Hiking to a Shuttle launch

[No Belay]

Munchkin and I have never been to the Space Center, or for that matter, not even that part of Florida. We would like to watch one of the last 2 launchs of the shuttle and would prefer to camp and/or hike into the area if possible. Looking on line, I've only found one site that sells "tickets" to the Causeway and they reportedly sell out in a matter of minutes after they're made available. Is the launch viewable from any public venues? If so, what's the best? Are there any camping areas within a days walk or any decent hikes in the area. This has been on our bucket list for several years but Munchkins job always interfered. Hope to see one of the last 2. Thanks!!

Savor Happy!
TaTonka

[Mountain Wildman]

I have not lived there since 1982 but at that time you could see the shuttle go up from just about anywhere in the area, No one sold tickets at that time, There was a campground where I stayed for a few nights but can't remember the name. There is a beach called Playlinda that is across the water from the launch pad and a preserve next to it but they may close the beach for the launch since it is really close to the launch pad. I lived in Titusville which is right next to Merit Island and Cocoa, Anywhere around there and you should be able to see the shuttle ascending and you will definitely feel it and hear it. At least that's how it was back then, I'm not sure how it is now.

[No Belay]

I have not lived there since 1982 but at that time you could see the shuttle go up from just about anywhere in the area, No one sold tickets at that time, There was a campground where I stayed for a few nights but can't remember the name. There is a beach called Playlinda that is across the water from the launch pad and a preserve next to it but they may close the beach for the launch since it is really close to the launch pad. I lived in Titusville which is right next to Merit Island and Cocoa, Anywhere around there and you should be able to see the shuttle ascending and you will definitely feel it and hear it. At least that's how it was back then, I'm not sure how it is now.

Thanks for the info Mt. Wildman. Things might have changed since you were last at Playlinda Beach. Brought it up on the web and it's now advertised as the closest NUDE beach to Orlando. That doesn't bother me in the least but Munchkin says she was only wanting to see one rocket. I'll check with Titusville Commerce to see if they can help. I appreciate you.

[bus]

I work for NASA TV at KSC.


The launches are viewable form so many loications close to KSC. Playalinda is north of the launchpads but is off limites from 3 days before a launch. It is only clothing optional at th every end of the 5 mile road and it isnt actually legal. There are camp grounds nearby and the Florida trail passes about 25 miles or so to the west. It might be easier to discuss on the phone real time

PM me...Lat's see what i can do. Ican surely help logistlly and might, might, be able to get ya on site with a friend who works here using his employee car pass. Pm me.

[bus]

one of my shots

[No Belay]

one of my shots

That's an awesome photog BUS. It's nothing like I imagined it. I was surprised to see 2 shuttles on the pad at the same time. Thanks for the inspiration. I'll PM you.

TaTonka

[Graywolf]

I do think a hike like your would be great, and inspiring. The oldest method of transportation greeting one of the greatest achevements in modern transportation together at once.. Thats awsome..

Graywolf

[Mrs Baggins]

We lived in Titusville in 1985 - husband was involved in the retro fit of an old launch pad to make it into Mobile Launch Pad 3. I took our then-3 yr old daughter to 3 launches but we were able to get permits to watch thru my husband's job. We were only allowed to park in a certain area (I don't remember now) and if a launch was at, say 9 am, you had to be there by 4 am to even hope to have a good spot. When it went up the sound waves would pound you in the chest. Lots of people parked at a little beach along the river in Titusville, but they'd get there days in advance. No matter where you are within a 10 mile radius (we lived 10 miles from the space center) you will hear the launch even if you don't see it. We did see one landing there as well, from that little beach by the river. It was the last landing at the space center for at least a few years. I don't remember why and we didn't know that at the time. I do remember that one of the motor homes parked there had a radio turned up so we could all hear the shuttle's progress as it approached. I heard them say it was somewhere over Europe and then in what seemed like just moments (but was probably much longer) there was a sonic boom and the shuttle came soaring silently out of the sky - much bigger, even way across the river, than what I had thought it would be!

If you get the chance to attend a launch you'll never forget it.

[bluelight]

Manatee Hammock Campground is just south of Titusville and is on the Indian River. Walk down to the river and look east and you have one of the best views of a shuttle launch.

[No Belay]

Thanks Bluelight, Munchkin is on the phone with Manatee right now. Things look good. Found the last 2 flights listed as;

Date: Nov. 1 +
Mission: STS-133
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 4:40 p.m. EDT
STS-133 Description: Space shuttle Discovery will deliver the Express Logistics Carrier 4 (ELC4), a Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MLPM) and critical spare components to the International Space Station

Date: Feb. 26 +
Mission: STS-134
Launch Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Launch Site: Kennedy Space Center - Launch Pad 39A
Launch Time: 4:04 p.m. EST
STS-134 Description: Space shuttle Endeavour will deliver an EXPRESS Logistics Carrier-3 (ELC-3) and an Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) to the International Space Station

Historically the weather delays in Feb seem to be more probable then in November so we're planning for Nov launch and if that doesn't work we'll go in Feb. Is the river at Manatee flotable by Kayak during the launch or do they shut it down?

Thanks again to all that have helped. We appreciate it.

[bus]

Give yourself some wiggle room...that November date may well slip a day or so. But it doesnt have a lot of open dates in Vovember. Ithink the 8th is close to the cut-off. Then again the first 5 or so days in December. If itis delayed past then, it wont fly until Feb ofnext year, pushingback the sts-134 launch.

Tough to plan, Iknow. But, trying planning a hike with having to cover launches all year. Plus unmanned rockets.

Yes the river, actually a lagoon is floatable.

Manatee may start to fill up with winter residents. While it is a campground, there seem sto be a lot of long term winter residents in thoase $200,000 rv's.

[No Belay]

bus and Bluelight, Sure appreciate all the great info. We're booked @ Manatee Hammock from Oct 31st to Nov 6th. so, God willing, we hope the successful launch will happen in that time frame. We booked the next to the last tent site available so it appears we'll have a lot of company. The RV sites are all booked for both the Nov and Feb launches. We're going to hike south on the Florida Trail and either hitch or walk into Titusville. Any suggestions on the best place to bail and get a ride in that direction? Are there any shuttles out of the area? Thanks again and bus, how about some more great photos. We both put the one you posted on our desk tops.

Savor Happy!

[No Belay]

After looking at photos and trail descriptions of the Central section of The Florida Trail, We've decided to do a couple of the paddling trails instead. Any suggestions for a couple that don't involve negotiating urban areas?Thanks again for any info

[bluelight]

If you are walking south on the Florida Trail I believe it goes near the town of Christmas. From Christmas take State Road 50 east until you hit US1. Turn south and Manatee Hammock is a few miles south on the left side of the road. Google Cocoa Beach kayak tours. I think there used to be kayak tours in Canaveral National Seashore, but don't know a company. Also, if you get a chance drive out to Playalinda Beach. It's how Florida looked before the developers took over.

[gravityman]

Coming late to the discussion, but we watched the shuttle launch for the Hubble servicing mission from Space View Park in Titusville. Probably the best 'free' location to watch. You could also paddle out in to the river if you have a boat. That's probably the best way to see it!


Having worked the instruments and also being on the mission support team let us go out on the Pier, which was amazing. I could have gotten tickets to the causeway, but with a 2 1/2 year old and a very pregnant wife, wasn't willing to do all that standing in the sun. It was an amazing thing to see after having worked on those instruments for 8 years, although not as rewarding as watching them being installed and then getting them aligned...

[gravityman]

If you aren't tied to the local area there, First would be Okefenokee swamp canoe trail, second would be Suwanee River, third would be 10000 islands in everglades, although if you are looking for a longer experience, check out the 100 mile Wilderness Waterway canoe trail through the everglades, complete with chickees (platforms to sleep on in over the water). That would be my 1st choice if I had the time.The weather should be agreeable for any of these trips...

If you need to stay close, the Indian River has a pretty popular canoe trail I believe...

Gravity

[Bare Bear]

I have stayed at Manatee Hammock a few times with an RV. They sell out fast but with a tent you may be able to get in. Kayak right from the pier (left) is better. Shallow and the boats stay out about a mile usually. Good fishing all along the many docks there.

[moytoy]

If you really want to hike to see the launch here is an idea. If you drive to New Smyrna Beach and go as far south on the beach as you can drive you will find a wildlife refuge much like Playalinda Beach. The beach between Playalinda and NS beach is all natural and can be hiked. You can hike inside the natural burm or outside on the beach but you can't cross over the burm (dune). It's a 12 mile hike from the south side of NSB to Playalinda. But it would not be necessary to hike the entire distance to watch the launch. In fact you should probably stop at he county line which is halfway. Hiking into Brevard county on the beach might be considered too close to the launch site. So it's 6 miles from the parking lot to the county line. Take water if you take this hike. No fresh water available in this area.

[No Belay]

Bluelight, thanks again. We're booked at Manatee Hammock from the 31st to the 6th of Nov but if the launch goes on schedule we plan on doing the Suwanee River Float. If it's postponed several days we'll do the Indian Creek Estuary trail.
Bare Bear our tent site is out near the road but we were happy to get it. It was the next to the last one available. Camp host said the interest for the last two launches has quadrupled what it normally is. We're taking our own yaks so hopefully we can get away from the crowd. That shallow water sounds good...less motorboat traffic.
Moytoy you have me scramblin for maps. Your suggestion sounds ideal. Is the parking lot on the south end of New Smyrna accessible with a 2 wheel drive? A 6 mile hike on a Florida beach in November sounds like heaven to a couple of Ozark Hillbillies . What do you figure hike time to be with a couple swims thrown in? Is the back side of the berm hardpack? Sounds like a great place to have a White Blaze launch get together.
bus thanks again for all the great info and motivation and all though we appreciate the car pass offer, I wouldn't impose. We're ready to leave tomorrow.

TaTonka and Munchkin

[bus]

No belay, try the 1000 Islands area o Cocoa Beach for rthe paddle. Playalinda will be closed 72 hours before and 24 after a launch.
You can see a glimpse of me shooting video in this photo at the link below
http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/det...?mediaid=46853

Inside Shuttle Atlantis. I was fortunate toafter STS-132 landing ride back inside SHuttle Atlantis as it was towed to its hangar. I shot still and HD video. This was a 1st for NASA PAO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xF3P2ewE6eg









go to http://mediaarchive.ksc.nasa.gov/index.cfm

for more..my last name is cryder if you want to check out my other stuff you can use it in a search