Then our guide took us through security, we loaded all of our stuff on the bus (that we wouldn't actually get on until around 9:30 that night) and started us on a tour of one of the main buildings.
After that tour we were herded into a conference room where we would spend the next 2 hours. That sounds like a long time with a lot of boys...but they definitely kept us all occupied.
First Evan and Daddy engineered Evan's own stomp rocket! (such serious looks on the faces' of Father and Son)
While the group was putting the final touches on their rockets, Frederick Gregory (a retired astronaut http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_D._Gregory) talked to us and give a very candid Question and Answer session!
Here's the one-of-a-kind Evan Rocket...you will see it again throughout the overnight trip!
NOW- they got to go outside and try out their newly created high-power rockets. After 10 pumps (of a bicycle tire pump) they squated near their blaster and waited anxiously as the crowd (i.e. parents and other scouts) performed the required count down to blast off. Evan's rocket was stuck on the tube the first time...so he had to re-pump and try it again...the second time was a charm...see the pleasure of this Pilot all over his face!
AND- it landed under the booster of a real rocket nearby! (white spec in middle on black)
After Security went behind the rails to retrieve Evan's rocket, we headed back inside for a yummy dinner of hamburgers, corn on the cob, and Tang (the drink of the astronauts)...we all had water since we don't particularly like Tang!
Then we had a night tour of the Rocket Graveyard, loaded the bus, and drove to a huge hanger where one of the only 3 remaining Saturn Rockets hung from the rafters- for our sleeping comfort. First, we had a guided tour of each SECTION of the real rocket (it never got to blast off because the program was nixed before the 3 which had already been engineered could go into space...the Final Three are now in Houston, Alabama and Kennedy Space Center). You really cannot get a good appreciation of just how GIGANTIC, MAMMOTH, and HUUUGE this rocket is.
NOW- they got to go outside and try out their newly created high-power rockets. After 10 pumps (of a bicycle tire pump) they squated near their blaster and waited anxiously as the crowd (i.e. parents and other scouts) performed the required count down to blast off. Evan's rocket was stuck on the tube the first time...so he had to re-pump and try it again...the second time was a charm...see the pleasure of this Pilot all over his face!
AND- it landed under the booster of a real rocket nearby! (white spec in middle on black)
After Security went behind the rails to retrieve Evan's rocket, we headed back inside for a yummy dinner of hamburgers, corn on the cob, and Tang (the drink of the astronauts)...we all had water since we don't particularly like Tang!
Then we had a night tour of the Rocket Graveyard, loaded the bus, and drove to a huge hanger where one of the only 3 remaining Saturn Rockets hung from the rafters- for our sleeping comfort. First, we had a guided tour of each SECTION of the real rocket (it never got to blast off because the program was nixed before the 3 which had already been engineered could go into space...the Final Three are now in Houston, Alabama and Kennedy Space Center). You really cannot get a good appreciation of just how GIGANTIC, MAMMOTH, and HUUUGE this rocket is.
We had a bedtime snack of Sun Chips and water and then a short time in the bathrooms before lights out. Evan selected our sleeping spot...so here's where we slept...
And when we looked up this is what we saw...no twinkling stars or full moon...
Our wake-up call came all too soon...I think 6:30 AM- so after another quick trip to the bathroom (after getting dressed IN our sleeping bags)...there was a breathtaking sunRISE to behold! (Mommy hasn't been up for many sunrises...so this was an event to remember)
Our wake-up call came all too soon...I think 6:30 AM- so after another quick trip to the bathroom (after getting dressed IN our sleeping bags)...there was a breathtaking sunRISE to behold! (Mommy hasn't been up for many sunrises...so this was an event to remember)
After a contenintal breakfast we took a few cool pictures:
One: in front of the Apollo return capsule (which was really in space and came back to Earth, as evidenced by the fact that all the paint as been disintegrated upon re-entry).
Two: Evan with his Den Wolves.
Three: (and Daddy's most favorite) the 1968 late model Vette that, had Daddy gotten to choose, we would have slept next to (instead of under the Saturn Rocket)! LOL Can you see the drool on Daddy's lip corner!
Two: Evan with his Den Wolves.
Three: (and Daddy's most favorite) the 1968 late model Vette that, had Daddy gotten to choose, we would have slept next to (instead of under the Saturn Rocket)! LOL Can you see the drool on Daddy's lip corner!
Four: The whole Cub Scout Pack 82 on the Morning After- a great Overnight Adventure at Kennedy Space Center.
Back on the bus we go (note the coveted rocket still in hand AND still in tact).
Our tour bus driver was AWESOME and took us all over the property while giving a GREAT spheel, to include his great wealth of knowledge of 21 years of serving the Kennedy Space Center. He said this building, where they assemble the rockets, is the SECOND largest building in the United States by volume. He said it could hold something like 30 malls...certainly got Mommy's attention. Evan thought it was so neat that ONE star on the American flag is 6 feet across from point to point - ONE STAR (the small white dots in the upper left corner)!
Our tour bus driver was AWESOME and took us all over the property while giving a GREAT spheel, to include his great wealth of knowledge of 21 years of serving the Kennedy Space Center. He said this building, where they assemble the rockets, is the SECOND largest building in the United States by volume. He said it could hold something like 30 malls...certainly got Mommy's attention. Evan thought it was so neat that ONE star on the American flag is 6 feet across from point to point - ONE STAR (the small white dots in the upper left corner)!
After the bus tour of the property the Overnight Adventure was concluded, we were dropped off in the parking lot, dumped the stuff in our car, and headed into the park for a self-guided day of fun and exploration.
We had a great time at Kennedy Space Center and by noon we were blasting off back home...to be reunited with the rest of the Flock. Thank you to Grandma and Grandpa, who kept the younger three. What a special treat to have an "only-child" for 24 hours and what a great treat to go to Kennedy Space Center with Pack 82!
