At dawn in Cocoa Beach and Cape Canaveral, the sun glows on the horizon. Flocks of gulls glide over the water and sanderling scamper back and forth just ahead of the capricious tide. The only sound is the murmur of the restless ocean and the occasional cry of a gull. Later, anglers migrate to Canaveral Pier and cast their lines into the surf. Others stroll along the shore enjoying silent thoughts. As the day grows, swimmers and surfers flood the waters and sunbathers stake out on the soft sand. Cocoa Beach and The Cape are electrified with excitement. Anglers set sail to offshore waters for shrimp, trout, and sailfish. Swimmers dive into pools and tennis players volley back and forth at the many courts available. Near Canaveral Pier, a bevy of surfers charge to shore.
Nearby, at the Kennedy Space Center in Titusville, a rocket on the front lawn lures the curious inside and propels them into the realms of fantasy. Tourists meander through labyrinthine halls, pausing to study each exhibit. And a bus filled with passengers heads to the Air Force Station's research and development laboratory. They will stop en route to view the launch pad, assembly building, Mission Control and museum.
Merritt Island National Refuge extends for 140,000 acres of diversified habitats. Home to nearly 500 species of wildlife, 15 of which are on the endangered list, the refuge offers a 7-mile auto route and four hiking trails that are a quarter mile to five miles in length. This is an excellent setting for nature photography. Boating and fishing are also available here.
When the sun begins to droop and the busy day comes to an end, a silence sweeps over the beach and the shore, once again, is claimed by the voracious tide. Dusk falls and the air chills as a crisp breeze skims over the water. Buildings snap on their lights, one by one. It's time now for inner thoughts ? inner peace ? at the end of an unforgettable day.
Cocoa Beach and The Cape are about 50 miles from Orlando.