This "American Adventure" segment was shot at Holiday World during the 2008 season for the Armed Forces Network; it is expected to air for four years.

Mrs. Koch's description of The Voyage ... sounds like she's ridden it! (Or at least listened very carefully to a lot of comments from coaster enthusiasts).

Meanwhile, if you're in the military (or know someone who is) ... or are a firefighter, police or EMS, please be sure to check out our Heroes Discount.

Oops. Meant to post these photos weeks ago.

This is part of the shoot for one of this season's TV spots.

Starring ... who else?

Somehow I pictured her in a pilgrim's hat.

You know ... with the big buckle?

But apparently the props department was fresh out.

John says at first Mrs. Koch wasn't all the crazy about donning a skipper's hat. Squished hair and all.

He told me she later changed her mind...

...and kept it.

(Oh, and I don't know why she's standing on her tippy-toes in this photo. I'm guessing something needed adjusting and she tried to compensate by growing an inch.)

Dripping wet!

Here's the link to the video report of Mrs. Koch riding Pilgrims Plunge with Keith from Fox 41. Just click on "Taking the Plunge at Holiday World."

When I was a kid and mom asked, "What kind of birthday cake do you want?" it meant chocolate or vanilla.

When Spencer was asked that question recently, just before he turned 8, he had a very different request.

His mom, Melissa, emailed this today:

Our family enjoyed opening day at the park this year. My oldest son was kind enough to ride Pilgrim’s Plunge twice (once with each parent). He then decided that is what he wanted for his birthday cake. I have attached the pictures.

How cool is this cake?

Here's a close-up of the frosting splashdown:

Still have to wonder, though ... chocolate or vanilla?

In the four years we've hosted the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes, we've seen a lot of walkers.

About 1,430 today.

Raised about $275,000 today. Thanks to all who helped make this possible.

Here's a straight-on view of a Pilgrims Plunge boat taking...uh, the plunge.

Years and years ago, I used to work for a guy who would suddenly pop on a red clown's nose during a meeting.

Just...out of the blue.

He only did it front of me once and I guess my non-poker face was such that he immediately removed it.

Fast-forward 20 years.

And then there's this:

We were holding a marketing/PR meeting for the new LINCOLN drama which opens this summer at Lincoln Amphitheatre. The meeting was over at Melissa's office at the Spencer County Visitors Bureau.

All of a sudden, Will reached over and picked up a little furry critter, or so I thought. It was mostly hidden behind the coffee maker and cups.

It wasn't a little toy, it was a beard.

Melissa joyously added a stovepipe hat to complete the ensemble.

No, we weren't done yet. Our commander in chief then solemnly whipped out his iPhone to tweet.

(At this point, I can just hear Melissa wailing, "No fair! Will already has more 'followers' than me! I've been on Twitter for months and he just started!" So here is a link to follow her tweets about tourism in Spencer County.)

Abe on an iPhone was too hard to resist; had to take a second photo.

Launching a new play for Lincoln Amphitheatre has been an incredible undertaking. And it's a month away from the World Premiere.

The sets, built within spittin' distance of Broadway, are arriving. The actors will be here in a week; our artistic director is Scott Lank from the University of Evansville acclaimed theater department. Our playwright, Ken Jones, will be on site soon (coming from Kentucky, which seems fitting; didn't Lincoln do the same?).

Our 16th president "belongs to the ages" now. But once, he was a little boy trying desperately to be a man as his family carved a home out of the dense woods of southern Indiana. His beloved "angel mother" died here when Abe was just nine years old.

All those stories you've heard about young Abraham ... his honesty and hard work? Walking miles and miles to return a few pennies? It all happened here in Spencer County, Indiana. Just four miles from where the town of Santa Claus would soon be named.

We believe it was here that Abraham Lincoln's character was truly forged. Those excruciating decisions he made in the White House were guided by lessons he learned here in Indiana, during his boyhood years of seven through 21.

As you make your plans to come visit us here at Holiday World this summer, please consider adding LINCOLN to your itinerary. Whether you're a history buff, a fan of theater, or just a family looking for an evening's inspiring entertainment (not to mention a great meal), LINCOLN's just the ticket.

Honest.

Planning to ride Pilgrims Plunge soon?

Here's a little tip about the experience: As the loaded elevator platform heads up the tower, the empty one descends.

At one point, of course, they pass.

You know how people pass each other on the sidewalk and nod their heads politely? The platforms do that. It's just a little nod, but it's definitely enough to add another thrill to Pilgrims Plunge. (My scream went up about three octaves, even though I knew it was coming.)

Meanwhile, here's a great article about yesterday's Pilgrims Plunge media preview.