David's Florida trips & Kennedy Space Center!

David's recently taken a few trips to Florida for business. He's been able to stay at a condo on Cocoa Beach ~ which has been really hard on him ;) Lil' Stinker. This last trip, he had the opportunity to tour Kennedy Space Center & see the shuttle Atlantis. He said it was pretty amazing! Too bad Tropical Storm Hanna was passing by ~ he got pretty whipped by the wind & rain ~ but still enjoyed his trip. Next time, maybe I'll get to go with. Keep your fingers crossed for me!





Kennedy Space Center. This building houses the shuttle Atlantis (upright). The whole front-side of the building opens up & they literally wheel it out upright, to the launch pad. Pretty cool!

The shuttle Atlantis on the launch pad. The actual shuttle is encased & protected inside, until they're ready for launch ~ but you can catch the top of the fuel tank & tips of the boosters.


Another view from the launch pad, with the ocean in the background (top).

Peeking into the cock pit (where the astronauts enter).


No ~ Dave hasn't gained weight & grown an afro! ~ the winds were so strong it was blowing up his shirt & freakin' out his hair ;)



This is where the fuel tank is assembled to the boosters & shuttle.

View from down beneath the shuttle (the orbiter nozzles or "burners" ~ that help launch it up into space). Neat!

The official control room. Doesn't this just remind you of the movies? Can't believe he was actually there!


These plaques were for each shuttle that has had a mission to space. There's two little plates hanging from the bottom (one for the date sent out & the other for the date returned). Sad ~ There's two plaques without a return plate (Challenger & Columbia ~ which is on David's right).

Just another pic of the gator. Creepy.