JEAN DRY LAKE, Nevada USA — Fire and smoke fill the skies, and the sound and fury of high thrust rocket motors echo off the hills surrounding this amateur version of Cape Canaveral, as rocketeers by the hundreds from all walks of life have converged on Jean Dry Lake Bed for the 26th annual "Large and Dangerous Rocket Ships" launch event. 

Although the name is strictly tongue-in-cheek, LDRS 26 is no joke.  LDRS is the national meet for the Tripoli Rocketry Association, and is being hosted by the Rocketry Association of California (ROC) in association with the local chapter of Tripoli in Las Vegas.

Rocketeers from the world over have brought their hand-built creations – some as small as 24 inches, and some as large as telephone poles, complete with complex telemetry systems and on-board cameras – to challenge the laws of physics, and their own building techniques, with flights that conclude with successful parachute recoveries after reaching altitudes reaching into 5 figures at speeds exceeding twice the speed of sound.

Most of the rockets will be on display in the various campsites both before and after their flights.  Their creators, many of whom have appeared on national television, are always happy to answer questions and accommodate photographs.  A small parking donation of $5.00 per car is requested from spectators to help offset land use fees.  Admission to the event itself is free.  In addition, there will be several rocketry vendors and manufacturers in attendance.  Shade will be provided by several on-site sponsors, including an air-conditioned tent housing a rocket showcase.

Spectators are welcome, and the only charge is a $5/day parking donation.  Flights are scheduled to start at 7:00 AM every day, so plan to come out early, and hang out under the provided shade canopies all day (bring a folding chair and plenty of bottled water).  Exit I-15 towards the Gold Strike, turn left at the stop sign on Las Vegas Blvd., and follow the signs to the launch site.

If you've never had the opportunity to see a rocket launch in person, you owe it to yourself to come out and watch.  It's a blast!