Jon, It's sad, not many remember Apollo 1 and the crew. Missions were laser fast in the sixties and there were too many positive NASA milestones to keep folks positive. I remember playing with our Marx astronaut set and building a model of the lunar lander. Space was huge and many kids wanted to be an astronaut. As you alluded to, If it weren't for the snafu's on that training day in '67, the tragedy could have occured on Apollo 11. Likely making the lunar landing just a dream and nothing more.
When you visit, it's hard to disregard the tragedies and there were many. Though the kids are filled with adventure, many adults at KSC are somber. It's a special experience. I frequently think of those three heroes and the other victims, when looking up the beach at Canaveral Light from our little place on the Cape. Geek or not, put Kennedy on your bucket list.
You can lookup orbitting times for the ISS in your area. It occurs just before dawn and right after dusk, sometimes twice a day! It's remarkably easy to spot, especially when the shuttle is docked (as it is now). It's even more stunning when they separate and the shuttle trails the Int'l space station by many miles. Kids love it.
http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata...=United+States
Just a few steps from the lighthouse is the decommisioned Pad 34. Launch site of Apollo's 1 and 7. Shot from Jetty Park pier, Canaveral inlet;
