Last Launch of the Space Shuttle

Today, the kids and I got to be a part of history when we drove to the space coast to watch the lift off of the Atlantis shuttle.  Even living so close to the launch pad, none of us had ever seen one lift off before and we realized that if we didn't go to this one, we never would either!  We ended up having quite an adventurous day that started when we left the house at about 7:15.  We almost didn't go, since the chance of lift off at that time was only at about 30% due to weather conditions.  But, on the chance that it would go up, we went ahead and packed a lunch, loaded up and headed out - the back way to avoid the traffic!

Everything was going along great as we drove on the back road, pretty much in the middle of nowhere, listening to launch updates and traffic reports of all the people who went the main way who were not moving very fast.  The next thing we knew, traffic was stopping ahead of us and we were sitting - on a two lane road with no detour options and marshy scrub on either side of us.  At this point, there were NO traffic updates about this situation and we had no idea what was going on.  Well, turning around would mean going home since we were so far in the boonies, so we turned off the van and decided to wait.  After a while, we got out to see if we could tell what was up and chatted with a nice lady in front of us.  At this point, most people had either turned around and left or were out of their vehicles. 

The cars in front of us - not too many

The cars behind us - we couldn't even see the end of them!

Zoomed in front after people were getting out.

Zoomed in behind us - lots of people!

We ended up waiting there for an hour and a half!  We found out that there had been a 3 car accident just around the next bend and 2 people had to be airlifted to the hospital.  So sad.

Once they had gotten it all cleared and taken care of, we were back on the road and only about 10 minutes from our destination!  We were headed for a park across the Indian River from the shuttle.  However, we had no idea how to get to where we could actually see the launch.  So, we parked the van, gathered our things and just started walking.  It was a really pretty park with ball fields, lakes, playgrounds, and lots of wildlife.  There were others there, but this was definitely not a well known area because it was not packed.  We passed others as we walked and decided to just keep walking to see how close we could get to the river.  From where we were on the path with others, all we could see was the wetlands marsh (aka TREES) and lots of clouds.  So we walked...

The trees on the left were between us and our destination - how to get through was the dilemma!

We saw several gators as we walked.

Should we stop here?  Nah - let's keep walking and try to get closer!

We saw tons of fish jumping out of the water - can you see it?

Pretty things were growing everywhere we walked.

Then, we started finding old abandoned things like this canoe.

We realized that we were at the end of the path and that to our left was what appeared to be a way through - if we were willing to trudge through sopping wet mud, tall grass and who knows what!  We were willing!

More neat little things along the way down this hidden path.

Just off the beaten path...

Led to the dirt road...

Past this abandoned house...

And finally to railroad tracks, which ran beside the Indian River!  

We had found it!  YAY!!  We walked just a short ways down the tracks and the trees opened up to a completely clear view of the launch area.

The Indian River and the NASA building in the distance.

Looking down the tracks

Air Force Helicopters were constantly monitoring the area

While we waited, a family of wild hogs crossed the tracks down from us!

All of this before the shuttle ever began it's final countdown!!  We were down to 5 minutes to lift off and it was still a go.  We tuned in to the radio on my phone for updates and listened as NASA began the final steps.  Then, all of a sudden, it was time and the shuttle ignited and lifted right in front of our eyes!

I found it funny that while it was right in front of us, we didn't really hear anything.  But, once it was above the clouds, WOW, did it get loud!  The ground started to shake and vibrate and we could hear it for quite a while, even when we couldn't see it at all!  So, it was time to head back - another 2 mile trek through the wilderness!

On the way, we decided to climb to the top of the observation tower we had passed on the way in, if there was room.  When we passed it the first time, it was packed at the top and all the way down the stairs with people hoping for a view.  Turns out, other than where we were, this was the only place in the park that could see the launch!  When we got to it this time, there was hardly anyone on it, so we made the climb.

"Our" railroad tracks, seen from the top of the tower.

Part of the trail we followed to find our path.

More of the trail.

A train coming through, not long after we had left the tracks from watching the shuttle!

What an adventure we had had throughout the day!  Memories were made, history observed first hand, and (though we missed Mark getting to be with us) we had a great time just being together.  I am so thankful we had the opportunity to be there.