Shuttle Launch (updated with pics)

Here are a few select shots from my last trip.  Unfortunately the cloud cover was low, at around 5000 feet, so that is why I only saw 15 seconds of the show.  The first picture is a NASA press shot – I would have killed to be that close, but being that close will literally kill you.  My vantage point was 12 miles in the direction that the left wing is pointing (west).  I included 2 close-up crops, one shows it just above the tower pretty much at the same height as the press shot.  The second close-up shows it after it has begun the “roll program”, at that point the tail was pointing directly away from me so you can (barely) see the outline of the wings, the rocket boosters and the fuel tank.  I forgot once again to get a telephoto lens for my wife’s camera so these aren’t great on detail – that will have to wait for the next trip down in July…

Back home safe last night around midnight.  I was going to stay the night somewhere in a truck stop or rest stop, but once I did the math I realized if I pushed on I could get a shower and sleep in my own bed.  I could go on and on and get really boring with all the details, but I think what I told my wife last night sums it up.

It was 28 hours of driving with the most exciting 15 seconds of my life in-between.

Nope, not kidding, it was SO worth it.  Unfortunately there was a layer of clouds at 5000 feet so from launch to the point it disappeared was a whole 15 seconds, but I don't regret it.  Definitely going to try to take the family back for Atlantis.  Now it is scheduled for "early July", with no firm date yet.

I promise pictures!  There are so many from the 3 trips that I think I'll start with the "money shots" from this last trip.  I'm going to sort out the best half-dozen at work tomorrow (and reduce their size, they are up to 2 GB each).  Then I need to sort through the rest of the pics.

In the words of Apollo 14's Alan Shepard "...it's been a long way, but we're here."