And it's not really safe to walk from the restaurant area over to the cruise ship area.
Also: the SpaceX launch control center is just across the way, at the end of 401, and the area in front of it is open to the public (you turn off before you get to the guardhouse). Someday there will be a used F9 erected out in front. If the launch gets scrubbed and you find yourself in the area it might be worth a touristy wander.
Quote from: Jakusb on 01/31/2018 09:17 pmQuote from: sghill on 01/31/2018 08:13 pmQuote from: CyndyC on 01/31/2018 06:19 pmSghill, you're sending Jakusb to Fishlips while you're going to 401, so which is better for the least obstructed view of the landing, and you or Mike advised against Jetty Park altogether? I expect there's no hope of a launch view w/o a treeline from the port, or is Mike's location on 528 best since the view is straight up the river? He doesn't have a car and a cabbie can find Fishlips.Looking at google streetview, It seems 401 will have best view of launchAnd Fishlips should have best view of the landings, while having some brush obstructing view of launchpad?Ok, looking at Google Maps, I think I see 401 being about 1-2 mile from Fishlips?That should be an easy walk to where you are standing, or is something preventing that option?I plan to go there as early as I can to prevent any issues with possible traffic jams.With the Wifi and food @Fishlips I can happily work on my laptop until the real excitement begins.. I just have to figure out if it is cheaper to rent a car or get an uber... My hotel is Seralago Hotel & Suites @5678 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, so about 70 miles out and about a 70 minute drive...Kissimmee!?! Wow. Rent a car at the airport. Soooo much cheaper.And it's not really safe to walk from the restaurant area over to the cruise ship area.
Quote from: sghill on 01/31/2018 08:13 pmQuote from: CyndyC on 01/31/2018 06:19 pmSghill, you're sending Jakusb to Fishlips while you're going to 401, so which is better for the least obstructed view of the landing, and you or Mike advised against Jetty Park altogether? I expect there's no hope of a launch view w/o a treeline from the port, or is Mike's location on 528 best since the view is straight up the river? He doesn't have a car and a cabbie can find Fishlips.Looking at google streetview, It seems 401 will have best view of launchAnd Fishlips should have best view of the landings, while having some brush obstructing view of launchpad?Ok, looking at Google Maps, I think I see 401 being about 1-2 mile from Fishlips?That should be an easy walk to where you are standing, or is something preventing that option?I plan to go there as early as I can to prevent any issues with possible traffic jams.With the Wifi and food @Fishlips I can happily work on my laptop until the real excitement begins.. I just have to figure out if it is cheaper to rent a car or get an uber... My hotel is Seralago Hotel & Suites @5678 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, so about 70 miles out and about a 70 minute drive...
Quote from: CyndyC on 01/31/2018 06:19 pmSghill, you're sending Jakusb to Fishlips while you're going to 401, so which is better for the least obstructed view of the landing, and you or Mike advised against Jetty Park altogether? I expect there's no hope of a launch view w/o a treeline from the port, or is Mike's location on 528 best since the view is straight up the river? He doesn't have a car and a cabbie can find Fishlips.
Sghill, you're sending Jakusb to Fishlips while you're going to 401, so which is better for the least obstructed view of the landing, and you or Mike advised against Jetty Park altogether? I expect there's no hope of a launch view w/o a treeline from the port, or is Mike's location on 528 best since the view is straight up the river?
Quote from: sghill on 01/31/2018 09:19 pmAnd it's not really safe to walk from the restaurant area over to the cruise ship area.Not safe = roads not meant for pedestrians, not not safe because of crime or anything. You'd be walking on the highway basically. Take an Uber or Lyft across from fishlips if you must: you can probably drop a pin on the right destination spot in the app..Also: the SpaceX launch control center is just across the way, at the end of 401, and the area in front of it is open to the public (you turn off before you get to the guardhouse). Someday there will be a used F9 erected out in front. If the launch gets scrubbed and you find yourself in the area it might be worth a touristy wander.
Quote from: cscott on 01/31/2018 09:31 pmAlso: the SpaceX launch control center is just across the way, at the end of 401, and the area in front of it is open to the public (you turn off before you get to the guardhouse). Someday there will be a used F9 erected out in front. If the launch gets scrubbed and you find yourself in the area it might be worth a touristy wander.Even better, the Air Force Space & Missile History Center is there
My darling wife, ever the planner, suggested that someone have name labels, complete with our online monikers, on hand. Any ambitious types want to take that on?
1032 survived the soft water landing
Quote from: sghill on 01/31/2018 09:19 pmQuote from: Jakusb on 01/31/2018 09:17 pmMy hotel is Seralago Hotel & Suites @5678 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, so about 70 miles out and about a 70 minute drive...Kissimmee!?! Wow. Rent a car at the airport. Soooo much cheaper.And it's not really safe to walk from the restaurant area over to the cruise ship area.Car rented for 5 days for 171 dollars, so transport covered, it now shifts to just parking and driving safely... With GovSat-1 safely in orbit, even more excited...
Quote from: Jakusb on 01/31/2018 09:17 pmMy hotel is Seralago Hotel & Suites @5678 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, so about 70 miles out and about a 70 minute drive...Kissimmee!?! Wow. Rent a car at the airport. Soooo much cheaper.And it's not really safe to walk from the restaurant area over to the cruise ship area.
My hotel is Seralago Hotel & Suites @5678 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy Kissimmee, so about 70 miles out and about a 70 minute drive...
Quote from: Ike17055 on 01/31/2018 09:27 pmMy darling wife, ever the planner, suggested that someone have name labels, complete with our online monikers, on hand. Any ambitious types want to take that on?I've seen this idea batted around in a few other posts. I'd say the more folks that come armed with some pre-printed labels the easier it will be to make pre-launch friends with everyone. I'll try to bring some labels as well.
Does the AF museum offer parking and viewing for the launches?
Quote from: Ike17055 on 01/31/2018 10:54 pmPlease keep us informed if playalinda status changes / clarifies. It would be a great place not only for launch viewing but also to kill time while waiting. It is a wonderful, wild place. I was there christmas day (coooold) for a mini-picnic. And have been there other times in better weather. A marvelous spot in general.Unfortunately, the website is less than useless. When you actually show up to the guard house, there is a chalkboard which tells you if they are open or not. By than, you have wasted a good 45 minutes of driving - assuming there is no rocket traffic to get out to the beach...https://www.nps.gov/cana/planyourvisit/conditions.htm
Please keep us informed if playalinda status changes / clarifies. It would be a great place not only for launch viewing but also to kill time while waiting. It is a wonderful, wild place. I was there christmas day (coooold) for a mini-picnic. And have been there other times in better weather. A marvelous spot in general.
