Shuttle launch/ Cape beach trip/ nature?
 

I'm doing some research and planning a tentative trip to see a shuttle launch (hopefully), enjoy the beach a bit and maybe hike/walk/kayak the coast a bit.

I would love input.

I found this link from another thread with the launch schedule -
http://www.nasa.gov/missions/highlights/schedule.html

starrs, what do you want to know? I live/work in the area, so ask away.

Wow! Just found this looking for kayak trips - watching the launch from the water in a kayak!

http://www.adventurecentral.com/user...3-b907c5314584

Hey, 321go. So, it THAT how you got your screen name? :-) Shuttle launches?

A group of us want to drive down to see a launch "sometime". So, I've found the possible launch schedule. We like to eat, drink, take wildlife pictures, easy hikes, and enjoy the beach.

I'm looking for "neat" places and new options other than the obvious. As much time as I've spent in Fla, I've never visited the Merritt Island NS or done much in the area than visit Cape Kennedy when I was a kid.

Yep. That's what my screen name refers to!

I'll think of some interesting places and post back tonight!

Thanks!
And, LOVE your screen name now that I've figured out its meaning.

We were invited to a friends launch last year and it was amazing! It was a night launch, and went on the second attempt. Just remember to be flexible because of that.

This site explains better than I ever could the various options for watching a shuttle launch. http://www.launchphotography.com/Shu...h_Viewing.html We have rocket launches fairly frequently too and they are also interesting to watch.

Wildlife:
http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/ Merritt Island Wildlife refuge. Don't miss the Blackpoint Drive. There are several hikes you can take here; the last time I was on one, we came across a wild pig! Bring water and bug spray if you come in the warmer months.

http://www.fws.gov/pelicanisland/ Just south of the Sebastian Inlet on the Indian River lagoon. Lots of opportunities for boating, kayaking, short hikes. Sebastian Inlet State Park and Archie Carr wildlife refuge nearby.

In Cocoa Beach, try kayaking the Thousand Islands. http://www.kayakguide.com/1000Isle.htm Lots of birds, fish, dolphins, sometimes manatees, alligators. The waters are somewhat protected so not choppy, and the vegetation actually arches over some of the channels, so if you kayak, there's shade! Lots of good kayak tours are available.

Other off-the-beaten-path things:
Lone Cabbage Fish Camp. State Road 520 west of Cocoa on the St. John's River. You can do airboat rides from here, but most people go for the beer, frog legs, catfish,and hush puppies.

Canaveral seashore: lovely, unspoiled beaches that you'll have pretty much to yourself. No services, really, just sand and ocean. http://www.nps.gov/cana/

Way, way off the beaten path:
Florida Forever. Most people who live here don't know about it. http://www.floridaecosafaris.com/ It's the real thing (real Florida!), a working ranch and nature preserve.

Favorite places to eat in Cocoa Beach: Roberto's for Cuban, Simply Delicious for breakfast, Juice and Java for your morning cup of joe. In Cocoa (west of Cocoa Beach on the mainland), Murdochs in Cocoa Village for a kick-back-and-relax meal, Cafe Margaux or Black Tulip also in Cocoa Village for more formal dining. At Port Canaveral, Rusty's has good fish, though I don't like the waitress's Hooters-like clothes, and Grills is great for burgers and drinks.

Well....that's a start.

This is wonderful, 321go!
Perfect! Thank you so much :-)

One more thing you may want to keep in mind. The Merritt Island NWR and the Canaveral National Seashore are closed during a shuttle launch. If there are any delays this could drag on for days. There will also be droves of people and it can get a little more than crowded.. One good thing, you can see the shuttle go up from about any place in Central Florida.

321go I thought you got that from my area code ..:)..

hee...hee RedRock. Remember what a fuss it was to get that area code? :D