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1
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 10, 11:33pm
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 10, 11:33pm
I probably won't be able to meet up due to work schedule combined with holiday back and forth across the state, but I'd suggest the Warbirds Museum in Titusville, just a hop away from the Space Center, which is also pretty damn good and not super expensive to get in. There's also a lesser known US Army/Air Force Missile museum by the Cruise Lines, but I haven't been yet.
If you're in the truck, it's good camping weather most nights and Manatee Hammock is real good and cheap, I take my kids there. Great views of a launch, too.
The beaches around Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach is some of the best surfing on the East Coast, but can be rough for taking a dip sometimes. There's also Jetty Park beach which is a good place if you're in the mood to camp, can walk to the Ocean from your campsite.
The weather's been pretty good even cool some nights. By cool I mean 50s (at worst) and 60s. Camping season in Florida is definitely the winter!
If you run through Miami be sure to stop at a Cuban Diner and have a Medianoche. Totally different than Mexican cuisine.
If you're in the truck, it's good camping weather most nights and Manatee Hammock is real good and cheap, I take my kids there. Great views of a launch, too.
The beaches around Cape Canaveral/Cocoa Beach is some of the best surfing on the East Coast, but can be rough for taking a dip sometimes. There's also Jetty Park beach which is a good place if you're in the mood to camp, can walk to the Ocean from your campsite.
The weather's been pretty good even cool some nights. By cool I mean 50s (at worst) and 60s. Camping season in Florida is definitely the winter!
If you run through Miami be sure to stop at a Cuban Diner and have a Medianoche. Totally different than Mexican cuisine.
3
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 10, 11:37pm
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 10, 11:37pm
I'm actually thinking tent now that you mention that. One night in a row max. I need a shower. Very curious how warm it'll be far South. Do you know if any launches are upcoming? I barely missed one from Disney World when I was there for that wedding. It was canceled or something.
4
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 10, 11:40pm
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 10, 11:40pm
It'll be warm most days, but can get cool at night. Right now it's in the upper 50s, just came back from my goodnight decaf. I have the backdoor open and the HVAC off.
Helluva lot better than 89 with 90% humidity though.
If you bring a light jacket/sweats and a decent blanket you'll be fine. Won't need it in the day, just at night and only if you camp outside or go out after sundown sometimes, I took the kids out last month and it "dropped" to about 60 at night. Back to the 70s not long after sunrise.
The West coast might be different, I think the Panhandle can get cooler. The South (of Port Saint Lucie) might not drop off so much and might be more damp and uncomfortable without a fan.
Helluva lot better than 89 with 90% humidity though.
If you bring a light jacket/sweats and a decent blanket you'll be fine. Won't need it in the day, just at night and only if you camp outside or go out after sundown sometimes, I took the kids out last month and it "dropped" to about 60 at night. Back to the 70s not long after sunrise.
The West coast might be different, I think the Panhandle can get cooler. The South (of Port Saint Lucie) might not drop off so much and might be more damp and uncomfortable without a fan.
5
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 10, 11:45pm
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 10, 11:45pm
Falcon 9 | 425 Project Flight 4, 5, Astranis MicroGEO, Cygnus CRS-2 NG-22, USSF-31, ViaSat-3 F3
Scheduled: December 31, 2025, around midnight
Operator: SpaceX (and others)
Details: Multiple missions are tentatively scheduled for the same timeframe, including national security, commercial, and resupply missions. Exact times and visibility depend on final launch updates.
Hmmm... I will probably miss that unless the St. Pete's plan changes. I could terminate the trip early if I get tired of being away from home. I never have much of a plan for these sorts of road trips, just go with the flow, whatever I want to do that day.
Scheduled: December 31, 2025, around midnight
Operator: SpaceX (and others)
Details: Multiple missions are tentatively scheduled for the same timeframe, including national security, commercial, and resupply missions. Exact times and visibility depend on final launch updates.
Hmmm... I will probably miss that unless the St. Pete's plan changes. I could terminate the trip early if I get tired of being away from home. I never have much of a plan for these sorts of road trips, just go with the flow, whatever I want to do that day.
6
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 10, 11:45pm
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 10, 11:45pm
Oh one more thing, the best campground in FL according to many, and I agree so far:
https://www.brevardfl.gov/ParksAndRecreation/Campgrounds
This is just north of Sebastian Inlet. You can camp right next to the Intercoastal, walk just feet right into it, fire grill and electric provided, tent or RV no problem. Very nice bathroom and showers.
https://www.brevardfl.gov/ParksAndRecreation/Campgrounds
This is just north of Sebastian Inlet. You can camp right next to the Intercoastal, walk just feet right into it, fire grill and electric provided, tent or RV no problem. Very nice bathroom and showers.
7
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 10, 11:49pm
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 10, 11:49pm
Maga_Chaos_Monkey says
There's only a 2-3 hour trip between St. Pete and Space Coast, but Dec 31 wouldn't be a great time to drive across Orlando or do any driving. There is a Falcon launch scheduled I think the 28th, but there is another Starlink and the USSF#31 payload on a Falcon scheduled for this month, but TBD right now. EDIT: And a MicroGEO launch
Weird to get so used to launches now, ha! I can now tell the rocket from the sound, or rather NON-Falcon launches.
Hmmm... I will probably miss that unless the St. Pete's plan changes. I could terminate the trip early if I get tired of being away from home. I never have much of a plan for these sorts of road trips, just go with the flow, whatever I want to do that day.
There's only a 2-3 hour trip between St. Pete and Space Coast, but Dec 31 wouldn't be a great time to drive across Orlando or do any driving. There is a Falcon launch scheduled I think the 28th, but there is another Starlink and the USSF#31 payload on a Falcon scheduled for this month, but TBD right now. EDIT: And a MicroGEO launch
Weird to get so used to launches now, ha! I can now tell the rocket from the sound, or rather NON-Falcon launches.
8
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 10, 11:51pm
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 10, 11:51pm
Nice, I most certainly will check that out. I didn't consider driving the barrilands but I really should, I've done that in TX but I had a jeep and 4 trucks with me because we get stuck.
But Florida looks like it has real roads most/all of the way. Truck isn't setup for tricky sand.
I want to check out the Haulover Inlet too. Mostly due to the many boat fails videos I've seen.
But Florida looks like it has real roads most/all of the way. Truck isn't setup for tricky sand.
I want to check out the Haulover Inlet too. Mostly due to the many boat fails videos I've seen.
9
Patrick
2025 Dec 10, 11:52pm
Patrick
2025 Dec 10, 11:52pm
I was put off by Miami Beach, which has a Vegas rip-off vibe to it.
I liked this Portuguese restaurant in Miami proper, near Viscaya Gardens:
https://bragarestaurant.com/
Good quality for the price.
Little Havana was interesting.
I didn't understand the attraction of the keys. Seemed like an eternally long strip mall, though there is some nice natural scenery.
I liked this Portuguese restaurant in Miami proper, near Viscaya Gardens:
https://bragarestaurant.com/
Good quality for the price.
Little Havana was interesting.
I didn't understand the attraction of the keys. Seemed like an eternally long strip mall, though there is some nice natural scenery.
10
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 10, 11:56pm
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 10, 11:56pm
FreeAmericanDOP says
Nutz!
I had a buddy that was a stripper than wound up an aircraft mechanic then teaching it at University then testing military weapons on the beach not too far from the launch sites. His job was basically blowing shit up on the beach. 6 figure job doing that too!
I haven't spoken to him in 5 years but the last 3 he seems to be in Dubai with hot chicks around him all of the time. I should really give him a call soon haha. Maaaybe he's home while I'm there. I forgot about that.
Weird to get so used to launches now, ha! I can now tell the rocket from the sound, or rather NON-Falcon launches.
Nutz!
I had a buddy that was a stripper than wound up an aircraft mechanic then teaching it at University then testing military weapons on the beach not too far from the launch sites. His job was basically blowing shit up on the beach. 6 figure job doing that too!
I haven't spoken to him in 5 years but the last 3 he seems to be in Dubai with hot chicks around him all of the time. I should really give him a call soon haha. Maaaybe he's home while I'm there. I forgot about that.
11
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 10, 11:56pm
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 10, 11:56pm
Maga_Chaos_Monkey says
And probably Haulover Beach, same general area. Famous for being the only public nude beach in Florida.
But yeah, Biscayne Bay is paradise for boat lovers.
Oh, and Coral Castle, which is on US1 in Homestead. Ed used the "magic" of leverage to build as a monument to his lost teenage love. He suggested older women keep the "Fresh" boys occupied so they don't spoil the younger chicks. 1000 Tons by one 5', 120lb man all by manual methods
I want to check out the Haulover Inlet too. Mostly due to the many boat fails videos I've seen.
And probably Haulover Beach, same general area. Famous for being the only public nude beach in Florida.
But yeah, Biscayne Bay is paradise for boat lovers.
Oh, and Coral Castle, which is on US1 in Homestead. Ed used the "magic" of leverage to build as a monument to his lost teenage love. He suggested older women keep the "Fresh" boys occupied so they don't spoil the younger chicks. 1000 Tons by one 5', 120lb man all by manual methods
12
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 10, 11:59pm
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 10, 11:59pm
Patrick says
I really don't plan stopping in Miami but worth driving through. My impression is that it's no place for a guy's guy white guy but I'm really not sure. And yeah, tourist trap stuff.
I might grab some food there so thanks!!
I didn't understand the attraction of the keys. Seemed like an eternally long strip mall, though there is some nice natural scenery.
I really don't plan stopping in Miami but worth driving through. My impression is that it's no place for a guy's guy white guy but I'm really not sure. And yeah, tourist trap stuff.
I might grab some food there so thanks!!
14
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 11, 12:05am
Maga_Chaos_Monkey
2025 Dec 11, 12:05am
Patrick says
Well there I will do some tourist stuff - at least what I've seen Viva (from Viva and Barnes) post - or some of it. Various things like feeding some giant ass fish by hand..
The Key's: I've driven the entire West coast and CA to Gulf shores Alabama. I'd like to complete the perimeter of the US at some point but I've got a long way to go. If I have extra time I was considering driving up to Savannah as well.
There is some sort of ... I don't know what you call it. Air boat, with the huge fan on the back that I want to try out too, down in everglades.
I have a little bit of the Boston area from a work trip last month but that's basically it. I didn't even see NY as it was the wrong side of the plane one leg and cloudy the other.
I didn't understand the attraction of the keys.
Well there I will do some tourist stuff - at least what I've seen Viva (from Viva and Barnes) post - or some of it. Various things like feeding some giant ass fish by hand..
The Key's: I've driven the entire West coast and CA to Gulf shores Alabama. I'd like to complete the perimeter of the US at some point but I've got a long way to go. If I have extra time I was considering driving up to Savannah as well.
There is some sort of ... I don't know what you call it. Air boat, with the huge fan on the back that I want to try out too, down in everglades.
I have a little bit of the Boston area from a work trip last month but that's basically it. I didn't even see NY as it was the wrong side of the plane one leg and cloudy the other.
15
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 11, 12:19am
FreeAmericanDOP
2025 Dec 11, 12:19am
The Everglades are practically devoid of people, one of the few large areas on the East Coast Like that. Aroostock County in Maine, parts of the Carolinas just inland (to a lesser extent), and the Everglades. There's a place called Flamingo (a one way drive since no road cuts East-West through the Everglades south of the Tamiami Trail) that was abandoned because of sheer number of mosquitos and bugs.
Oh, and bioluminous plankton, particularly in the Space Coast Intercoastal:
Airboat rides are everywhere in Florida, as well as Gator places.
Oh, and bioluminous plankton, particularly in the Space Coast Intercoastal:
Airboat rides are everywhere in Florida, as well as Gator places.
I'm planning a road trip over the holidays. That map (I'm not an artist) shows my general planned route. I'm in SF right now finishing up a work trip but after I get home this weekend and sort some things out I'll be leaving mid-next-week, Saturday at the latest.
I've never been except a flight into Disney World for a wedding. So I'm hoping I can get some tips on things I should check out. Mostly just to see stuff, partially to check out potential places I can live part time with East to South coast ocean access part time after I've retired. Given the cost, that might be a boat 3 months out of the year we'll see when the time comes.
The only somewhat firm plan is to meet up with my buddy Matt in St. Pete's for a short visit. He said something about going fishing in the Gulf of America. He had a house on the water there but it was wiped out last year in the hurricanes so I'm not sure what his digs are like lately, I really don't care. Super cool guy, one of my wing men in San Diego. Was like a cool version of Ron Burgundy, free drives at most of the bars downtown.
He moved when he couldn't convince the school in SD to stop teaching his kids that white people are bad.
It would be super cool if anyone wanted to meet for a beer or two. If that means deviating from the route I show to go inland that's fine by me. I don't mind sharing my email addy through Patrick, I've already chatted with a couple of guys on here from other areas. I'd keep that private. Or, we could just use this thread.
If email I don't mind sharing my linked-in or something so you know I'm not some sort of FIB etc. @mell can vouch for me! :)
I'd settle for some tips on things to check out though instead. I get it that people may not be up for meeting others from an anon forum...
I'm hoping to be at Matt's after Christmas, New Year's Eve-ish. I have to be back at work on the 5th.
Oh! Other than Matt's I'll be getting hotels. I'm not looking to couch surf anywhere... I might even sleep in my new Truck some. It has climate control without running the engine constantly.