Woke up at the camp site across the Banana River from the launch facility. The place was almost deserted the night before, but that morning it was packed tight with spectators, cameras whirring and clicking everywhere, but only a few swimmers at the beach.

Standing on the granite stones that lined the channel, I could see the bright light when 11 lit.

I watched the white, pluming trail as it rocketed out over the Atlantic.

Then, once it was well on its way, I could feel the Earth trembling beneath me, the vibration literally climbing up my legs.

Then came that thunderous roar of ignition.

Just beautiful,
Dan
--ps--
And a photographer in a UH1 overhead with his legs hanging out the right cargo door. No shoes, but he had on red socks. An aerial view of the campsite, complete with our tent, appeared in -- was it Time or Look...?