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[Junior]

I worked at the float trip. I only remember aluminum boats, primed brown, and painted a darker brown. They were long, had five rows on them. Along the sides of the boats were rubber wheels that helped guide the boats along the channel. They were sturdy boats, they took a lot of abuse and use each day, but I always remember them being in pretty good shape. Although you don't see it in the viewmaster shot above of the whirlpool, a short time later a boat lift was added in the area behind where the boat in the shot above is pictured. They pulled boats out of the channel and did repair work from time to time. I remember the lift being used with the American Plunge, but have  not rode AP in a few years and don't know if the covered lift is still there once you leave the cave and get ready to go into the wooden structure as you turn to go up the lift hill.  I would say the boat you see as an atmosphere piece is just an old boat used as such. Even the boat the Dugan boys used to paddle around the lake to get trash out of the water with a net was an aluminum boat, painted brown or green or tan.

[rubedugans]

I didn't think it was one, but I thought that I would double check to dispel any myths. Thanks Junior!

[rubedugans]

Gandy dancer is a slang term used for early railroad workers who laid and maintained railroad tracks in the years before the work was done by machines.

Me in the "Gandy Dancer" hand cart in 1985/86

[rubedugans]

A Gandy Dancer Cart circa 2008' Just before the turnstyles @ SDC working as a planter. I believe there are 1-2 others around the park.

[History Buff]

How sad is it that they don't set up a portable/temporary version of the Gandy Dancer for Kidsfest - instead of some of the off-theme elements they offer.

[rubedugans]

I really think that something "kid powered" would be great for the parents. Nothing like a ride that needs no restraints, and the kid controls all of it. A temporary gandy dancer would be easy to construct, and maintian, and would be something that kids would remember more that a stock ride that can be experienced at any theme park in the world.

[History Buff]

I really think that something "kid powered" would be great for the parents. Nothing like a ride that needs no restraints, and the kid controls all of it. A temporary gandy dancer would be easy to construct, and maintian, and would be something that kids would remember more that a stock ride that can be experienced at any theme park in the world.

Agreed.

[sanddunerider]

i agree also..

[History Buff]

So it's decided.

[sanddunerider]

yep! its unanimous!

[thelarsonsix]

gan-dy dancer! gan-dy dancer! gan-dy dancer! (chanting)

[thelarsonsix]

Gandy dancer is a slang term used for early railroad workers who laid and maintained railroad tracks in the years before the work was done by machines.

Me in the "Gandy Dancer" hand cart in 1985/86

What's the ride in the background?

[Junior]

It was a structure placed in the lake as part of the atmosphering for "The Greedy Brothers Treasure Excursion" which existed ONLY in the 1984 season. The structure in the lake was implemented into the Geyser Gulch/Splash Harbor complex, and is still there today.

[thelarsonsix]

It looks like it has tracks and a car on it. Was this only for effects or was it part of an actual ride?

I think I know the structure you're talking about now. If I were at Geyser Gulch looking at the lake it would be on the right, correct?

[rubedugans]

It had, and still has an ore cart on it.