Local Flavor 
Camp David Hunt Club wouldn't exist without the delicate balance of man, machine, and nature. While we may see ripples on the surface... most fishermen and alligator hunters will tell you it's hardly a true indicator of the full scale of action occurring in the depths. Every region of this world harbors magnificent treasures in the unique people and remote places not highlighted on a map. This section presents a trophy of a different kind; exposing the local stories, containing the native peoples and places you may never have the opportunity to experience firsthand. If you're a local author, craftsman, photographer, "Joe", or "Jane" with a great story to share about the Space Coast or Central Florida region, send us an e-mail. Remember, at Camp David Hunt Club we like it outdoors and personal, so hold the couch stories for a different audience.
Rabbit Trails
In much need of a few hours of brainless activity before tackling the weekend list of "to dos", I saddled up on the beach cruiser and pursued the hunt for mental distraction along Indian River Drive in Cocoa, Florida. This is one of those places that immediately shifts the mind and body to vacation mode. Out of sheer ignorance, I can envision myself on some foreign coastline I've never visited, navigating along nameless rivers, greeted at each passing by pleasant faces I may never see again. The view consists of a menagerie of older tin rough shanties next to modern day mansions, dolphins, ducks, white herons, pelicans, gardens, sailboats, glistening waters and glistening skin. I haven't even hit on the smells, some not so pleasant. I recommend building on my description in person as I have in no ways captured all the senses at play or even an inkling of the glory I experience in this setting.
The "Share the Road" adventure winds along the scenic Indian River ecosystem, complete with manimals and all their nestings. It's a seven mile ride from the Four Communities Fire Station at the intersection of US 1 and Indian River Drive to historic downtown Cocoa Village, then another 7 miles south along Rockledge Drive before again intersecting with US 1. The route can be conveniently split up depending on your riding preference, either 14 or 28 miles roundtrip. Often sighted are the spandex clad machines, breathlessly focused on the rubber of the back tire spinning on the bike in front of them, oblivious to all else around them. They pass by in a fragrance of testosterone. There are also the genera of joggers, walkers, and cruisers; all seemingly happy, all bathing in the simple joy of living and breathing.
On this particular afternoon, the hunt led me amid the historic Cocoa Village roads clustered by packs of homosapiens purchasing and displaying wares; handcrafted icons of their culture, cave art, special recipes, tools and instruments. I selected a random sample of the species with a ready smile and a gleam in his eye selling a peek into what I immediately perceived as a squirrelly mind chock-full of acorns for seasons to come. Meet Tom Levine, local author, a man with stories as raw as nature and as twisting as the roads I ride with a smathering of humor; but not quite enough to keep those who prefer distraction to enlightenment separated from the underlying issues riddled in the ink. If you tend to prefer the safety of the shallows, may I suggest donning a life vest to prevent drowning in reality.
My guess is Tom is an outdoor enthusiast with a love of fishing. I picked up a few of his books. I'd heard Tom's name before and racked my distracted brain to recall where. Someone had highly recommended his Paradise Interrupted (there's a few whitetail deer and rabbits set against Orlando's man-scape gracing the cover) and I couldn't pass up on the title, Bite Me , particularly as I had my sister in tow and it was one of her favorite sayings (I think that's a bass on the cover).
Hey Tom, "Jane's" hair color is all wrong on the Paradise Interrupted cover. I pitch for breaking the stereo-typical mold and going red for the reprint, just a personal preference. As a red head, I say a little challenge and spunk tips the scale on more fun, hands down. Blondes, don't hate me, my husband assures me my roots are pale and some of my best friends share your dilemma.
I could kick myself now...Tom had a third book on the table, must have been a new release as it wasn't listed on the www.defiantworm.com website, something about bass fishing in outer space. I'm now suffering from buyer's remorse as I contemplate the predicament I've placed myself in, conquering this week's 2 1/2 hour timed Core Economics quiz or one of Tom's reads. There is never enough life to live. I'll keep you posted on my take of one of Florida's treasured authors and welcome your opinions if you've read any of Tom's books, but don't ruin the moral or the story as I will likely put duty before pleasure; meaning I'll only get to read on potty breaks.
There are a number of shops, restaurants, a local playhouse, park, and regular events in historic downtown Cocoa Village. My favorite trough is Ossorios. I love the vantage point of watching local natives from beneath the umbrella covered outdoor dining area.
Margaret Huppenthal, Staff Writer
Contact: margaret@campdavidhuntclub.com
The Big Bang Theory
So what is it like to be one of those lucky few who watch the Space Shuttle launch on-site at the Kennedy Space Center? Here's a group of Florida's finest minds, and a couple visiting Utians, confirming that we all have a few loose screws. Catch the antics of NASA Engineer, Jim Bolton, as he describes the physics behind getting the most bang for the buck out of a launch (technically, he's describing convergence of sound waves). Jim, I wish we had a few more dozen Space Shuttle launches for you to locate the sweet spot. Unfortunately, I didn't witness any rippling of your slacks. The Atlantis launch, currently scheduled for 8 July 2011 at 11:33 a.m. EDT, will mark the end of the Space Shuttle Program.
