A good thing I have a weather radio. Turned it on this morning and heard a launch hazard message.
..."Booster rockets to fall down range.... " I did not know a launch was scheduled. I know about a Falcon launch in mid-March, this was a Delta. Launch window from 8:40 to 9 PM. I headed to KARS Park after work.
A stop for gas, another stop at the Circle K at State Road 3 and Hall Road for grilled sausage, soda, and beer, and you arrive at KARS Park. Asked the gate attendant if I need to pay him or at the store, and be told, "No fee tonight, and park over there.
I walked out to the end of the boat basin, had my sausages and a beer. Not the best view, as there is a mangrove screen. So, I walked into the camping area, out on a pier. Very nice, and no one there. But, I had time to kill so I walked to the end of the campground.
Found a nice open spot. Chatted with a gentlemen for a while. Still had a lot of time to go, and was thirsty, so back to the car for some water.
I then made the mistake of asking for permission, not forgiveness. People were beginning to gather in the boat basin area. No one was venturing beyond the guard house. So, I asked, "Am I out of line if I go past here?" "Not if you have a permit" As I am not active or retired military, or a NASA employee, or contractor, I am permit less. So, I sat on a bench at the boat basin, near a gap in the mangroves, had another beer, and waited.
Lift off!
8:59 on my camera
9:01, it headed for geosynchronous orbit, and I headed home.
Launch videos
As I flirted with 80 mph, I thought, I don't think this car has ever gone this fast. Because in 5 years and almost 100,000 miles, this was the farthest I have driven with a kayak on the roof.
In fact it was the farthest I have gone yakless in any car since October 5, 2007. How do I know? That was the first Yak Tale.
Vero Beach Sunset
Visting friends on a windy day when I was still using foam blocks.
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