Raft up plans for Shuttle Launch May 31st

**daveandanielle** · #1 (**permalink**) 05-18-2008

We want to take the boat out to titusville for the space shuttle launch on the 31st. Is there already a usual place for a raft up during shuttle launches?? If not I noticed a good looking island almost perfectly across for the landings?? Anyone want to start making plans to meet up with us out there??

**Irishwake** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008

not exactly sure where you are thinking of going but it may be worth going on the nasa website. I was thinking of taking the boat out to watch a launch last year but found that the cape has expanded restricted zones during launches. I think ski island is just about as far north as you can go on the river and east of the cape is restricted for like 50 miles or so. just a thought.

**daveandanielle** · #3 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008

Yeah, we need to find out, I would like to try and get something together for that. My kids would love to see the shuttle from that close

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishwake

not exactly sure where you are thinking of going but it may be worth going on the nasa website. I was thinking of taking the boat out to watch a launch last year but found that the cape has expanded restricted zones during launches. I think ski island is just about as far north as you can go on the river and east of the cape is restricted for like 50 miles or so. just a thought.

**Irishwake** · #4 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008

This is not the same map that I found before but it does give a good indication of the restricted areas. I think you're best bet is jetty park or haulover canal.

**daveandanielle** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008

it looks like from that map that the island I had in mind wont be a problem. If I'm reading the map wrong let me know but just in case here is the island that I was talking about.
Google Maps

Quote:

Originally Posted by Irishwake

This is not the same map that I found before but it does give a good indication of the restricted areas. I think you're best bet is jetty park or haulover canal.

Damon · #6 (**permalink**) 05-19-2008

It is a great way to watch a Space Shuttle Launch. We did it about 2 years ago from Mosquito Lagoon near the entrance to Haulover Canal. It was a great experience and a great time. There were several boats anchored in the area and we were in a group of 4 boats.

I have posted a picture in a previous thread listed in the related threads section below.

petes32605 · #7 (**permalink**) 05-20-2008

We hope to be there on thursday or friday.I looked at nasa site and google earth and came up with the island just north of haulover canal, should be a good view. Boats are restricted south of the canal, except for ICW. Just a thought, will have to listen to you guys as i have never been there.

petes32605 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-20-2008

Your island looks better than where i was going to go, also i see a boat ramp near the bridge. Does everyone camp out or sleep on the boat. I usually sleep on the boat, but i can do either one.If we can't see the shuttle from the island, we can always run up to Hallover canal, watch the launch and head back to the island

**daveandanielle** · #9 (**permalink**) 05-20-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by petes32605

Your island looks better than where i was going to go, also i see a boat ramp near the bridge. Does everyone camp out or sleep on the boat. I usually sleep on the boat, but i can do either one.If we can't see the shuttle from the island, we can always run up to Hallover canal, watch the launch and head back to the island

Last June we sat directly across from that island for the shuttle launch it is directly in front of the launch site, I couldn't imagine seeing it anybetter anywhere else. If you look at the google map again and zoom out enough to see the launch pads you'll see we will be nearly dead ahead of the launch. As for camping or staying over, I guess that depends on the size of everyone's boat, we might camp but if enough people come with bigger boats there may be enough room to stay on a boat, we'll have to play it by ear. If we do need to camp, the campers (Probably me) will have to get out there at the crack of dawn because I'LL BET THE ISLAND FILLS UP QUICK.

**daveandanielle** · #10 (**permalink**) 05-22-2008

Well we have decided to try that island and make it a camping trip as well. I am planning to get out there early afternoon Fri the 30th to bring supplies, set up camp and hopefully secure enough room for all of us to camp. I'm pretty convinced that if this island really is a restricted free island then it has probably got a loyal group of campers that get out there early. I have already received an rsvp from two other friends planning to come out and camp as well. We will all be bringing the kids so this island will be covered with little ones at least the 6 we're all bringing for starters. I hope to see some more of you there too.