One of the things that was high on my husband's "Bucket List" was seeing a space shuttle launch. 2010 was supposed to be the final year and we had 4 launches left to try and make this dream come true. As I researched this more and more I found that planning a shuttle launch was about the hardest event to try and plan. This was our 3rd attempt to try and see it... and lucky for us the trip went flawlessly. Our 3rd flight to Florida in 5 months was enough already!
Tickets went on sale a few weeks before the launch. At this point I already had plane tickets and hotel reservations. I was registered for ticket information and was ready and waiting at 3 computers as the tickets went on sale one early morning. I did NOT get through in the 30 seconds before they sold out. Since we live in this great informative world, I learned through Facebook that there were some other companies to purchase tickets... all of this took place within a few minutes. I called the other company and voila... I had Causeway tickets for two. The Kennedy Space Center Causeway is the closest place you can view the launch. We were lucky! I had scored us the most difficult to get tickets for the closest viewing possible. Dan and I were SO excited to be attending. We were just hoping that it would go! The chances of it not going are greater than it going.
We landed in Orlando and rented a car to spend the next 3 days out in Cocoa Beach. I do not recommend this as a travel destination. The weather was great and we had a REAL early wake up call in the morning to catch the bus to the launch area. There were several meeting areas for the bus ride into the Space Center. The amount of people that were coming from all over the world was really incredible to see.
This was the type of day that I will remember forever. NO, it wasn't as close as you hope it will be... and it's all over before you know it... but this memory will stay with me forever. It was never ON my bucket list, but I'm so glad that we made this happen for Dan... and in the process I found that it was something that meant a great deal to me. I feel very fortunate to have been there that day.
Dan and I out at the Causeway
Straight out ahead is where the shuttle was ready and waiting.
5...4...3...2...1... We have lift off!
