I was in Florida for the last couple of weeks with my wife. We got up early and drove from Tampa area (west coast) to the KSC (east coast) again (we were there a few days earlier too) just to watch the landing at 09:16 local time from right under the approach path. just south of the runway. We walked out on a pier alone to wait for it and when it didn't arrive went back to the car and picked up a local station that was just beginning to question the non-arrival. I've been a space geek since the Mercury and Gemini days, skipping out of school to watch launches from KSC, so this was going to be special... I had no idea that it was going to be so sad... We sat stunned for a long time, then went to a small local eatery in Port Canaveral for breakfast. There were a few people around the only TV in the place, and some sad faces, but I was shocked at the lack of respect, or even interest (and some laughter!) by some locals in that place. It was very, very wierd to hear people goofing around about it. I'll never forget the experience, and I'll never be able to explain it either. We had a crappy end to the trip, but at least ours was safe. Sorry about the length, I just wanted to rant I guess...

 

..welcome back, safe ofcourse...