3/22/15 Space Coast Rocket Launch & Airshow at Manatee Hammock

Manatee Hammock Campground

It is only a short drive to the Space Coast where we settle into one of our favorite campgrounds, Manatee Hammock in Titusville, Florida.  Directly across from Cape Canaveral, we had a ringside seat for the night launch of  a NASA Atlas V rocket.  Its mission is to measure the earth's magnetospheric boundary regions and 

Atlas V Rocket, NASA Website

examine the process of magnetic reconnection. You got that? In the dark all we could see was a very bright light going up into the air, reflecting off the water, followed a few seconds later by the roar of the engines.  After about 2 minutes we saw the fuel boosters separate from the main module and then it was all black.  Very cool but would love to see one in daylight.

Jack and Zoe flew in and we went across the street to the Tyco War Bird Museum Air Show.  All kinds of aircraft displays from a Snoopy and Red Baron Dog Fight to jets and helicopters from Vietnam up through current day.  The highlight was the Air Force Thunderbird formation and acrobatic airshow.  It took our breath away.

Castillo de San Marcos Fort

We drove an hour up the coast for a trolley tour of old St. Augustine which was settled by the Spanish  in the early 1500's.  It is the oldest permanent European settlement in the U.S. and well worth a visit.  The current Castillo de San Marcos Fort is huge and extraordinarily well preserved, built in 1672.   Nine prior wooden forts were destroyed, but cannon balls bounce off these Coquina rock walls.  And what a view of the harbor!  We also attended a Celtic Festival in honor of St. Patrick's Day where we watched highland games and listened to Celtic music.  Zoe became enamored with a performance of a Persian style hammered dulcimer. 



Dark Bumps Are Manatee

Our favorite places to visit here are the  National Seashore, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and NASA's Kennedy Space Center.  In the refuge are miles of hiking, biking and kayaking with the manatee's. We saw lots of bird species, turtles, an armadillo, and a crocodile stalking and then eating his prey. The beaches at the shoreline are pristine and we had a blast boogy boarding in the big waves.  We didn't visit the Space Center this trip but have in the past and it is a must see.

Note Pre-Navy Beard

Of course John and Jack went to a baseball game and we had quiet times roasting marshmallows around the campfire.  Jack just received notice from the Navy that he is to report to Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island on 12 April.  So grateful the four of us were able to get together before Jack goes off to ports unknown.  Needless to say, we are very proud and very excited for Jack!