After the mass last Sunday, hubby decided to take the route home towards NASA Parkway which is also known as NASA Causeway. This NASA Parkway begins on the mainland when Columbia Boulevard crosses U.S. Route 1 in Titusville.This is actually just around our neighborhood but, we love to take this route to have a glimpse of the dolphins along the Indian River Lagoon and wild gators along the wet area of NASA/Kennedy Space Center property.
The NASA Parkway West crosses the Indian River Lagoon. A bascule bridge which you see above permits boats on the Intercoastal Waterway to pass through the causeway. Right now, there is a construction so; only one bridge is working both ways for the motorists.
We just passed by the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. I was hoping to see the big gator sunbathing in the right side of the ditch or small canal. I saw a big gator for the first time but, that was a week ago and I did not bring my camera. I took a picture using my blackberry but, the zoom is limited so; I did not get a good shot. The gator is not there anymore.
We took the route along Space Commerce Way which is also known as Government Road. One time, we saw tourists stopping by to take pictures of wild small gators on the small canal. Big ones? We saw one time and that was it. But, sure they are just here around and they are protected. The photo above is the Indian River Lagoon and there's a boat , they are fishing in there.
When you visit the Kennedy Space Center, you will pass NASA Parkway for sure and see the beautiful view along this area. This is really nice at sunset. You will get a full view and it is gorgeous at sunset with reflections on the waters of Indian River Lagoon.
I really don't know the name of this tiny island. If you look closely, you will see a boat and there were people swimming in that area. I don't know if it is safe though. Gators can come up to this area you know. So far, I don't hear any incident yet.
I took a zoom and now, see the boat?
Here's another boat on the other side of the river.
From the look, I think this is a small fishing boat. It looks like the fishing boat in Biloxi, Mississippi ^_^ . Anyway, from the bridge, the Parkway passes the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex but, the general public is not permitted beyond the area. The NASA security gate permits access to authorized tour buses only. If you wanna visit Kennedy Space Center then, you can go further on this road via the Kennedy Space Center tour bus.
Aside from the bus tour, also allowed are the Kennedy Space Center staff and supply vehicles.The photo above is the Hall of Fame, part of the attractions of the Kennedy Space Center. If you want to take a picture with this as the background, you can do so because this is just along the road. Located right after the draw bridge if you are heading towards US 1.
Thanks for stopping by.
Giant gators just like to relax on the side of the road eh? Sounds like a hoot! :D
ReplyDeletehehehe... i will post photos that I took ..saw them on the roadside canal
DeleteDid it rain after that tour? Looks gloomy but still refreshing to see the ocean.
ReplyDeletethat's a river, I mentioned it above :-) and we did not take the tour Rose hehehe ... that's just our normal route heading home ... about 15 minutes ride
DeleteLovely photos. I live in Florida but have not seen these places. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGood to know what else is in the area.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful drive! Thanks for sharing it with those of us who can't see it in person.
ReplyDeleteI hate it when I don't get a good picture of an animal and they aren't there again. I would have loved to have seen the picture of the gator. I really enjoy all of the pictures you posted.
ReplyDeletethanks Melinda ... I will share a close up picture of a gator soon :-)
Deletei love road trips.:) i love taking pictures of sights along the way just like you did. love your photos!
ReplyDeleteWell, what do you know about heading to NASA...hopefully to visit that place when we have our visit someday
ReplyDeleteI would love to go see NASA
ReplyDelete