Shuttle Launch 5-31 ROAD TRIP

[Rene325ci]

http://shodan.co.za/images/shuttle_big.jpg

Okay this is just the starting Phase. Neither Chrissy nor I have ever seen a shuttle Launch. So we decided let's road trip and see the shuttle go up.

Then I had the brilliant idea, hey think we could make it a Florida German road trip?


The proposal:
Florida German.com Road Trip to watch the shuttle take off.
A crew will leave from Tampa and head to the Cape. We pack food and drink in coolers and have a nice party as a group of friends and wait to see the shuttle launch.

The places:
Chrissy and I are working on the specifics of this little jaunt. We are working to see where to park for a good view of the launch (help from our friends in that area appreciated) as well as where to make the departure point and the meet up points at Lakeland (yes we remember you Rabid) as well as Orlando on our way to the Cape. See how many we can get to go.


We want to see who would be interested in doing this as well as any and all help we can get.

The launch is Staurday at 5:02. This means we have to leave early from Tampa.

Okay folks let me have it.

[Chrissy]

Reading up at the local TV station they gave these following options for viewing the shuttle......





U.S. 1 and Titusville: Space View Park
Space View Park is located less than 15 miles directly across from the launch pads. The Park is the first and only walk in the nation that honors America's astronauts as well as the men and women behind the scenes who helped America lead the world in space exploration. Located 5 miles North from HWY 50 off of US1 on Broad Street on HWY 406 (Garden Street) off of Indian River Avenue.

This park provides:
• Live audio feed direct from NASA control room. Visitors will be able to listen as they sit on the river's edge with no obstruction of the shuttle and listen to the launch process from the park.
• Walk through history of space from the Chinese discovery of Rockets in 3rd century BC to Space Station Freedom.
• Compare your handprints to those of the mercury Astronauts.
• View the astronauts mission logos carved in black granite.
• Picnic areas/Shelters, Restrooms.

Be sure to get to the park at least three hours before launch. Even then it may be hard to find parking.


<hr>Parrish Park-Titusville
1 Max Brewer Causeway- SR 402, Titusville
This urban district river park is situated on both sides of SR 402 at the Max Brewer Causeway-from the east end of the draw bridge to the security gates for Kennedy Space Center. The 36.6-acre park provides convenient access to the Indian River for fishing, water sports, sunbathing and shuttle viewing. Recreational amenities include eleven picnic shelters, a barbeque grill, restrooms, a boardwalk, a 100-foot fishing dock, and a six lane lighted boat ramp with paved parking for 96 cars and 46 boat trailer spaces. Both residents and tourists alike convene at this site for windsurfing, sailing, jet-skiing, water skiing, canoeing and boating.

This Park provides:

• Pavilions, Picnic areas/Shelters, Boat Ramps
<hr>
Sand Point Park
10 East Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville

This popular 29.88-acre community river park on the Indian River, located at the juncture of U.S. 1 and the Max Brewer Causeway, is home to the Titusville Little League. The Astronaut Memorial is located near the south entrance to the park. A blacktop walkway with a stationed .66-mile exercise trail meanders through the open and shaded areas of the park. Facilities include picnic tables, 11 small to mid-sized pavilions, barbeque grills, playground, and restrooms. Seating up to 250, a large pavilion with kitchen is located near the shoreline where fishing is a common activity for visitors, osprey and pelicans. For facility reservation information call (321) 264-5105.

This Park provides:

• Pavilions, Picnic areas/Shelters, Boat Ramps.
• Restrooms, Playgrounds
<hr>William J. Manzo Park
1.5 miles North from HWY 50 on US 1.

This Park provides:

• Pavilions, Picnic areas/Shelters, Restrooms.
<hr>Rotary Riverfront Park
Rotary Riverfront Park is located .6 miles North from HWY 50 on US 1.

This Park provides:

• Pavilions, Picnic areas/Shelters, Boat Ramps, Restrooms
<hr>Kennedy Point Park
Kennedy Point Park is located 1.6 miles North from HWY 405 (NASA CAUSEWAY) and .5 miles South from HWY 50 on US 1.

This Park provides:

• Pavilions, Picnic areas/shelters, Boat Ramps, Restrooms

[LDadrenaline]

sebring > shuttle launch


or else i would be there

[1clean335i]

I used to watch the shuttle go up when I used to live in Orlando. Dont know if it can be seen out here in Tampa though... I've never gotten to see it launch up close and would love to go but have to pass.

[Silver Phoenix]

Straight across the bay or whatever is the best viewing. You can feel the rumble its intense

I went a long time ago and it was awesome, definitely worth going

[Rene325ci]

So you up for another run there?

[Benzgirl]

I'm obligated to go to Sebring this weekend if I can. But I walk outside my house and look up, I've seen a ton of shuttles take off. I have fond memories of watching one in the Cape when I was little. Pretty awesome experience no matter how old you are.

[Silver Phoenix]

Perhaps I'll go

I see all of the shuttles take off from my house, not as awesome as up close though

[Benzgirl]

Oh and this launch is vital for the crew on the international space station because their Soviet made toilet broke :rofl: It can handle solid waste but urine isn't being processed. Could you imagine? You're stuck far away from earth and your toilet doesn't work?!?! :lmao: So they're configuring the space/weight numbers on the shuttle to try and bring up a new one.

[Silver Phoenix]

Ahaha, talk about a shitty situation

[LDadrenaline]

lollerskates

[RPM Photography]

I'd go, but I have finals next week. Otherwise I'd like to see it, probably quite a sight.

[OutKasted1]

Word of advice, LEAVE REAL EARLY. I made the mistake thinking 2 hours would be enough to get their from orlando, WRONG. The beachline will be packed as all roads going to titusville. You get a better view from the titusville area then Cocoa because the launch pad is closer and less obstructions.

[Chrissy]

we are planning to leave in the am probably around 9am from Tampa if not earlier.

[Rene325ci]

Could you imagine? You're stuck far away from earth and your toilet doesn't work?!?! :lmao:

Do you think Plumbers would make a house call to the space station? Question #2 how much do they charge for said house call?

[Benzgirl]

I really would like to hear the conversations between the astronauts in the space station, and the Americans talking to the Russians. I wouldn't even know what to say other than "Umm hi, Russia? Yeah that toilet you have in the the space station isn't working. Oh... neither does any of your toilets in your country? Okay, we'll send one of ours up."

:lmao:

[Rene325ci]

Well we are going. I will be taking a camera so we will have pictures. It is not a nice SLR like some of you guys have, but it ain't bad for a digital Idiot camera.lol

to Benz girl (i know i am gonna get in trouble for this next remark, so i apologize before hand) The only thing the Russians produced that worked 100% of the time is the Kalashnikov rifle, The rest is second rate junk. No wonder the toilet is going to be deep sixed.lol

[Benzgirl]

Have fun :) What time does it take off? I might have to stand outside and watch from my dock.

EDIT: Yeah, I need to read :chair: 5:02... which I'm guessing is PM.

[SilverB7FL]

I'm heading over there tomorrow, not sure where we'll be but I'll be in my friends RV. we're going to go to the beach then go to the launch so we're leaving around noon to head over there. might be w/ a red GTO so if you see it say hi! lol

[Chrissy]

Shuttle launch is at 5:02pm

[Chrissy]

We are starting first at Space view if it is full heading to Jetty Park and if thats full Parish Park....

[Silver Phoenix]

Gonna just watch from my back porch like always lol

Hope there aren't any clouds

[Benzgirl]

Here's the link to the launch if anyone is interested http://www.kennedyspacecenter.com/launches/launchDetails.asp?calendarId=372

I'm just glad the guys are getting a new toilet up there. This is a lesson to everyone on earth, if your plumber is Russian, get a new plumber :rofl:

[Chrissy]

We left here at 9am or shortly after.....We arrived at Titustville around 12pm. We went to space view park first. Then decided to go to Jetty Park as we got the entrance we were turned away as they were full. So driving back to Space view Park we pulled off the road and realized we were directly across from NASA and the launch pads. We had an awsome view of the shuttle lift off.http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/Christine7476/CopyofCopyofMay31007.jpg




http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/Christine7476/CopyofCopyofMay31008.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d139/Christine7476/CopyofMay31010.jpg

[Benzgirl]

Great pictures :)

[Silver Phoenix]

Totally missed the launch. I was helping my neighbor move some furniture and I look at the clock on the tv and it's 5:07 :(

But I'm glad you guys finally got to see a launch