Watch a space shuttle launch

After driving up to Titusville to watch the launch from the coast, it was cancelled. Fortunately, we had plans to camp at Weikwa Springs State Park, so the weekend wasn’t a total wash. Storms, schedule, and an obnoxious, pimple-faced punk kept us from canoeing in the river, but we still had a nice day swimming in the chilly spring and lounging in the warm sun. Well, until it started storming, at least. :)

We drove back to Miami on Sunday, and I had to work Monday. Since we had Tuesday free, I knew I would be really unhappy if they launched and I wasn’t there to see it. GF didn’t think I’d be up for the drive again, so she was thrilled when I said I wanted to go.

And I am SO glad we did.

Traffic was way better on Tuesday. Though I got pulled over on the way up (and threatened with a 3rd degree felony!), the trooper let me go with a warning.

We got to the coast quickly and even had time to get a couple hot dogs before staking out our spot to watch the launch. I got some decent photos, but didn’t focus too much on it, because I didn’t want to miss out on the experience itself.

It was so amazing to hear and feel the rumble from the shuttle. It didn’t come until a few seconds after the launch, and sounded like a massive herd of everything stampeding at us. Wow.

The shuttle itself was awesome to watch, but the experience was so much richer for the crowd gathered there on the shore. Everyone was so full of wonder and awe, it was just a great thing to be a part of.

I’m so glad we had that opportunity. It was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen.

NASA Eyes 3 Shuttle Flights in ‘06 !!!

Unfortunately, the first projected flight date of May 10 is a Wednesday. Still, I might be able to pull it off.

If I am completely unable to see a shuttle launch before the fleet is retired, I won’t be THAT upset, though. I doubt the successor to the shuttle will be any less spectacular of a monster. Environmentally disastrous, but spectacular. :)

I’m really excited for this. Fingers crossed!

It’s about a 3.5 or 4 hour drive to Titusville, only. I want to do this while I live so nearby. I tried to see the last shuttle launch (Discovery?), but they delayed it so many times and eventually launched on a weekday. Not convenient for me, but the delays were necessary for the safety of the astronauts, so I can’t complain.

Hopefully the next launch will go more smoothly, and I will be able to see it.