Where was I? Oh yes. The engineering minded and new arrivals to this group holiday decided that Monday would be a good day to return to NASA. Our ticket options implied that returning for a second day was included in the ticket, so I agreed and took the BFF from the resort across the road with as they had the same tickets. Driving out there was fun with the never ending tolls but we got there and pulled into the parking area.
On arrival, we found that our tickets were only good for access to the Astronaut Hall of Fame, not a second day at NASA. Growl, hiss, spit. That meant texting my friends that I was having a change of plan as I wasn't paying the additional $26.50 to upgrade to the annual pass for all the children and myself. I decided to let the engineers have fun and wished my friends well and plotted. The Hall of Fame didn't open until noon, that was still an hour away.
BEACH! The kids and I piled back into the car and drove through Cape Canaveral and down to Cocoa Beach. First stop was the Cocoa Beach Pier. I think I had the Santa Monica Pier in my head from California. We were delighted with watching the surfers and the dolphins play but honestly, this was not a kid friendly stop. This pier is for Spring Break and fishing only. Plus, day parking use is $10.00. Instead of paying for parking, I took my crew further down to Lori Wilson park which had the benefit of being free parking, free playground, and lifeguarded beach. There, I settled in the sand and relaxed.
I was good at doing nothing for 2.5 hours. I had even forgot the book. I watched, and then turned my attention to the skies. Hmmm...I wonder if that meant thunder...
It did.
Racing for the car, the girls and I piled in and drove back to the Astronaut Hall of Fame. We hit a minor detour through the Manatee Park, but there were none to be seen. That was an interesting little museum. I am glad I did not have to pay their regular admission though. That was steep at $26.50. They had some interesting displays but very USA oriented. Roberta Bondar was not mentioned anywhere that I could see, which was a little disappointing. They did mention some of the other nations, but not much and you can only be admitted to the Hall of Fame if you are American. Smart folk from other countries need not apply. The interactives were fun. Need I mention that I should never be allowed to pilot a space shuttle. I would apparently crash it 9 times out of every 10. I can however manage to fire rockets. I wonder what that says about me? The kids loved the floor mat games and the Mars simulator too. It was a great place to spend 1.5 hours.
From there, it was back to NASA to collect the rest of the party. They all seemed to enjoy it and there is definitely more to do there.
On the drive back, we headed south to avoid tolls. It is a beautiful drive with minimal traffic and brings you back to Kissammee fairly easily. For food, we found Mutts on 13th and it was so delicious. Yelp did not lead me astray. This place is fast food with flavor. I had a pulled pork sandwich that was so good that I finished it despite being full six bites earlier. The onion rings were crispy and so delicious. We even liked the trivia cards that awaited you on the tables for entertainment. In the meantime, all the local Vietnam war vets strolled in. That clinched it for me. You know you are eating well when the vets take over the place.
The evening finished with pool time and a party in our room. Can't beat that!
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