The final Space Shuttle launch, and a small break

We were originally going to keep going as far south as possible, then dock somewhere, rent a car, and drive back up to Cape Canaveral for the final Space Shuttle launch.  Well, that plan fell apart when Ben realized that NASA limits access to the area by car pretty early in the process, and we'd probably not be able to see the launch very well.  Unfortunately (or fortunately?), we made very good progress down the ICW to Titusville a full 4 days before the scheduled launch.  From Titusville, you can see some of the Cape Canaveral buildings, so we can move the boat a short distance toward the Cape and have absolutely spectacular seats for the launch, from our own boat!

After discussing it quite a bit, we decided to stay in the Titusville Municipal Marina for a few days until the launch.  Since Rebecca's Uncle Ben worked most of his career for NASA, this is a pretty big deal for him and I am very grateful for the opportunity to do something special for them.  We really could not have done this trip without Ben, Jeannette and Ed, and it has meant a lot to us to have them with us.

With the boat basically stationary for 4 days, this gave me an opportunity too good to pass up.  I've been working my job from the boat using the intermittent wireless connection, but there are some things that really require a consistent high-speed Internet connection.  Since we are only 4 hours from home by car, Kaysha drove over to Titusville yesterday morning.  We were able to use her car to run some errands, then I left with her to return to Cape Coral yesterday afternoon.  It is good to be home, even if it is only for a few days!

After the launch, the Second Wind crew will continue down the coast along the ICW.  When they reach Jupiter, they are pretty much straight across the state from Cape Coral, so it will be an easier 2 hour drive for me to rejoin them.  We want to go offshore at Jupiter - there are 2 drawbridges between Titusville and Jupiter, and then SIX in Jupiter alone!!!  Drawbridges are cool and all, but dealing with them takes a LOT of time and seriously delays us.  Once we head offshore, the next stop will probably be somewhere in the Keys and the final part of the journey!  I can't wait!!!!

This will probably be the last update for a few days, at least until I get back on the boat.  I've got some random pictures I'll put up when I take a break from working!