Pictures
The first try at the launch found me stuck on SR-50, until I found out that it got scrubbed. So, scared by the record crowds, I went out a bit early today, leaving Tampa around 3:30 am. I got to Titusville around 5:30, at which point I was able to get a good parking spot and a decent seat; almost all the waterfront spots were already claimed by then. Getting there early enough for an afternoon launch would be an exercise in heat stroke.
The crowd, based on the sample of people around me was delightfully new, this was the first launch for almost everyone. Very excited too, oohing and aahing and applauding.
The girl with the horn apparently is the great-granddaughter of Charles Lindbergh, starting an early aviation career.
The three condos now occupy a big stretch of land which was part of the park before, so the available viewing area was cut in half. Also, the pier was closed for a change, so a lot of people were cramming into a much smaller space than before. And crammed it was!
Returning from Titusville went surprisingly well once I cleared the immediate traffic, though I got stuck on SR-50 for another time. For future trips, I'll probably try to settle for the Beeline instead or find some different route.
I also had lunch with Chris, and spent some money on tea and books at Barnes and Nobles. I'm glad I didn't consider going to the Blue Room tonight; I had trouble staying awake driving back at 2 pm! (AMP to the rescue.)
The first try at the launch found me stuck on SR-50, until I found out that it got scrubbed. So, scared by the record crowds, I went out a bit early today, leaving Tampa around 3:30 am. I got to Titusville around 5:30, at which point I was able to get a good parking spot and a decent seat; almost all the waterfront spots were already claimed by then. Getting there early enough for an afternoon launch would be an exercise in heat stroke.
The crowd, based on the sample of people around me was delightfully new, this was the first launch for almost everyone. Very excited too, oohing and aahing and applauding.
The girl with the horn apparently is the great-granddaughter of Charles Lindbergh, starting an early aviation career.
The three condos now occupy a big stretch of land which was part of the park before, so the available viewing area was cut in half. Also, the pier was closed for a change, so a lot of people were cramming into a much smaller space than before. And crammed it was!
Returning from Titusville went surprisingly well once I cleared the immediate traffic, though I got stuck on SR-50 for another time. For future trips, I'll probably try to settle for the Beeline instead or find some different route.
I also had lunch with Chris, and spent some money on tea and books at Barnes and Nobles. I'm glad I didn't consider going to the Blue Room tonight; I had trouble staying awake driving back at 2 pm! (AMP to the rescue.)