11/2/2025 Sunday
So Nadia did not like their pillow and was mad the entire night until morning. We ate breakfast from Bagel "N" Go at the balcony and left straight home after a stop at Paris Baguette near our church.
Come to think of it, I don't think the Camelback Resort was strict on many things. I saw a staff having his family members playing bumper cars probably for free, so he has not much time to deal with the customers. The indoor waterpark entrance isn't really much policed as far as ticket checking goes. No scanning of the ticket, if not not caring if you have tickets. I've also seen guests going into the waterpark through the exit gate. Perhaps I'll do that next time when I'm around.
11/1/2025 Saturday
We breakfast at Hickory Valley Farm Restaurant around 8am. Nadia didn't like the server because she seems to come when we don't need her, but it took an effort to holler her whenever we need her. So she left only about 12% tips.
Then we booked the Mountain Coaster and the 1000 foot zipline from the hotel and then walked about 7 minutes to the Mountain Adventures for these two experiences which Nadia loved after first try. I was worried that my phone which was taking the video would fall out of my jacket's left top pocket so I kept my right hand securing that pocket while my left hand on the coaster's handle (forward is speed, pull up for break), otherwise I would be more fun for me with both my hands on the handle. I couldn't believe I didn't bring harnesses for my GoPro which I brought, or the Insta stick for my Insta360 which I also had with me. I was able to capture some video clip while ascending to high ground on the coaster, but my phone's camera was somewhat blocked so a large chunk of the bottom video was blacked out perhaps by my pocket. As for the zipline, we had to hike a little after picking out the gears, then it was a quick 30 second zipping down the hill with trees around us. Nadia did not wait for me so we did not have a photo taken by the staff seen zipping together. Also, I realized too late that I could swivel my legs to turn myself facing front rather than backward while zipping down.
Then we rested by our balcony and we drove to the Big Pocono State Park for the Mountain Top View. Parking was available everywhere. Great views. We didn't take the hiking trail because Nadia felt too cold and slightly worn out. So, she dropped me back at the hotel and went to the Pocono Premium Outlets which she found too expensive for her, especially compared to her favorite thing to do: dumpster diving at Goodwill, Thrift stores. I sent that time myself touring the Resort and reading Kurt Koch's Occult book on the balcony. Then at around 7pm, Nadia returned and I went to the waterpark. The Flowrider was always queued with kids so I did not do the wave rider this time. But I tried virtually all the slides (I think all slides are Nana friendly but she tried none unfortunately): Venus Slidetrap (big red sitting tub that probably seats at least 3 people and at most probably 6 people), there's a free fall for about 10 feet I think at one point. Storm Chaser (the tiffany blue tube in the shape of the number 8 as if it seats 2 people but one can go as well, there two choices of this slide: one has lighting in it, the other doesn't), the Himalayan (using a blue mat), Skydive Plummet (face up, feet first - I think this has the same back scratching effect though not as severe as the one I experienced in Mimaland, the late KL theme park). I also did the lazy river (Lost River) again and also the Mystic Springs which gives the experience of hot spring and connects to outdoor.
Then I tried the mini bowling again and realized that the $6 is only for 1 player, not 3 players which each lane apparently support. Nadia told me not to do the bowling as we did it the day before, but I just had to know how why we didn't get to choose 3 players the first time which would give us more play than the 5 rounds limit per player.
Today indeed has more guests than yesterday. We asked about extending the stay for one more night, it would seem that the hotel can provide discounted cheaper deal ($218 with parking) that Expedia could not ($250 without parking), Nadia was confused of the deal and decided not to pursue it, plus she is not too adventurous in staying outside too much.
We wanted to try Zack's Taco Shack for dinner, but their opening hours really suck (i.e. 11am - 9 pm, and Nick's Big Belly Deli - their version of Big Wally near our home, don't open on Sundays). So we planned for Bagel "N" Go for tomorrow's breakfast.
10/31/2025 Friday
Nadia has being saying that we should visit the Poconos for a few times now. So a couple days ago, a sudden urge came to her for the season was right, not too cold, not too crowded. So I said that the Camelback Resort is popular for its waterpark, so she booked it right away.
This morning, we took off at around 8:30am. Ate at Panera Bread on Route 9. Then dropped off some kitchen stuff at church. And headed for the resort. The Resort was great, we were able to check-in at around 12pm despite official check-in time at 4pm. They would have even allow using the indoor waterpark (Aquatopia) which is included with the room before official check-in time. We got the Balcony deal, and the view was great.
The waterpark certain was for all ages in general and I think it is worth it. Though the room can be expensive ($190 - $350). So choosing a slow day to come would be wise. Even the Waterpark is not crowded on a Halloween Friday.
Then we had dinner at Shinjiru Ramen. The food was not far from authentic, I would say. Perhaps we were just too hungry to judge. Spicy Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen ($17), Mayu Black Garlic Ramen ($17), extra noodle ($4), Takoyaki ($9), totalling around $60+ including 18% tips.
We saw quite a few kids back at the hotel, dressing up with Halloween costumes. I was tempted to go back to the waterpark which closes at 9pm, but we ate a full stomach, so we returned to our room.