posted 08-11-2001 07:40 AM               

John Wardell (jdwardell@adelphia.net)had invited me to attend the launch with him, as he received a pass from the Mission Commander, Scott Horowitz as they were Instructor Pilots in the T-38 while in the Air Force, in the early 80's. John lives only about 30ish minutes south of me, and Ilive about an hour and a half south of KSC. We drove up Wednesday night as he was invited to the family reception the night before the launch at the Astro Hall of Fame. So after brief visits to the AHOF and KSC Visitors Centers gift shops, we went back to the AHOF for the reception. What a great time, although of course, the crew was in quarantine and could not attend. Paul Lockhart, an unflown astro with an upcoming mission in April was there in his blue flight suit, and I BELIEVE I saw Hoot Gibson across the room, but Im not sure. But the reception was very nicely done with fabulous (free) food. They had a plethora of STS 105 CPs and Horowitz Portrait pics as you came in, and I mean a plethora. Found out later they had some "signed" ones there too, but some (jerk) guy passed John and I as we entered, leaving at a high rate of speed clutching a large stack of lithos. Im sure they were the "signed" ones, that I suspect were autopens. If he had them, I HOPE they WERE autopens but still, I would have liked ONE anyway. I hope hes reading this and knows Im calling him a jerk. If you are, feel free to email me. If they start showing up on eBay with a local area please let me know too.

Next day, Karen Mauer (kmam2@aol.com) had arrived and she joined John and I, along with Jimmy Brown and Joel Katzowitz (please forgive me Joel if I misspelled it, I do not have your card near by)for breakfast. NICE time, I enjoyed your company Joel and am duly impressed with your involvement in the hobby. Afterwards, they departed for the Press Site, and the 3 of us rendevoused with David Kurz (spacefan@handtech.com) and Tom Neal (taneal@bellsouth.net) and all went together to the VC for bus boarding. Made it to the site, only to sit and wait for a scrub. In the heat. And humidity.

Afterwards, the 5 of us proceeded to the Fat Boys BBQ Restaurant in Cocoa Beach (the original of the chain that was frequented by Astronauts from Day 1) where in either 1967 or 1968 I sat a table away from Wally Schirra and Jim McDivitt. On the wall were portraits of all the pre-Shuttle astro's, signed, and faded. Even a John Young Gemini space suit pic fading....<sniff>....<G> Great tmosphere but lousy service.

Afterwards, off to Ken Havekottes house for an evening to remember. Let me just sum that visit up by saying there is always and always will be, a discussion over who has the best and most toys. Let me put that discussion to rest by saying when during the tour we went out into his garage, he had to move a panel from a Saturn rocket. Nuff said, right? <G>

Ken was the most gracious host ever, and thank you Ken for the highlight of our "mission". And what a wonderful treat to see Theresa again. Only the best of wishes for happiness to the two of you. She is such a nice girl and was a very gracious hostess as well. You made a great choice there.....<G>

So there you go friends and neighbors, a summary of a wonderful time, only lacking a launch which did get off the next day after us experienced Florida folks who are all also pilots decided to go on home, except for the only non pilot (Karen) who stayed. <G> Showed who the smart one was.....<G>

So next time when we ask who is attending, make sure if you are you speak up! See what you may have missed?

Cheers!

posted 08-11-2001 06:08 PM               

As impressive as that Saturn V piece may seem, it is an everyday occurance with Ken....
He attends hardware auctions regularly, and I am guessing he acquired that piece from a gentlemen who passed away last year.....whose name escapes me.
But, as guess only.....

Having owned my own flown shuttle tile, nothing surprises me that Ken has.

We all joked with Florian, that he was taking a shuttle back to Stuttgart...piece by piece....<G>

posted 08-11-2001 07:45 PM               

How recognizable is the Saturn panel? Is it the type where a semi-knowledge individual (a.k.a. they have seen what an assembled Saturn V looks like) would recognize the piece without being told?

posted 08-12-2001 12:10 AM               

Well, I have learned a lot, met lots of good people on CollectSpace, so I'll know better for my next launch viewing attempt.

posted 08-12-2001 01:36 PM               

(2) Of course nothing suprises me as to what Ken has, but no many how many times I see it Im still, like a kid, in awe. My point was in showing that no matter who has what in their collection, seeing apiece of a Saturn rocket shoots his collection so far ahead of anyone elses.....as thats only a small piece of it....

Ken is DA MAN....

posted 08-12-2001 01:39 PM               

Sitting L-R: Tom Neal, John Wardell and Ken Havekotte

Standing L-R: Joel K., Karen Mauer, me, Jimmy Brown.
http://members.aol.com/albatron/105group.jpg