The first time we attended an ROCC Launch event was March of 2009.  This was an interesting experience, as one larger size rocket malfunctioned.  Its parachute failed to open and it torpedoed into the ground.  I followed the crowd that embarked to find its landing spot.

Another time we attended an ROCC Launch event and took lots of picture was January of 2010.  This is a good time to mention that rocket launches are a great venue for budding (or professional) photographers.  You have lots of opportunities to get that perfect launch shot.

The command center.

One of the greatest part of launching your own rockets is that your launch is announced by the Launch Control Officer (LCO) over the loudspeakers.

Rockets line the launch pad.

The launch pad is filled to capacity before launching.  This means periods of dead time between launches.  It is much like a tailgate during these times and many people grill hot dogs and hang out.  When launching happens, all of the rockets are launched consecutively.

Discussing a launch.

Many high school and college groups come to events like this for trial runs of rockets they have created in preparation of competing in rocket competitions.

Launching a rocket.

Many of the launches are quite impressive.  The larger motor sizes lead to launches that look like mini Nasa launches.

A launch with black smoke.

It is an interesting surprise to see what type of reaction will be caused by the motors – red and white flames are common.  Occasionally a launch will have black smoke instead of the traditional whitish color.

Another great rocket launch!

Looks like a great day, doesn’t it?  I will admit that I wasn’t really into all this rocketry geekery – but I went at Adam’s request.  I wound up enjoying myself even more than he did!  (*Update* After reading this, Adam claims that he had more fun than I did.)

Find a local rocketry club near you through the National Association of Rocketry.

Oh yeah, for those of you curious to Adam’s home-made rocket endeavors, here you go!  I advise to not try this at home.  (Apparently we aren’t the only ones using a creative license when it comes to rocketry. On a related crazy note, watch a child get his tooth pulled out by a rocket here!)

Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages five to twelve, and free for children four and under.  It is a great deal considering it provides several hours of amusement and learning.

If you are looking for a specific reptile or other exotic pet, it is a perfect venue to meet the breeder and haggle a price.  Here is a photographic journey of our experience.

When first visiting an animal convention, we were surprised at how animals were displayed.

Acrylic cases and plastic tubs were ubiquitous.

The plastic containers housed frogs.  I think this picture is a great candidate for speech bubbles!

The containers also housed tarantulas and other eight legged creatures.  This particular specimen, a “Cameroon Giant Red Baboon”, turned upside down for his (or her!) picture.  It turns out this particular tarantula like to burrow.

This leopard gecko also appeared to be a lover of the camera.  I was also a lover of his “tangerine” color.

This bearded dragon gets a healthy diet.  I was very impressed by the passion and obviously well taken care of dragons from the breeders at Carolina Designer Dragons.  Our next future addition to our household may be one of their sweet dragons!

Vendors unknowingly (or perhaps very knowingly) put on a free show.  This albino python was a hefty weight to carry.

One of my favorite aspects of Repticon is the educational aspect.  There are informational shows every 2 hours about reptiles and other creatures.  You are also able to interact with many different types of animals during the show (if you volunteer).  “Hey kids, want to hold a corn snake?”

Overall it was a great experience and well worth the admission price.  It makes me wonder what other type of lovely conventions are out there for me to attend…  My dad and uncle “in-law” recently attended an orchid convention, so obviously they have them for a myriad of interests.   If I attend another random convention, I will post.  If you have a convention suggestion, let me know about it.

Here is a gallery of the images from the Charlotte Repticon January 2010 and 2009.

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