The Bamboo Shoot at Astroworld in Houston

The Bamboo Shoot (also known as the log ride was a water ride introduced to the Astroworld theme park in Houston in the first major year of operation, 1969.

The location of the ride was in Oriental Village, which was one of the themed areas in the park. Oriental Village was located on the western side of the park (north if you're looking at a compass). At this point in the park's history, the area outside of the train tracks was not yet developed, and the Bamboo Shoot is at the perimeter of the park, inside the tracks. It was built over the southern portion of the jugnle cruise ride.

The Bamboo Shoot was a fairly typical log flume ride (so-named because of the way logs were transported in construction). Lush vegetation surrounded you on your journey. The theming fit into the "Oriental Village" motif very nicely.

Due to its location in the park, for many years, it was the first ride people would go to when they first arrived at Astroworld. Kids and adults alike would see the giant water ramp with screaming people, see the big splash at the end, and be immediately drawn to it.

One of the most distinctive features of the ride was in the queue area, just before loading, where a giant graphic of two warriors fighting, made in a traditional oriental style of art, hung nearby.

Another thrilling aspect of the Bamboo Shoot was that for a long while, you could literally watch the Mayan Mindbender be built, seeing it best from the very top of the ride right before you'd take your big plunge.