Working from Naples
We planned a trip to Naples in October of 2019. The plan was to rent Bob and Sheila Hague’s condo in Grandezza and work remotely for two weeks. In December, Mom LeRoy decides she’s leaving All seasons and moving back to Grandezza.
Turns out Mom’s move overlapped with our trip. Lynn and I got to help her move into the new place. Don’t get me wrong; it’s very nice and she seems very happy. It just wasn’t on the original agenda.
In the middle of it all, Lynn went to Winter Haven to help her parents. She went to the doctor with Mom and visited with Lawyers and friends too. They all come to Naples for a few days too.
Dinner for Two 
Fund with Val and Chuckie
Space Launch
One of my bucket list items was completed on this trip. Over almost 30 years of traveling to Florida, I’ve not once seen a live space launch. As Lynn says “Bob was bound and determined to see it this time”
It was scheduled for Saturday but it was obvious that weather was going to scrub the mission until 8:00 the next day. I got up at 3:30 and checked the weather and the NASA sites. It looked like a good day to fly. I left Naples and headed to Cape Canaveral at 4:00. It’s a 3 1/2 hour drive and the
When I arrived the launch was delayed until 9:00. So, I continued to drive closer. I was funneled into the actual space center visitors area. It was $10 to park. When I got to the ticket window, I asked where the best place to view the launch and she said the Saturn Launch viewing area; $50 to enter and a 30 minute bus drive.
I arrived at the viewing area at 9:00 The launch was now delayed until 10:30. Because I was alone, it was easy to find a single spot on the bleachers. The guy in front of me is a tour guide but attended on his own. He could answer every question you asked.
The rocket launched at 10:30 as planned. Feeling the vibration from the launch was incredible. The mission was to test the emergency escape system on the Crew Dragon capsule. The mission was perfect. And, the booster exploded just as planned.
Five minutes after launch I headed to the buses to return to Naples. While in line the guy in front of me was looking at his pictures. I asked him for copies (weird I know). While he was sending them, I asked “where are you from”. Of course, she said Cincinnati. Small world.
Engine Start 
Lift Off 
Cleared the Tower 
Max Q 
Bob’s Viewing Spot 
Bus to Viewing Area 
Visitor Complex
Tisdel Boat
Turns out John Tisdel was in Naples at the same time. He invited us onto his boat for a tour around. It was short and tons of fun. Hopefully, next time we’ll be able to stay longer.
Tis Time 
Captain Alex 
Cruising the Canals 
Sunset 
Departure 
John, Bob and Lynn 
John and Bob