Beautiful Day ... Summer is Coming

Our last day in Cocoa Beach has been lovely so far. We woke early for an early out to 8AM Mass: we were in no mood to stand this week, so we were at church by 7:30. The pews filled rapidly, though there were no standees today.

We had breakfast at the Simply Delicious Cafe and Bakery that Bob remembered from a previous visit. And sure enough, our meals (quiche & fruit for me, eggs, sausage & toast for Bob) did not disappoint. Even the coffee was almost as good as our Dunn Brothers coffee at home. After breakfast, we headed for the beach across from Patrick Air Force Base, where Bob smoked a cigar and I went for a walk along the water, forgetting my cane but managing to walk a fair distance before turning back. I'm giving myself 8 city blocks in all; Bob is crediting me with only 4. Maybe if he'd walked the distance he'd feel differently!

We enjoyed watching the surfers, listening to the waves crash against the beach. By 1 PM or so, the sun was actually really hot and I threw my jacket in the back seat of the car. Instead of lunch, we had a couple of drinks at a new restaurant in Port Canaveral, Milliken's Reef. We sat outside in a kind of sandbox, enjoying the music of the Bottoms Up Band.

By the time we returned to the hotel, it was late afternoon and time for a last long swim in the pool. I closed my eyes and I imagined myself back in Minnesota, enjoying the summer sun. Time to go home. We're told that spring is coming ... can summer be far behind?

Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum

Another item off the Bucket List.

We visited the Warbird Museum yesterday morning. Anticipating concrete hangars, I knew that the morning would be a challenge to the knee. At the ticket counter, Bob asked how old visitors have to be to get the senior discount. When told that the age was 60, he noted that I would be 60 in a few months. I expected some kind of disbelief on the part of the cashier, but no, just a cheerful decision to give me me the $3 discount. Already deflated, I wasn't ready to be offered a wheelchair by our spry but definitely older volunteer tour guide. I guess I looked worse than I felt, so I immediately straightened up and tried appear lively.

The museum was, Bob thought, better than any of the many such facilities we have visited in the past. I decided about an hour into the experience in information overload that this may be my last plane museum. I could have used that wheelchair too, but instead I plopped myself down in front of the video playing in the last hangar. The phrase that came to mind was "in my mind I can't study war ... no more". Had to look up the lyrics to Save the Country. I didn't share my thoughts with my Bob, who was happily learning the long history of the Tico Belle, a veteran of the Normandy landings and the Berlin airlifts, among many other missions.

Sunny and Cold

Thursday and Friday were both sunny but very chilly days, especially in the morning. We actually wore long pants yesterday morning when we went out for breakfast at IHOP, with no particular destination in mind for the morning.

We went to one of our favorite boat watching venues, Port Canaveral. Men were fishing happily in the cold, dressed as warmly as any Minnesotan around the time of the fishing opener in May. I couldn't quite see my breath, but I was very grateful for the jackets that kept me warm.

We had gone through the Canaveral lock before, connecting the ocean to the Banana River, but had never visited the park overlooking the lock. Workers on a boat were doing some repairs, but the real fun was seeing the snook, a popular gamefish, sunning themselves and swimming lazily, apparently oblivious to the fishing pelicans, herons and gulls.

In the afternoon, we walked on the beach (still using my cane) and then lounged around the pool between dips in the water. There were more swimmers -- well, they were "bathers" rather than "swimmers" -- today, but I still got some laps in, a little less enthusiastically than on Thursday, because the knee hurt a little from my aggressive swimming the day before.

We had dinner at Jack's Lobster Shanty, where we had enjoyed a fabulous lunch the day before. Since we hadn't eaten lunch, we were quite hungry and arrived at about 5, where we half expected to see the residents of Del Boca Vista lined up for the EB specials. We were among the younger dinner guests, some of whom seemed to have lost most of their faculties, except the ability to eat. The meal was not up to the quality we had previously enjoyed in that restaurant, but the view was great.

My feet are cold as I write this on Saturday morning. The Harley boys parked in the motorcycle parking area have headed out already, maybe back to Daytona for the last weekend of Bike Week. There are more walkers on the beach, so maybe the weather is a little warmer today. Optimistic as always, we have our shorts on.

Spanish Tutorial

A year ago the young women in the little store at Las Brisas in Ixtapa worked with me on my elementary Spanish. My comprehension must have improved over the year -- thanks to Univision and a little work on my Spanish in the Dominican Republic.

I am always a little hesitant to speak Spanish unless I really have to: I got that opportunity on Sunday, when Bob asked the lady who cleans our room if he can get heat in here. That was before we toughened up and  got used to the cold weather. Azucena didn't understand what he meant, so I attempted to explain in Spanish. Since then, we have had little conversations every day, during which she gently corrects my grammar and supplies words, when necessary. I think we both enjoy the exchange.

Today, Bob said "adios" and Azucena was delighted, saying that he has a good accent and has to speak more Spanish. I think she belongs in our schools, encouraging students to improve second language skills by making ordinary conversation about everyday things.

GOES-P/Delta IV Liftoff

We've seen a number of liftoffs here in Cocoa Beach, including the launch of the space shuttle Endeavour on April 19, 2001. The launch window for tonight's flight of the GOES-P/Delta IV was 6:17 - 7:17, so we were down on the beach by 6 PM, until we heard of the first delay and waited on the sidelines for 20 minutes or so.

There was quite a crowd on the beach, and I enjoyed hearing the many accents, both US and international, as people chatted to pass the time. Our fellow Minnesotan was easy to identify: he was the only other idiot wearing shorts, besides Bob and me.

It was almost a surprise to see the huge orange ball of fire begin to climb in the sky over Cape Canaveral. I had decided that it was too dark for my camera to record the event, but finally I tried anyway. We watched the ball fly above us, leaving a trail of smoke floating in the sky. Looking much like a very bright star, it finally disappeared into the clouds, and we walked slowly over the sand to the walkway leading to the hotel. After standing for so long, my knees were both tired and wobbly. It was an exhilarating end to a busy day.

Wishing for Winter Jackets at Sunrise

Two Minnesotans were the only spectators for this morning's beautiful sunrise on a wind swept beach. I was wishing for the stretch gloves I keep in every jacket and purse at home ... I usually have a pair in my suitcase, but not this time. Who could have predicted record cold temps?

Temps 15-20 Degrees Below Normal!

The average temperature in Cocoa Beach at this time of year is 77 degrees F. The sun is setting now and it's about 57 degrees and windy outside. Overnight, the wind chill will reduce the "feels like" temperature to the mid-thirties! Nevertheless, we are enjoying ourselves.

Today headed south along A1A, the scenic route on the ocean, to Sebastian Inlet. Along the way, we stopped at Sebastian Inlet State Park, where I donned two jackets, including the heavy fleece one I bought in St. John's, Newfoundland, when my sister, Marilyn, and I were there. The wind was blowing and Bob nearly lost his hat. We watched the birds and the fishermen, and went through the fishing museum on the premises. My face got windburned and I think if we'd been out any longer I would have had frostbite on my cheeks.

By the time we left the park, it was time for lunch. We went to an old favorite of ours, Captain Hiram's where the Bob had fish & chips and I, as I usually do, had clam chowder (good) and Asian cole slaw. The meal seemed a little less delicious than it has in the past, but the beverages were good and we needed the break from the road.

We were both tired when we cruised back into Cocoa Beach. We picked up a few items at Publix and we were soon in our beautifully made up room. Although I knew the air would be very cold, I went to the pool where two kids were playing, but otherwise I had it to myself. I swam for about an hour in the very warm, pleasant water.

A huge treat when I got back to our room: a wedding on the beach -- bride & groom, presider, a couple of photographers. The bride's shoulders were bare but she was on the beach in her bare feet for over an hour. I think the pictures should be beautiful. No gawkers, just the beach, the surf and the seabirds.

We're going to have a light supper (maybe salad at either Subway or McDonalds) and then watch a little TV. I'm tired but the knee is feeling really strong.

Too Cold for Manatees

On Sunday, we were disappointed not to see any manatees at the manatee viewing area. Although another would-be visitor walking back from the riverside told us it was too cold, I was skeptical and we trudged on -- it was quite a distance for me on an unpaved road, but I hand't come this far to miss the manatees. No luck, but I did get some good pictures of Haulover Canal.

Yesterday morning, I saw a news item on the manatees struggling to stay warm during this frigid winter. Some have been rescued, rehabilitated and released into the warmer water of southern Florida. Many others have died. The smart ones have stayed in the 72-degree water of Blue Spring State Park, northwest of here. Of course, I want to go there ... but I think that trip might not be in the cards.

Daytona Bike Week

Bob has been wistfully wishing for a trip to Daytona Beach Bike Week as long as I've known him, but he has never had any bikers to go with, and, besides, it's quite an effort to trailer motorcyles to Daytona. Plan B -- taking a day to visit Daytona -- was never an option until this year, as our trips to central Florida have never before coincided with Bike Week.

Our visit was iffy until the sky began to clear sometime after 8 AM and we decided the trip was a "go". It was an easy ride on 95 and we turned off onto International Speedway Drive shortly after 10. We had been to Daytona many years ago, when Chris was a middle schooler, and I was amazed then at the NASCAR subculture that dominates the city. Touring the speedway triggered an interest in racing, and I enjoy watching the Daytona 500, or at least the beginning and the end of the race.

During Bike Week, the speedway is taken over by motorcycle racing and other bike activities. We arrived early enough to park close to the apparel and accessory vendors, and we enjoyed walking around simply enjoying the sights and making a few purchases. I was a little worried about my slow walking in this quick paced environment, but the weather reduced the number of participants so I was just fine.

It was quite a thrill to be able to ride through the tunnel onto the infield. Unfortunately, we couldn't go around the track (something Bob would really love to do in his Corvette). It was fun to be back in that large space that was the site of the Daytona 500 only a few weeks ago, though the famous speedway could use a major makeover.

After we left the speedway, we crossed the bridge to Daytona Beach and drove around a little. The city was much less congested that it had been all those years ago, when we came here for the first time. There were bikes and bikers everywhere, from all over the USA and Canada. We rode down Main Street, and I took pictures blindly, hoping to capture something of the excitement of being here.

Bob looked in vain for the "hot biker babes", as seen on TV. In fact, the crowd looked very old to me, and neither babes nor good looks among the AARP crowd were very much in evidence. Of course, the weather is so cold that the beautiful bikers may either be covered up, or passing on Bike Week this year. We both enjoyed the day we spent at the 69th Bike Week.

The Sunshine State

Yesterday was pleasant, but today was glorious! At about 6:30, we got dressed and went down to the beach to watch the sun rise. To our surprise, it wasn't too cold and we we didn't have to shiver while we waited. Behind us, the full moon was still high in the sky. It was a breathtaking moment.

We had breakfast at the Waffle House and then rode down toward Patrick Air Force Base and stopped at a park overlooking the ocean. We amused ourselves watching a family with four children, all of whom loved the water. The youngest, a boy of about six, ran in and out of the water, up and down the beach, with joyful abandon.

The sky was blue and the waves, filled with sand, washed against the beach. There are many more shells in that area than in front of our hotel, but I had nothing to put them in so resisted putting them in my pockets. A fishing dolphin swam south, way out of our sight, and then an hour or so later he was back, still working the shore. The gulls and pelicans were fishing too. The gulls are most fun to watch: they hit the water feet first with a huge splash and, when successful, often fly of with a flapping fish in their bills.

We spent most of the afternoon in and around the pool. A trio of brothers amused us with their games. The two older siblings were allowed to swim to the deep end, while the child of kindergarten age stayed in the shallow part of the pool. They all loved the water and were good swimmers, and they reminded me of us Ryans when we were kids.

An early dinner at the Durango (why did I order Mexican at a steakhouse?). I'm so tired this evening that I will not get to see the debut of the new Tonight Show. Instead, here I am watching The Bachelor! Tomorrow, we are planning a day trip to Daytona Beach to see something of Bike Week. If tornadoes are still forecast by the time we get up in the morning, we'll change our plans.

Canada 3, USA 2

Not too much can eclipse Canada's victory over the USA for the Olympic gold medal in men's hockey this afternoon. Even before that memorable game, we had an exciting day.

We decided to go to the wildlife sanctuary at Merritt Island this morning but didn't think to check the route, as we have been there many times in the past. We went north on 95 and turned off at Titusville, only to find the bridge under construction. We could see that the bridge farther up the shore had a big chunk out of it as well -- our federal stimulus dollars at work in Florida, I suppose. We stopped at the bait shop for directions, wondering if our little junket would have to be scuttled. Fortunately, that was not the case. We got to our destination by a different route.

On past visits, the wetlands have been dry and brown, with very little water in evidence. The wildlife drive was surrounded by water today, spectacular in shades of blue, green, beige, brown. The birds were abundant: many coot, mergansers, blue herons, green herons, egrets, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, eagles, vultures, osprey ... We saw only one alligator soon after we arrived, but then toward the end of the drive we saw five or six more basking in the cool sunshine.

By the time we got back to the hotel, the hockey game was about to start. Half-way through the second period, with Canada leading 2-0, we headed to the pool where I swam for about 45 minutes, delighted to be back in the water, feeling comfortable and healthy. When the US tied the game, we went back to our room to watch the OT period.

Bob and I don't usually have competing loyalties, but this game was an understandable exception. Sidney Crosby's winning goal was a thrill that will not soon be forgotten. It was a perfect end to a wonderful day that we capped with a quick and delicious fish dinner at the Cocoa Beach Pier.

Cold, Rainy Day Highlights Effects of Recession

The weather seemed quite nice this morning when we got up at about 6:30. Certainly not the cold and rain promised by a cheerful weather forecaster last night. We had breakfast downstairs at the Atlantis, walked over to the beach and then headed out for a drive to familiar places on the coast.

Everywhere: signs of fear for the future of the Space Coast after recent proposals that would scrap the use of the Ares rocket and Orion capsule to replace the space shuttle. This afternoon, a "space exploration" rally is planned in Titusville (across from Cape Canaveral. The issue is jobs. Hotels seem empty; the famous Cocoa Beach Pier and the usually well patronized bars at Port Canaveral were forlorn looking in the rain. Houses seemed in disrepair north of Cocoa Beach.

The people in this area are very proud of the space program and the prominent role played by local workers in its success. It's scary to think that the future will not live up to the expectations of the present.

There was no sign of recession when we went to 4 PM mass at Our Saviour's Church. We arrived late at 3:50 or so, and the church was packed with worshippers who seemed to have plenty of $$$.. We had to stand on the sidelines, so to speak, until Bob made me sit in a confessional at the back of the church. I made a spectacle of myself when I sat down and grabbed the non-existent arms of the chair. The two other occupants of the confessional glared at me, so I was not surprised when they washed their hands with sanitizer after the exchange of peace. It was not that bad -- feeling conspicuous has made it so in my mind.

The weather had already brightened by the time we left church. We stopped for a Subway sandwich that we had in our room, watching the walkers on the beach and enjoying the sunset on the Banana River.

Sunny Afternoon in Cocoa Beach

The day did not have a great beginning (http://hennesseytkr.blogspot.com/2010/02/airport-2010.html), and the announcement on Delta 2248 to Orlando was jarring: 34 degrees in Orlando! We half expected an unpleasant arrival but we were wrong: the sun was shining and the chilly weather was fine for us. We had a fairly long walk to pick up our car and I remember sweating profusely under similar circumstances in the past. Instead, we were very comfortable walking to the parking garage to pick up our midnight blue Chevy Impala.

It is always breathtaking to cross the Indian River, and then the Banana River. People were fishing and everything just seemed to be unfolding as it should on this brilliant Florida late morning. Cocoa Beach didn't seem as shockingly shabby as we found it several years ago, after the hurricanes did a lot of damage on the Space Coast. We were both feeling a little spaced out, so we stopped for lunch at McDonalds for a tasty lenten fish sandwich.

The Hilton parking lot was fairly empty, not the way I remember it from previous visits. Luckily, we got a great parking spot using my Minnesota disability tag. Our room was ready -- a good thing because we were both very, very tired. Both my knees were killing me, and I was afraid that I would be moaning and groaning all afternoon but such was not the case.

A lot of the hotel seems dated, including our room. However, the bathroom is newer and our view is absolutely stunning: miles of beach, light surf, and the lovely green of Fischer Park just south of the hotel. The seabirds were fishing and warmly dressed beachwalkers were simply enjoying a beautiful, if somewhat cold, spring afternoon.

We found a warmish corner on the hotel deck, where we spent most of the afternoon. I was thrilled to see people gathering for a beach wedding. Most of the guests were in black, and many of the women had not jacket or sweater of very light summer dresses. The idea of wearing very high heels on the beach seemed ridiculous to me, but not surprisingly, Bob very much enjoyed being a spectator.

We have nothing left in us tonight, and I can't even muster the energy to go for a swim. We' ll have dinner in the hotel restaurant and then watch some Olympic highlights. Tomorrow promises to be cold and rainy, at least for part of the day, so our activities may be indoors rather than on the beach. I'm not cracking open the sunscreen yet!

Packing our Bags for Cocoa Beach

The weather is cold this year -- we're looking at 63 degrees when we arrive in Cocoa Beach on Friday. This is almost a last minute junket for us: my surgeon approved my return to work for March 11, two weeks later than the date I had requested.

We decided to spend 10 days in Florida. It will be great to go outside without having to worry about slipping on the ice, and I'm looking forward to exercising in the pool. My goal is to walk without a cane by the time we return. And no limp! The limp is very tiring and it's throwing off my posture.

Because we didn't book our flights until two weeks ago, the condo rental market had dried up and we had to make a hotel reservation. Not feeling very adventurous, we decided to stay at the Hilton, a hotel we know from the Friday night seafood buffet we've enjoyed on previous visits.