Accomplishment # 2 of 50: View a Space Shuttle Launch

A few of the items on my 50 by 50 list have already been accomplished, as I really started this journey back in May, but only got around to the blogging and recording part until now.   Seeing a Space Shuttle Launch and going to the Kennedy Space Center was a highlight for both my husband and I.  This was especially true as our son was doing a coop work term at the Canadian Space Agency during this time.  Also, one of Len's interests is astronomy.

My husband, Len, and I saw the STS-132 Launch of Atlantis on May 14, 2010 at 2:20pm.

We watched the Launch from Jetty Park, Port Canaveral, FL.  We sat exposed in the hot sun for 6 hours waiting for the lauch and would have ended up with incredible sunburns if it weren't for applying spf 70 every 2 hours.

While waiting for the launch, we did countless Sudoku puzzles, saw large fish, 4 sea turtles, 2 manatee, and 4 dolphins!  Also saw numerous Pelicans and other sea birds that we don't have in Canada.  There were little lizards/geckos crawling on the rocks and sand near our chairs.  They kept us amused.   People watching and listening in on conversations was also amusing.  So many people... from all over... all different walks of life... united in one goal... to see and hopefully "capture on film" (Yea for digital!  What's the equivalent expression?) one of the final Shuttle Launches.

As we sat waiting, the main topic of conversation and concern was "Where is the launch pad?".  Not one of new for certain which way to point our cameras.
The actual time that we could view the launch was about 7-8 minutes, depending on the strength of your binoculars or zoom lens.  Len was using binoculars and said he could see the tanks separate.   After a while, I gave up on taking photos and decided it was best to just take in the moment.

The launch was so powerful, you could feel the ground vibrate and the rumble in your throat.  The sound was delayed and far more louder than any jet.  All agreed that it was a thrill of a lifetime and we were fortunate to have experienced it!

The launch in itself was great, but for me, I really enjoyed seeing all the marine life and walking along the beach.


Goal #2 of 50 accomplished!