3-2-1

A space launch is something worth waiting for. We viewed the liftoff of Discovery at 2037 last night from the Titusville space park and it was a great view. Local museum volunteers set up a sound system that echoed the communications from mission control and that added to the excitement. It was a beautiful evening and the launch went off as scheduled. “It is daytime” commented Noah as the rocket lit up the whole area.  The view came first amid cheers and applause followed, almost a minute later, by the roar of the engines as the sound made it across the Indian River.

Our day of waiting was enjoyable as we explored the town on foot. Stopping in a used book store we learned that there was a Christmas parade that afternoon. We stocked up on bread at the bakery and visited the local history museum. Rounding a corner we found a Space museum run by local volunteers. They had a good collection of stuff from all the space age crammed into a couple of old storefronts. What made it special was the tourguide who had worked in the launch preparation area from 1959 through the first shuttle missions. He shared lots of insight and then turned Noah loose on their newest acquisition, a Delta rocket launch control room. The panels were all hooked up and we played with all the switches and dials. Noah found the “emergency destruct” controls and asked if Delta rockets were manned.

Back at the marina, Noah went to a birthday party for Nicki, one of the local liveaboards. From there it was back to town for the Christmas parade where he rejuvenated his candy stash before going to the space park.

The local Christmas Parade was a fun event.  Some of the float makers had a good sense of humor with the wishing us a "Great White Christmas."

Today we finally dropped the lines and headed down the Indian River. There were winds in the twenties and quite a few boats headed south. Someone ahead of us on a catamaran ran into a red daymark and smashed their bowsprit, but otherwise were okay. The mark didn’t fair so well and was leaning over, just above the surface, creating a danger to navigation. The coast guard was called and it will, hopefully, be repaired soon.  We went into the anchorage just around Dragon Point near Melbourne, but it was too crowded for my comfort. Ended up anchoring just off the west shore of Merritt Island in an East wind, with lots more space around us. Vero Beach is our next planned stop.