Sunday, April 27, 2014

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.

 

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