Space Shuttle?

[Keith Yates]

Anybody who has any MINWR weekend hunts in area 1 or 4 getting nervous? Let's hope this thing gets off on time.

[Steve W]

I was thinking of hitting area 2 myself.

From http://www.fws.gov/merrittisland/

Shuttle Launch Closure

The refuge will be closed to the public starting Monday, December 4, 2006 at 6 pm, until the shuttle launch which is scheduled for 12/7, at the usual check points: Guard gate along State Road 406 just east of the Max Brewer Bridge and approximately a mile south of Haul Over Canal along State Road 3. It will remain closed until the day after launch. If the shutlle is delayed, the refuge will remain closed. Boats on Mosquito Lagoon are prohibited to travel south of Haul Over Canal three days prior and the day of a shuttle launch. Those volunteers that have a badge, can enter the refuge.

[Keith Yates]

THX for posting that Steve. I'm gonna post it over on AW.

[David B]

What time is the launch scheduled for? I will be in Vero Beach tommorow and would like to stop somewhere and watch it go up. I can see it here in the central part of the state, just thought it would be nice being a little closer.

[Keith Yates]

David it has a 9:36 p.m. launch time. Not sure how long the window is.

[David B]

Well I am already home from the Vero Beach area . I will have to settle for the central Florida launch protocol, ie, watch TV, run outside and look to the north east, walk backwards in the yard until I see it. Say Ahhhhhhhhhh, smile, thank them and then pray for a safe return.
I still get excited each and every time that I see it go up.

I hope for the launch so you can hunt your hot spots this weekend.

[duckbone]

Next try sat. 12/9 8:47pm sorry about your permit and money.

[Keith Yates]

No permit for me but I'd a known better. Got an invite for Wednesday though. Might be just like the opener.

[D Duck]

Yep Keith. No scouting this morning, but let's hope that sucker get's outta here on Sat.

[Sewer Rat]

regarding watching the shuttle launch...

this summer my daughter was down from NYS to visit us, we rented a houseboat and cruised the st. johns... got to see the shuttle launch from one of the springs... THAT was KEWL BEANS!!! especially since it was my daughter's first one...

[Ornithologist]

I would give a big vote for the SR3 bridge over Haulover Canal.

I watched the first Florida landing from this location. You could see through the cockpit windows on final approach, with good optics.

Disclaimer: User's experiences may vary, depending on weather, etc.

Later...