In a world covered with oceans there are millions of beaches, but few come with such a unique feature tailor made for little boys of the late 60s and early 70s who lived their lives as engineers dreaming of adventures in space.
ROCKETS!
Launching from pad 40 this evening was a SpaceX Falcon 9, unit B1067 with a storied history that includes taking Crew 4 to the International Space Station.
Standing with the neighbors scattered along the shore, we waited and watched the horizon while we listened to the launch broadcast on NASA SpaceFlight on YouTube.
We stood in amazement as a bright orange tongue of fire rose quickly into the sky and traced an arc to the right into the evening sky. The camera barely captured the moment through the dense evening air.
The engine rumble came as the rocket reached the top of the arc and brought a sensation like no other. All the films watched over the years have captured only a hint of the low frequency presence that fills the air. It’s like liquid energy filling the wind around you. This launch from Pad 40 was miles away but the distinctive sound drove forward through us, like a giant hand over the wind, waves, and watchers that stopped all in their tracks for a moment.
I have sensed that feeling only one other time, while watching lions eat in South Africa from just a few meters away. They roared at each other with intimidation that pressed deep inside my core. You can watch the Lion Kill Thornybush Preserve video if you want, but be aware that it provides a raw, potentially disturbing closeup view of lions killing and eating a warthog. You’ve been warned.
So, my beach has rockets!
