![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.betangel.com\/blog_wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/02\/shuttle-launch-600x295.png\" "\\"shuttle")
<\/p>\nAfter many years of trying I finally managed to see the space shuttle lift off last week. The scheduled launch of the shuttle last week coincided with a quiet time in the sports calendar and half term in the UK, so it was too good an opportunity to miss. The kids headed off to the theme parks, while Dad headed off to the coast in the hope of finally catching a shuttle launch. After a hold around T-5 the launch went ahead as scheduled and I finally achieved something I wanted to do as a boy. It’s another thing to tick off the list. I urge you to do a ‘ten things to do before…’ list, it’s a great motivator.<\/p>\n
The journey there was quick and easy, parking was OK and the atmosphere was great. Generally most of the people were there to watch the launch for the same reasons and that need was increased by the imminent decommissioning process. It’s was a good experience, unfortunately the drive home wasn’t, it took 7 hours! I had budgeted for a battle on the roads but nothing like that. I was staying only 60 miles away or so. In hindsight I should have stayed nearby overnight, but hindsight is a wonderful thing. All the research I had done prior to the visit indicated a long traffic jam, but not that long! I guess people were just desperate to see one of the last three shuttle launches. A good experience anyhow.<\/p>\n
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