Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2011 20:51:33 -0800
Reply-To: Anthony Egeln <regnsuzanne@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Anthony Egeln <regnsuzanne@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: Last Launch of the space shuttles Discovery, Endeavor,
and Atlantis
In-Reply-To: <4D5725E7.8080303@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
I saw a shuttle launch while attending a military class at Patrick AFB many years ago ('92?)....I think it was the joint service equal opportunity manager class. Quite magnificent daytime launch from just a few miles south of the Cape.
I now live in northeast Florida, about a 2 1/2 hour drive north from Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach, and we can see the launches from here quite well. Night launches are really cool, but I don't think there are any more of those on the remaining schedule.
I've never camped in that area, but if you are retired military there are some very nice recreational cottages on the beach near Patrick. Don't miss the NASA museum, which is actually closer to I-95 than the Cape. There must be campgrounds all over Brevard County.
If you go to the June launch, stay as close to the beach as you can, since the bugs will be bad by then. April not so bad. Fishing is great in Mosquito Lagoon....redfish and sea trout fishing is legendary.
Be prepared to wait it out, since as you may recall the launch is often delayed for one reason or another.
You live in Alabama, right? So you'll likely get there via I-75 instead of I-95, but if you get back up 95, say to spend a day in St. Augustine, let me know.
Cheers, Anthony'89 Syncro GL (Hidalgo)
--- On Sat, 2/12/11, John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
From: John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET>
Subject: Last Launch of the space shuttles Discovery, Endeavor, and Atlantis
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Date: Saturday, February 12, 2011, 7:29 PM
These shuttle launches are to be the final launches of each of these
historic machines. Discovery flies on Feb. 24, Endeavor flies on April
19, and Atlantis will fly June 28 - the latter depending on whether
Congress funds the flight that has already been authorized and signed by
the President. After these launches, the shuttle fleet will be retired
in its entirety.
I would like to make that pilgrimage to Canaveral this year - given I
came of age as the space age took off - and have never been close enough
to make a reasonable trip of it. I was in the 11th grade when the
successful launch of Sputnik-I was announced and stunned the world and
America.
Has anyone ever gone down to one of these launches? If so, have you any
tips as to where to go, what to take, campgrounds, and camping areas.
Costs for staying in the area. Good viewing spots, etc,etc, etc.
Concerns while there, etc.
Thanks
John
--
John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com
| 
