Roadtrip to Cape Canaveral to watch the Space Shuttle go off

My girlfriend had never seen a shuttle launch so I planned a quick day trip with her and her best friend to go see space shuttle Atlantis take off this past Friday in Cape Canaveral. We left from Tampa around 7:30am and made it home around midnight. It was a blast and to everyone who hasn't seen a shuttle launch yet, I would encourage you to make the trip before the last launch later this year. Onward to the pictures!

This the VW fully loaded and ready to start the trip


Made it to the Cape around 10:15 and secured our spot as it was already getting filled up. We were pretty bummed because all the spots on the south side of the causeway were already filled up which we thought would offer the best view. So we were on the north side. I set the boat up while the girls went out and found some great BBQ food for brunch.


Picnic time


After brunch we went sailing and found this cool little island to explore. Found about 10 small (3-4") horseshoe crabs which were pretty cool.






After sailing back and forth a bunch of times we decided to head as far East/South as we could before getting too shallow and we would just watch the shuttle from the Hobie. We never ran aground and when we got closer to shore we found a little inlet that opened up to a large bay that was perfect for watching the shuttle go off. We were closer than anyone sitting on the causeway even though we were on the Northside. Pretty awesome spot and we spotted some stingrays and other critters. This is us waiting around when the shuttle was about to go off

Shuttle Launch!!














After, when all the cars were gridlocked in traffic on the causeway, we just sailed back and forth with my girlfriends best friend on the trapeze the whole time. Weather was great and we were having a blast. By the time we decided to call it quits all the traffic was gone so we loaded up and headed south to Cocoa to try to teach the girls how to surf. They both rode a couple waves and then we just relaxed on the beach. Found a nice italian place for dinner and then headed back to Tampa into the sunset. Great times!

A very cool trip y'all had I must say. Nice launch pics as well. What a way to watch a shuttle launch!!!

Thanks for sharing.

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UK Wildcats have 8 now!

1976 H16 27640
1985 H16 89112

Awesome pics Keven. Thanks for sharing. I am envious.

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'88 Nationals Blue
Hobie Alter Signature Model
Sail #11

Hobie Mirage Classic

Looks like great fun - thanks for sharing!

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Mitch

2010 Tandem Island
2010 Revolution
Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore

My sailing blog
Our sailing videos

Looked like a great trip!! Where exactly did you launch the Hobie? I sail at Dunedin Causeway and live in New Port Richey. Would like to do that trip. Jim.

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ADDICTION
1989 HOBIE 18 SE/sx wings
HOBIE ALTER SIGNATURE MODEL

Lordy I miss Dunedin Causeway, Caladesi Island etc..... One of my favorite spots for sailing from around all of America!

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UK Wildcats have 8 now!

1976 H16 27640
1985 H16 89112

I launched on the north side of the A. Max Brewer causeway. We found a nice little cove to sneak into and we had the whole place to ourselves. Looking at a map it looks like you can get closer from the south side but I have also heard that it is very crowded. Do it!!

I just google that place....looks nice! Where is a good place to launch if I want to check out those islands?

Setup and launch on south side of Dunedin Causeway just before the last bridge before Honeymoon Island.. Head out to the right through Hurricane Pass and Caladesi Island is on your left as you go through the pass. After you head out past the pass Honeymoon Island is on your right and it's a nice cruise on up north just a bit to Anclote Key as well. Paradise!!!

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UK Wildcats have 8 now!

1976 H16 27640
1985 H16 89112