The Space Coast

Have you been to the Space Coast? The cities around Kennedy Space Center #KSC where NASA launched Space Shuttles are part of the Space Coast namely: Titusville, Cocoa, Rockledge, Cape Canaveral, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, Indialantic, and Palm Bay. Most of these cities belong in Brevard County and we live here for more than a year now. Last Sunday, we attended the mass in Merritt Island and heading home, we took the route along NASA Parkway to see if there are wild gators along the canals.

Hubby and I like to take this route because sometimes the dolphins hang out along the Indian River Lagoon. Not only that, the Manatee too. Most of the time, there are boaters on the lagoon, just enjoying the Sunday morning fishing and swimming.

Check out the photos below. This road is called NASA Parkway and we are now heading to Titusville. Far end is a draw bridge. On the right is the Titusville area and on the left, Port Saint John which is part of Cocoa area. Behind us is the Kennedy Space Center. Imagine when the Space Shuttle lifts off from this area, Titusville and Cocoa has the great view to watch it up close and roaring like a thunder. We can see it from our front yard even. Exciting isn't it?

Well, Space Shuttle Program has ended last 2011 so; any Rocket Launch in the Space Coast is coming from the launch pad at SLC-37B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Cape Canaveral area. It is just few minutes from here. It is actually nearby the Cruise terminal in Cape Canaveral.

Now, take a look at the photo above. See the tiny building on the left? Remember that because, I will show you how it looks like up close. That is in Titusville and it is a beautiful Condo property. How I wish I live there.

On this day, we had a nice ride heading home. We saw three dolphins swimming along the Lagoon.

The photo above was taken in NASA Parkway and often times, wild gators are lurking in there. They are harmless if you don't disturb them. Free to watch. If you want to visit the Kennedy Space Center, both sides, you will see the canals. Make sure you watch closely on the water and for sure, you will spot a gator.

They are protected so; there are many of them here. That's the booster display of the Atlantis inside the Kennedy Space Center. We live about 10 minutes from the Kennedy Space Center.

That's all for now folks. Thank you for stopping by here. If you don't see any update in my blog, I am just sick. I love to share my photos to you but, sometimes, I can't face the PC too long. Anyway, check out my other blogs too. Bye now and enjoy your week.

At the Beach

Oh yeah! Summer and the beach, what a better way to spend this season huh? I know that the heat of the sun is a scorcher but, we have a shade and that makes a difference. Hubby and I had no plans going to beach but, since it is just 20 minutes drive, who needs planning right? If we feel like it, we grab our beach chairs, some cold drinks and snacks ... bammm ... we are heading to Cocoa Beach or Satellite Beach. How about you?

Mai Tiki Bar in Cocoa Beach Pier Florida

One of the reasons why we moved to Cocoa is the beach. We live about 17 miles away and to get here is such a smooth ride. First, we will be passing the gorgeous view of the Indian River which is a waterway in Florida. It is a part of the Indian River Lagoon system which forms the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. It is an estuarine system where freshwater meets salt water within the same body of water. We often times saw people fishing, boating and kayaking.

Then, we also pass by the awesome view of the Banana River, a lagoon between Cape Canaveral and Merritt Island. It has an outlet to the Atlantic Ocean and this river provides habitat for many marine species. After enjoying the ride, we will then arrive to Cocoa Beach Pier where Mai Tiki Bar is located. The picture below is Mai Tiki Bar, about 800 feet over the ocean and once you get here, you will love the view from each sides.

If you are in Breavard County and you happen to be in Cocoa area, you should check out Cocoa Beach Pier. You will find the Mai Tiki Bar at the end part of the Pier. Once you see this sign, you will see a gate and a small amount of fee is collected. The fee is worth paying for especially when you want to go fishing or watching sunset.

When there is a storm or hurricane, the entrance fee is lifted. I took these pictures when Hurricane Sandy was miles and miles away but, as you can see, the waves are coming on strong.

The waves are actually 12 ft high. There were few people who came to this area and it was raining so hard. Mai Tiki Bar was close.

More or less, we are about 20 who went all the way to the end of Mai Tiki Bar. It was scary because the waves hit hard on the pillars of Cocoa Beach Pier. I can feel that the area was shaken by the big waves.

On a nice weather, this place is spectacular. Visit Brevard County and visit Cocoa Beach Pier. Remember, the Mai Tiki Bar is located at the end part of Cocoa Beach Pier. Enjoy your visit.

Cocoa Beach on Stormy Days

My husband and I are so envious (in a good way) of the people living on the front beach. I bet that they enjoyed watching the sunshine or sunset everyday. The lovely breeze from the sea is always nice so; they have plenty of that too. Waking up every morning with the sound of sea waves splashing is a good music to enjoy as well. Few days of these lovely moments are stormy days. Hurricane Season is not a welcome event of the year so; having to live away from water front is a good thing for me.

I took these photos on a stormy day during Hurricane Season. It is not a good sight.

This is Cocoa Beach on a Sunday. A handful of people were here just to watch the big waves.

Though the water is rough and dangerous, surfers love this moment so; we saw few surfers trying to have the ride of their lives.

The condos on the front beach are ready for the storm so; I saw their windows already covered with hurricane shutters.

When storm passes, the activities are back to normal here. I was browsing about storms that hit Cocoa Beach and it shows the years: 1871, 1880 and 1885. There were major hurricanes slammed into Brevard County and hit Cocoa Beach. The 1885 hurricane’s storm surge supposedly pushed the ocean over Cocoa Beach and into the Banana River. That's few miles away and that was a scary flooding. The report said that the beach near the Canaveral Light House was so severely eroded.The thought just scared me. That is why; I still prefer the place where I live than live at the front beach.

Cocoa Beach: The Surfing Capital in the East Coast

When we live in Orlando, we often visit the city in Cocoa Beach. It is about an hour drive but, it is worth the effort of driving the 528 and paying the 2 tolls of a $1 each. Cocoa Beach is the Surfing Capital in the East Coast and located on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Banana River. The body of water in the pictures below is the Atlantic Ocean.

We often came here to watch the waves especially on a stormy day. Crazy huh? We usually do not swim at all but, just walking and dipping our feet on the sandy beach. We hang out at Cocoa Beach Pier and enjoy a sumptous seafood. Oh, you should try the food here. It is affordable and delicious.

This place is jam-packed on holidays but, no matter how crowded this place might be, there is always a good parking space for you. Not free but, your time will be worth it.

Swimming, surfing, whale and dolphin watching, dining, boating and kayaking are fun activities that you will enjoy when you visit Cocoa Beach. As for me and my husband, we just come here to enjoy the breeze and dine a good meal.

Five months ago, we moved to Cocoa area and Cocoa Beach is just 20 minutes away from home. Do I like living here? I certainly love it. It is more like a country living; peaceful and no traffic congestion compared in Orlando.

Cruise ship terminal of Port Canaveral is just few minutes away so; often times, tourists flocked this area as well. Looking for another hang out while you are in the area? You can visit Kennedy Space Center and you will be there in 23 minutes. I will see you around.

On Miami Beach

This is Miami Beach and I would say, the water is really beautiful. I like it when the crowd is not overwhelming. This beach is one of the most crowded beaches in the States. Tourists flocked Miami Beach because of the clear blue water and the white sandy beaches. This is a typical Friday afternoon. There are people but, not crowded which is really nice to hang out. The weather is tolerable since it was almost sundown.

Cocoa Beach Before Tropical Storm Isaac

When Floridians are bracing for Tropical Storm Isaac, hubby and I decided to check out the waves in Cocoa Beach. Eventhough we are not a direct hit, the waves in Cocoa Beach are bigger and we felt the strength of the storm. Cocoa Beach is located on the East Coast of Florida while the cone of the tropical storm Isaac is heading towards the Gulf Coast.When we arrived Cocoa Beach Pier, the parking was free of charge. For a typical Sunday afternoon, Cocoa Beach should be crowded with people, surfers, para gliders and jam packed with tourists. Today, there's few of us.Most people are just watching the waves and there are few surfers on the beach taking advantage of the big waves not minding the risks.The waters are rough but, no rain yet. We heard that by this time, 6,000 residents lost their electricity and it was a bit scary because TS Isaac is not in the US territory yet.Here's my hubby enjoying the sight of the surfers below. There was one brave paraglider also who was already far out from the shore.The picture above is the view of the shoreline of Cocoa Beach.