cattflight
Well Known Member
Hey all you Florida RV drivers - and any others who've viewed an STS launch first-hand...
My wife and I are looking to head to Florida for the final Shuttle Atlantis launch scheduled for July 8th. I was fortnate enough to see a night launch over a decade ago where there wasn't as much interest & hysteria as there will be for the final launch, so the availability of viewing locations was fairly open. For this trip I understand millions willl show up to witness the final flight. We're obviously planning a little late so all hotels that face the space center are booked up, and we've seen viewing options for everything from Grayline tour buses to sea kayaks off Merit Island. Our concern is the lack of local knowledge and the very real possibility that any launch delay (hours or days) could wreak havoc on any "formal" transportation or tour operator.
Am I over-thinking this? Can any of you with local knowledge recommend a place that has reasonably good viewing options...a local airfield, park, marina, highway, etc. that, though likely crowded, would be good for viewing this very special launch?
Thanks!!
My wife and I are looking to head to Florida for the final Shuttle Atlantis launch scheduled for July 8th. I was fortnate enough to see a night launch over a decade ago where there wasn't as much interest & hysteria as there will be for the final launch, so the availability of viewing locations was fairly open. For this trip I understand millions willl show up to witness the final flight. We're obviously planning a little late so all hotels that face the space center are booked up, and we've seen viewing options for everything from Grayline tour buses to sea kayaks off Merit Island. Our concern is the lack of local knowledge and the very real possibility that any launch delay (hours or days) could wreak havoc on any "formal" transportation or tour operator.
Am I over-thinking this? Can any of you with local knowledge recommend a place that has reasonably good viewing options...a local airfield, park, marina, highway, etc. that, though likely crowded, would be good for viewing this very special launch?
Thanks!!