Shuttle Launch

We drove for about 2-1/2 hours to the Space Coast of FL to watch the NASA Space Shuttle launch. Route A1A was one long parking lot as tens of thousands of people lined up on both sides of the narrow road to claim a spot and camp out until the time finally came for the countdown to begin. Seasoned veterans were prepared with collapsable chairs, coolers, beach blankets and battery operated radios. We just stood next to a tree and tried not to look too hot... hehe As the countdow began, we all inched closer to the edge of the beach, cameras and video cameras all pointed across the water for the exciting spectacle. We were not disappointed. Although the entire take-off was over way too soon, the launch was thrilling, and took place without a hitch. The shuttle is on its way to the Space Station with another load of precious cargo.

We then returned to our car, packed up and headed for home. About two hours later, we had travelled only nine miles . So we switched to Plan B, made a U-turn, and drove in the opposite direction of home for awhile. We finally found a route that wasn't backed up with mile after mile of jammed traffic, and almost five hours after the launch began, we finally arrived home in Apollo Beach.

~ Alice