Still here in Titusville hoping to see the space
shuttle launch. The first try was last night and Discovery came very close to
launching, but the cloud cover was too low by ninety feet, so it was delayed.
Good visibility is needed in case there is an emergency and the shuttle needs
to land. Winds need to be under twenty knots and the breeze is closer to thirty
today, so the next attempt will be Saturday night. We are close enough
that we could see the sky illuminated by the launch area. Folks gathered on the
ends of the T-docks and we enjoyed visiting with boaters from as far away as
New Brunswick.
shuttle launch. The first try was last night and Discovery came very close to
launching, but the cloud cover was too low by ninety feet, so it was delayed.
Good visibility is needed in case there is an emergency and the shuttle needs
to land. Winds need to be under twenty knots and the breeze is closer to thirty
today, so the next attempt will be Saturday night. We are close enough
that we could see the sky illuminated by the launch area. Folks gathered on the
ends of the T-docks and we enjoyed visiting with boaters from as far away as
New Brunswick.
We’ve been keeping busy with school and boat projects
while waiting. Scraping the old 3M 5200 caulk out of the chain plates was a
real bear. They have been refilled with Silprof and capped with aluminum
colored silicon for a belt and suspenders approach to keeping the water out of
these crucial parts. The wire rigging that holds up the mast is attached to
these chain plates. We’ve also replaced the brake pads on the wheel
brake. Bet you didn’t think a sailboat had brakes! The wheel brake locks the
wheel and holds the rudder in position so it doesn’t slam back and forth with
changes in current. It also provides enough friction to keep the boat sailing
straight and gives the skipper a little break.
while waiting. Scraping the old 3M 5200 caulk out of the chain plates was a
real bear. They have been refilled with Silprof and capped with aluminum
colored silicon for a belt and suspenders approach to keeping the water out of
these crucial parts. The wire rigging that holds up the mast is attached to
these chain plates. We’ve also replaced the brake pads on the wheel
brake. Bet you didn’t think a sailboat had brakes! The wheel brake locks the
wheel and holds the rudder in position so it doesn’t slam back and forth with
changes in current. It also provides enough friction to keep the boat sailing
straight and gives the skipper a little break.
Noah’s been meeting more kids here as boats come in to
wait for the launch. Five “kid” boats are here making for 13 youngsters zipping
around. The largest group so far has five aboard. Today’s photo is of Matthew
(from Snow Day) and Noah checking out the vehicle assembly building from the
nearby Astronaut Park.
wait for the launch. Five “kid” boats are here making for 13 youngsters zipping
around. The largest group so far has five aboard. Today’s photo is of Matthew
(from Snow Day) and Noah checking out the vehicle assembly building from the
nearby Astronaut Park.
There are close to fifty boats anchored in the river
here and all the dinghies putter or paddle by our boat to get to the (free)
dinghy dock. The most interesting dinghy so far is based upon a recumbent
bicycle built for two sitting on two bright yellow inflatable pontoons held
together with PVC pipe. It is quiet and environmentally friendly, but not sure
I’d want it as my only shore transportation option.
here and all the dinghies putter or paddle by our boat to get to the (free)
dinghy dock. The most interesting dinghy so far is based upon a recumbent
bicycle built for two sitting on two bright yellow inflatable pontoons held
together with PVC pipe. It is quiet and environmentally friendly, but not sure
I’d want it as my only shore transportation option.