posted 02-16-2005 03:22 PM               

I have no interest in stirring up a hornet's nest here, and I've got to tell you I have had the best experiences with good people like Lin LeBlanc- she's wonderful.

Just a question- Has the $150 admission price for the AHOF Gala had any effect on anyone's desire or ability to attend? Does this seem a little high to anyone?

In 2001, I think it the event cost $50-60 AND as a bonus, guys like Lovell, Cooper, Haise, Worden, etc., etc., etc. sat at tables and signed and visited with anyone who wanted to approach them. There were long lines, but this was such a neat experience!

Now the price has almost tripled to attend the gala, and the bonus signings are gone.

I know it's a great cause and seeing our heroes is priceless and all, but that's a lot of clams just to be able to attend the gala. I wanted to take my wife and daughter to the gala this year (the baby's too young), but I can't justify spending $450 for a family of three to walk into any event anywhere.

Any feelings on this?

posted 02-16-2005 05:12 PM               

FYI- I deleted my emails and forgot to save one from someone who wanted to hook up an help with hotel/rental car and stuff like that. Can you email me again. Sorry- brain fart time!!

posted 02-17-2005 11:36 AM               

Bryan--you and I were to hook up on car rental and room. I was searching air flights in and out of Orlando last night. I will email and/or phone you to connect further.

Dr. Rob--the format has somewhat changed regarding the "dinner." It had been an outdoor (Jimmy) buffet around the amphitheater and I don't recall eating anything as we tried to get in two or three lines to meet astronauts and get autographs. The cost of the evening "dinner" did not include admission to KSC either day.

Now you get a three day pass plus an incredible sit down dinner at the Saturn V center (so the cost is a bit more). I had a scholarship winner at my table, and I think, maybe Rob Joiner. The singer from the Byrds gave a great concert as post dinner entertainment.

After the dinner, you got to mingle.

Four tremendous highlights for me: (1) I got to chat with (former teacher) astronaut Barbara Morgan and her husband. This was worth the drive from Maryland and back (that weekend) (did I hear someone say I was crazy for driving that far???) (2) I had young lad who was about to ask Gordo Cooper for an autograph ask Gordo, "Who is the best pilot you ever saw?" (just couldn't resist, and there was a big smile on Gordo's face) (3) had my picture taken with one of my heroes, John Young. (4) As I was about to have a picture taken with Wally Schirra, Wally asked my if I had ever heard of Cedna (or Sedna). He was talking with an astronomy youngster moments before. I panicked and couldn't come up with the answer even though I knew it was a recently discovered mini-planet beyond the orbit of Pluto (discovered by young Dr. Chad Trjullo and Dr. Brown I think).

Although I miss the autograph lines where I have made good space friends like you and remember getting autographs and quick conversation with Fred Haise, Wally, Rusty, and Dr. Garriott, the evening dinner was incomparable to any that I have ever been to.

Remember to the two outdoor inductions--one where an eagle flew overhead, and another in a monsoon?

At $150 per person, it gets to be expensive for a family, but the memories. . . (and our early astronauts will not be around forever)

posted 04-07-2005 10:26 PM            

It appears from what she told me that there were two levels of tickets for the event. One at $150 per person, and another at $400 per person for "VIP" tickets. The difference as explained was that the astronauts will only be attending the VIP reception and that seats for the Induction ceremony will be closer to the front. She didn't say which tickets she'd got for us (and I haven't seen the bill yet :-)

posted 04-09-2005 09:11 PM               

What an awesome anniversary gift from your wife. . . maybe you could get her the same gift next year (just kidding).

First, you want to check out on CollectSpace who is scheduled to attend. Do you have any lithos of them? Can you write to the Astronaut office in Houston for lithos? Do you have any books that you want to get autographed? Do you have any generic shuttle or space photos that you might want signed--are they in a book?

Second, don't forget that camera. We've gotten some memorable photographs of astronauts and us.

Third, don't be afraid to talk with fellow enthusiasts at astro encounter, in lines, at the dinner table. I've made tremendous friendships this way.

Fourth, enjoy your visit to KSC and the AHOF--so much history to absorb. And don't forget to dream as you are seeing the exhibits.

Finally, don't forget to come back. Each year is different.

posted 04-27-2005 12:10 PM               

Who's comming? Burbank Redux? Drop me an email, I'm on the plane in 18 hours.