If you happen to follow space shuttle launches, you may have noticed that NASA attempted to launch Atlantis (STS-122) several times in January. Due to a malfunctioning pressure guage, the liftoff was pushed back until early February.

I had been wanting to see a shuttle lift off and had mentioned this to my neighbor, Neil. He indicated that he was eager to see one as well, so we planned to drive over to the Cape whenever the next one took place.

The next launch was scheduled for Thursday, February 07, but the weather forecast called for thunderstorms in the area. Neil and I agreed to check the weather on the morning of the launch and make a decision as to whether or not to we would take the drive across the state.

As it happened, NASA only predicted a 30% chance of launching due to a low front that was inching their way. Where we were, however, the early morning rain had stopped and was being replaced with a partly sunny sky. Feeling lucky, we defied the forecast, hopped in the car, and headed East towards the coast.

Titusville greeted us with a spattering of light, fluffy clouds. Things were looking very favorable. We reached our destination, Kennedy Point Park, and were instantly confronted by a sea of spectators and a $20 parking sign. Unprepared for this scene, we continued on, cruising past block after block of happy rocket watchers.

Upon finding a suitable place to park, we wandered over to the beach and took a look around. People were milling about everywhere. Eventually, we noticed a pier we had passed in the car. It looked like the perfect spot to stand and observe the impending event, so we headed that way.

Planting ourselves on the rail, Neil and I waited with the crowd as the clock slowly counted down.