously through Paul Post who did an interesting article about the newest ride at the Great Escape.

The Screamin' Eagles was described by one 89-year-old vet as "almost as good as skydiving", in the article. The same vet, Leo Dean, by the way, was recently honored at a Watervliet Memorial Day ceremony - unless there's another 80-something WWII parachuting vet in the area named Leo Dean.

Paul Post's article has some good photos and video.

Here's the initial announcement of the Screamin' Eagles from 2012. I can't help but notice, however, that of the 15 new rides in Six Flags parks this year - the Screamin' Eagles is at the end of the list.

The theme park opened for the season on May 18 and Six Flags recently agreed to a $1.3 million settlement for dozens of people who got sick at their Great Escape Lodge across the street, dating back to 2008.