We Have Lift Off

April 20-25, 2014

Our journey is continuing along the Atlantic Coast in Florida. One of the places we wanted to spend a few days was close to the Kennedy Space Center.

We found a great RV Park close to Melbourne across from the water so we had a wonderful view. Izzy and I would get out in the morning around sunrise to take our first walk. These two pictures were from two different days while we were there. The morning was gorgeous and peaceful. Well at least until the traffic started to pick up!

Steve and I found a great golf course to get out and try our best at conquering the game. Let’s just say the first time out wasn’t too bad and we did run into a bit of the wildlife. The alligators like to hang out on the holes that have a water hazard. I am thinking the golf course has a bunch of golf balls in these ponds!

A Nice Day for Golf

Stumpy's Pond

 

One hole we had to work around the vultures and it was funny as they didn’t even bother to leave when the golf ball decided to invade their territory. I am glad it came from the people on the next hole and not me! We enjoyed the course so played a second time and this big guy was hanging out. Steve could get pretty close to take a picture but I kept the golf cart close by just in case he decided to taste what a red-headed tastes like.

Hoping for a Hole in One

Trying to Hit Farther Than Steve!

I wouldn't Worry About My Golf Ball

 

We picked the coolest day to head to the Kennedy Space Center. Izzy got stay back at the trailer to monitor the air conditioning and enjoy a movie or two.

The Symbol of Space

My Dad was a chemical engineer and worked in the aerospace industry so I was especially interested in touring. He would bring home pieces and parts and was involved with the Apollo program. Steve enjoys all things that fly so he didn’t mind coming either.

Learning About Space Exploration

The history located here is pretty amazing and they do a great job explaining the Apollo rockets and the shuttles. They house the Atlantis Shuttle and you are able to see the shuttle up close and personal.

Rockets Galore

Actual Mission Control Room for Apollo Missions

 

Actual Apollo Space Capsule

First Stage Apollo Rockets

 

One Stage of Apollo Rocket

 

The Atlantis

Back End of the Atlantis

 

Ready for a Space Walk

 

They walk you through the history of design of rockets and the shuttle but also the space suit. I would vote for what they wear today as opposed to the first one. It will remind you of the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz.

The Beginning

Moving Through Time

Almost There

Present Day Suit

 

 

Overall the Center does a good job explaining everything and giving children an opportunity for hands-on. You can do a bus tour as well which takes you to the launch pads and where they attach the rocket to the crawler transporter. You aren’t allowed to go into the vehicle assembly building but the videos you get to see give a pretty good idea of how big it is.

Crawler Tractor transports rocket to launch pad

Vehicle Assembly Building

We had a nice time hanging out in the Melbourne area but had to leave to continue our trek northward.

 

Imagine Me and You

 

April 4- April 20, 2014

Imagine you are on the adventure of your lifetime and stumble across a famous person’s yacht named Imagine? Stay tuned for what this is all about. In the meantime, SIT left the Florida Keys and landed in Fort Lauderdale.

As we travel northward we wanted to see what the Atlantic side of Florida looked like. Also Steve was going to head to San Diego for a week of sailing with his brother Scott so we thought this was a good spot to put down the stabilizers.

We met a local, Charlie, who was staying in the RV park across from us so we were able to get all the local places to see. We headed to the beach the next day with the idea of riding our bikes along the beach so we wouldn’t have to drive Big Red through narrow streets.

The wind was blowing at mock-one and the crowd was thick along the street and sidewalks, so we decided to find a place to park and hit the pavement with our feet instead of our tires. By now you know Steve is all about finding the fishing spots and had read about the fishing pier that was at the beach. Guess where we headed first?

At the pier we were able to get a view of the beach and all the folks that were enjoying the sunny but windy day. We came across this guy hanging out on the pier. He didn’t seem to be too worried about us getting up close and personal.

Keeping an Eye on us

Beach Anyone?

 

We were able to see some fish below but not the kind Steve was hoping would be around, if they had I am sure we would have been back fishing the next day.

Where are those darn fish?

 

One of the things people said we should do is take the Water Taxi as you can get on and off it along the river. This gives you an opportunity to see different parts of the area without having to worry about driving and parking. We were all about that so we spent a day on the water looking at the huge homes, huge yachts and great restaurants and shops.

Cruising in the Water Taxi

The Captain and First Mate give you some information about the homes you see and some of the yachts moored. We saw the home of Sonny and Cher when they were first married and the Gold Marlin in the back yard of the famous angler Billy Martin.

 

Stands Out

The backyards are pretty fun to look at and we only saw people out in one of them.

 

Majestic

Manicured

Inviting

Bright

 

Wishing it was ours

 

We cruised by a yacht called Imagine. If you have reading retention ability you will remember I started this out with Imagine. Well can you guess who might own the Imagine? You probably watched him as a young red-headed boy growing up in Mayberry. Yap, Ron Howard!

During our tour we waited for the Water Taxi to pick us up for the ride back to where we started from and some guys were taking care of palm trees. Steve who is the inquisitive guy asked them some questions about the coconuts. One of them was kind enough to get one down and give it to Steve. He wanted to try fresh coconut milk and the meat. I pretty much was not interested since I do not eat coconut.

The next day Steve worked on husking the coconut. We had seen it done when we went to Hawaii but that didn’t really help Steve tackle this puppy. He worked at it for quite a while but did finally have success.

Coconut Anyone?

This is Hard

Once he got the husk off he took the drill and drained the liquid out. He had to have me try it so being the good sport that I am I did. I took a sip and pretty much spit it out. Yuck! He tried it and agreed. He took a taste of the coconut itself. He decided he would prefer to just buy it in the store!

Finally The Nut (No not Steve)

The Brain Surgery is Complete

 

Yuck

 

WooHoo

Izzy seemed to have a fairly good time hanging out in Fort Lauderdale since she had a friend across from us. She was able to play a few times with Cheyenne plus we found a couple of dog parks so she could stretch her legs and catch her floppy. Funny how that’s her new favorite thing. Well maybe it’s one of the favorites as she still loves to run, swim, and sleep!

Cheyenne and Izzy

My Treat



Steve enjoyed his time in San Diego and took some pictures of his adventure within the adventure. Scott’s sailboat is called the Koamalu which means Peaceful Courage in Hawaiin. We are pretty sure we will be visiting Scott in the future as who doesn’t want to spend some time on the water!

Captain Scott

Enough Wind

Heading Out

 

The Galley

The Salon

 

Lazy Days

The Fog Rolling Inn

Glowing

Scott's Home Base

 

We headed out of Fort Lauderdale on Easter Sunday and it was a pleasant day for a drive. We hope you all had a wonderful Easter. More to come from the Atlantic side of Florida!