Vandenberg Launch Roadtrip -

kwhopper89 · 01-07-2011, 08:22 AM

Met up with frose yesterday afternoon to discuss getting some sort of Central California gathering or run. (Kingsburgs April date no longer works for me). And we tossed around a couple ideas. Looks like a possible Hwy 1 Big Sur run in late summer - or perhaps a run up thru the Giant Sequoias on the Generals Highway is in the works.... Well keep you posted...

In the meantime - how about a quick run over to the coast???

It seems that the next launch from Vandenberg is 'scheduled' for:

JAN 17
Time: To be announced (MY comment: Most likely EARLY morning)
Launch Vehicle: Delta IV Heavy SLC-6
Comments: Vehicle will launch the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office's NROL-49 payload

As you all know - this schedule will most likely slip - but what the heck - it's not too often that I can get over there for a launch - and Monday the 17th is MLK Day - so I'm off...

Delta IV - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

I think I may shoot for "The Skyview Motel" in Los Alamos - may be able to watch the launch from their parking lot????

Welcome to the Skyview - The Skyview Motel Los Alamos, CA. The affordable, comfortable place to stay while visiting the Santa Ynez Valley.
The Skyview Motel
9150 Highway 101
PO Box 12
Los Alamos California 93440
805-344-3770 or toll free 888-226-6665
dstevens@theskyviewmotel.com

I'll most likely leave the Valley Sunday morning-ish - it may be a long evening so a real early start isn't needed.... Maybe dinner at The Hitchin' Post in Casmalia???

Bondo Princess · 01-07-2011, 08:37 AM

Keith...................great idea, you can count Lloyd and I "in." We'll make a reservation at the suggested motel for Sunday night. It's been a long time since we have seen you and many of the central Cal fanatics.

Gerry

kwhopper89 · 01-07-2011, 10:06 AM

Well Howdy Strangers!

I thought maybe that you two had relocated to Parlier and opened a nightclub!

Lloyd & Geri's
13465 E Manning Ave, Parlier, CA 93648
(559) 646-0525

Tried to get the street view image, but it didn't show the sign well enough!

\\

frose · 01-09-2011, 02:32 PM

Keith:

we will be joining the group unfortunately the Skyview was booked but we will be staying close by. Sent you a Pm about leaving together.

BlueStreak · 01-09-2011, 02:45 PM

Wish I could join you but have an appointment for that morning that I dare not change. If the date changes please keep me in the loop.

kwhopper89 · 01-10-2011, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frose

Keith:
we will be joining the group unfortunately the Skyview was booked but we will be staying close by. Sent you a Pm about leaving together.

Well I guess I should have called to make a reservation - I didn't figure it would be very busy this weekend...

frose: Where are you staying?

kwhopper89 · 01-10-2011, 09:31 AM

Made reservations at the Radisson in Santa Maria...

kwhopper89 · 01-11-2011, 09:49 AM

Time of Launch: JAN 17 @ 13:08... (FYI: One website is listing the date as 1/20???)

Sooo - no need to get up in the middle of the night to observe!

The SLC-6 launch facilities are located in the far southern portion of the Base.

May try to get out to Jalama Beach for the launch (Or at least on the road...)

kwhopper89 · 01-11-2011, 10:57 AM

...Looks like the Delta will launch Jan 20th! Dang-it!!!

Per United Launch Alliance: http://www.ulalaunch.com/site/pages/Launch.shtml#/13/

I'm keeping the reservations - and still plan on Dinner at The Hitchin' Post in Casmalia...

For those that want to watch the launch - a WEBCAST will be at (and start 25 min before launch):

:::: United launch Alliance, LLC ::::

Bondo Princess · 01-11-2011, 11:14 AM

Keith..............thanks for the update. Looks like Lloyd and I will have to meet up with you some other time. Continue the summer plans that you proposed!

Gerry

frose · 01-11-2011, 12:28 PM

sorry to hear the launch date changed, I'm going to cancel my reservation, but would enjoy driving over for the day.

kwhopper89 · 01-11-2011, 01:38 PM

Well - just got back from Lunch with the 51% vote holder. SHE said we should reschedule too.

My reservations are being cancelled.

So - after the delays for weather etc etc - maybe see you all over there near the 29th - 30th ???

I'll miss The Hitchin' Post Steak Dinner - but I'll over-compensate for it with a home grilled Rib-Eye smothered in Roasted Garlic and Onion Jam...

LTs SSR · 01-11-2011, 06:52 PM

Would love to join you guys!!! Have some fun for me!!

Mrs Duck · 01-23-2011, 08:57 PM

Might be interested in the summer run. Sounds good I love being in the sequoia's. Let us know what the plans may be

Mrs Duck
Anne J