If you have never seen a Space Shuttle launch this is the way to go.
If you have seen a launch, believe me, you have never seen one like this!
(we will be much closer than this)
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Level: Intermediate/Moderate
(I don't want to exclude anyone - if you are a beginner and want to go email me)
Location: Canaveral National Seashore
Length of Trip: 24+ hours
Leader: Lisa Beardsley
Cost: Depends on number of participants camping.
Gear: PDF, Flashlight, Whistle, Camping Gear, Food: Dinner Tuesday, Breakfast Wednesday.
Trip Information: Date Changed Once Already...
NASA has announced the next date for the space shuttle launch; October 14th as 22:17. This will be a night launch, so it will be something to see. The sky will light up and we will be right at the base of the launch site - at close as they will let us get - so close you will see and possibly smell the smoke! Due to the time of the launch, participants will HAVE TO CAMPOUT overnight on one of the islands in Mosquito Lagoon. It is possible to paddle back to the put in site the same night, but it will be dangerous due to high boat traffic in the area. I would not recommend it. As kayaks we have access to get much closer than the powerboats so we will not have to worry about them the night of the launch.
We will plan on meeting late morning on Tuesday at the Sports Complex. We will then carpool to the launch site and arrive at the campsite to set up camp. We will have a leisure evening with time for a nap if you wish. We will have dinner and then get ready for our paddle to the launch site viewing area. If you wish you may view the launch from the campsite itself, but you will not "smell the smoke". After the launch we will paddle back to the campsite and call it a night. The next morning we will have breakfast, break camp and return to our put in location.
Wildlife: This place is a great place to see manatees!
About Camping:
If you are new to camping or have never gone camping and you have some concerns; email me.
For those of you that do not know me well - I actually Glamp; or Glamourous Camp, however this is a primitive area, so we will be Modified Glamping for the backcountry. If you have any questions or concerns, email me.
There is a cost for camping, but it will vary depending on how many campers there are. We are going to be camping with members of the Central Florida Sea Kayaking Club, so again it depends on how many people go. Last time we camped out for a launch we paid around $8.00 per person.
Want to go but don't have any camping gear? You have priority access to camping gear rentals from GITTO for this date.
Mission Description:
Space shuttle Atlantis will fly seven astronauts into space for the fifth and final servicing mission to the Hubble Space Telescope for an 11 day mission. The crew will be repairing and making improvements to the observatory's capabilities.
NASA webpage
Now as we all know - launches are sometime canceled. This trip will follow the re-schedule date should that occur.
Some views of the island Campsite.
Sign up by e-mailing me @ Lisa@GoGITTO.com
See you on the water, and in the light of the Space Shuttle thrusters!
1 comment:
This kayaking trip was truly amazing. After a challenging paddle full of manatee sitings, we rested on a small island and feasted on a delicious and elegant snack while watching the shuttle launch, meeting new friends and re-gaining energy for the last leg of the paddle to the restful campsite. This trip was a great reality shift!
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