Shuttle Launch & VB?

[Beth]

I'm so excited!

My sister and our families are sending our parents over to VB tomorrow for 3 nights to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary.

My Mom's brothers had me order something from the resort for their room, and I sent over a card from the rest of us last week that had gift certificates from Capt. Hiram's and The Patio, as well as some Disney $$ for the resort.

NOW - I find out that the Shuttle Atlantis is scheduled to launch Wednesday evening - HOW COOL!!!

I certainly realize that these launches can be delayed for extended periods of time - so I won't be crushed if it doesn't happen.... But, anyway...

For those of you that have been at Vero during a shuttle launch - did you just stay at the resort, or did you try to drive a little further North to get a better look?

Just curious - my Dad said they might try to drive up, but I wasn't sure if it would make it much better, if he wasn't wanting to actually drive to KSC.

I seem to recall someone posting on one of the Boards quite a while back an area that they preferred to visit to watch the launches - maybe somewhere in Cocoa - but I can't recall exactly where it was...

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!!!!

 

[OKW91]

We have seen the launch from Melbourne, and also from Cocoa beach. You get a much better view and can hear the sound at Cocoa beach! In Melbourn you have to use binoculars to really see the shuttle, I would try and drive up to Cocoa beach, it's really worth it!

 

[dcfromva]

Beth,

I certainly realize that these launches can be delayed for extended periods of time - so I won't be crushed if it doesn't happen.... But, anyway...

It sounds like you know the drill ........ Maybe, you will get lucky and the launch will go as scheduled!

Here is a link to Kennedy Space Center

and

Offsite viewing locations

-DC

 

[poohstx]

We were at Vero Beach one morning when the shuttle took off. I went down to the beach to watch it and DH watched it from the balcony of Building 12 facing north. You can't pick out the detail, but the bright glow and then the silver shape were enough to leave an impression. The shuttle heads southeast, so you get to see it for quite a while from VB.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Strangely enough I managed to catch it at Disney World! I would imagine that it was just freaky weather conditions that enabled a fantastic contrail but now I can't wait to try and catch it at Vero.

In fact...I'll take ANY launch...not just the shuttle.

 

[mbkd]

we were at vero last spring and lucky enough to see the shuttle...you can definitely see it from the beach and it is very cool but looks a little smaller than i expected by the time i saw it. you can see it for about a minute or so...i might try cocoa beach if i was there again

 

[BigTigger]

We were waiting for the big slide at Blizzard Beach a few years back when the shuttle launched. It was a magnificent site as it went up through the clouds with the plume of steam and smoke spreading out behind it.

 

[Beth]

Thanks to all of you for your replies.

My Parents should be arriving at VB any moment now. I get almost excited for my family's trips as I do for my own!!

dcfromva - I printed out those viewing locations for my Dad - hope the launch works out. It's really cloudy around here today - I think we're getting some bands from Lily - but hopefully it will work out!

Thanks again.....

 

[madcoco]

Beth I hate to be the bearer of bad news but they just scrubbed the launch. Due to outflow from Lili and it's possible effects on Mission control in Houston.

 

[Beth]

Hey Mike....

I'm not surprised. Hurricanes and Shuttle Launches don't really tend to mix too well!

Oh well - they'll have fun just the same!

Say "Hi" to your family for me!!

 

[madcoco]

Sure will.Hope they enjoy the resort. Sent you a PM.

 

[Vero Beach Bum]

I watched the shuttle launch from the park at the end of the road from Mr. Manatee's. From that vantage point, I basically only saw a bright light and the exhaust trail. It was still very impressive. My advice is don't blink, because that shuttle hauls %$# and if you are not watching at the precise launch time, you will miss it. Have a great trip!

Vero Beach Bum