The Launch, the Flyover and the Shuttle Buds

It all started on one of our many road trips, when conversation turned to our personal Bucket Lists.  Steve and I had one mutual item that had yet to be checked off, and since there would not be many more opportunities, we moved "See a shuttle launch" to priority #1.  And it was the best decision we could have ever made.

Our first launch experience was that of Discovery, during the pre-dawn hours on April 5, 2010.  Neither of us knew what to expect, but we imagined that it would be spectacular.  A few minutes before lift off, the International Space Station flew over, adding to the building excitement.  It was definitely worth the 10 hour drive to see the entire sky light up as Discovery lifted off.  

But it wasn't until the experience of the final launch of Atlantis, on July 8, 2011, that we got a true taste of Americana, and what this country is all about.  

We arrived around 1:30 in the morning, and there were already hundreds of folks already waiting for the launch, which was scheduled for the next morning.  Fortunately, the people parked around us ended up being the perfect mixture of personalities, and we had no idea how much that would add to what we would experience in less than 12 hours.  

I LOVE how NASA showed pride by putting spotlights on the shuttle and leaving them on for the entire night leading up to the launch.  This photo from Space.com makes great wallpaper:

http://www.space.com/12227-bright-lights-space-shuttle.html

One of the fine folks that we talked to was a high school physics teacher from Illinois, whose informative conversation had my husband debating with a near stranger at 2 in the morning, regarding gravity and light years.  As we continued talking with this man, more people joined in the conversation.  By daylight, "we" consisted of a whole group of fascinating individuals from all walks of life, but on that day we focused on the one thing we had in common.  

The weather that morning was not allowing for 100% go for launch, so hourly updates from NASA were a necessity, and the closer it got, the lower the chances seemed to be for "go."  According to many sources, nearly a million (or more) people had made their way to the Space Coast to witness what would be the final launch of NASA's amazing shuttle program. 

We found NASA's LIVE broadcast on a local station, so many folks gathered around our area to listen as the time drew near.  The feeling was a mind-boggling mixture of intensity, anticipation and excitement,  listening to as others joined in.  We stood next to our new friends as the countdown began:  10...9...8...

I couldn't help but notice the deafening silence as hundreds of people waited in wonder...

 

Children, parents, grandparents, friends and people from all different cultures, including many from different countries all gathered together. 

 7...6...5...

A father encourages his children to put one hand over their heart

4...3...2...1...

Absolutely breathtaking

  

Radio broadcast:  "The final liftoff of Atlantis...on the shoulders of the space shuttle, America will continue the dream."

I still get chills thinking back on that one moment in time, where everyone stood in unified awe and wonder, a bittersweet feeling of sadness and amazement, as we watched Atlantis launch into history.

As I held my husband's hand, I looked over at our new friend, the high school physics teacher, his eyes filled with tears.  People cheered as others wept, in this moment as we all stood as one.  It was the single-most powerful experience that I had ever had, and one that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

On the day that Atlantis landed, July 21, 2011, I got this tattoo...each blue star representing (left to right) Columbia, Challenger, Discover, Atlantis & Endeavour - Surrounding a word said prior to many launches - a wish a good fortune in the journey ahead:

After a moment like that, I was certain that there could never be another that could even come close.  Until Steve and I went to watch as Discovery arrived at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum on April 17th, 2012.

We studied ahead of time, in order to know the best possible viewing area and we decided upon the parking lot of the Udvar Hazy Center.  Not knowing whether traffic would be backed up or not, we went ahead and left after work that night, and arrived around midnight to find NO other cars.  So we rested in a nearby parking lot and returned around 4:00am.  We were the first in line, but one other car showed up soon thereafter.  How fortunate we were to have the kind of company these 2 gentlemen brought.  We all shared a passion for NASA and Nascar, so we spent all morning talking, just as we had done at the final launch.  

I was a nervous wreck, hoping that we parked in the right spot because we had one shot.  Boy did we ever.  

The parking lot held 2,000 cars, and by the time Discovery arrived in the area, all of the spaces were filled.  We heard someone shout, "There it is!!"  But it was so far in the distance we could barely see it.  I began to watch a group of spectators on the observation deck, because it was apparent that wherever they were looking was where we should be watching.  

Again, we found a local radio station covering the flyover and the arrival was to be any moment.  My husband, who rarely gets as excited as I do, pointed straight ahead of us and I strained my eyes, expecting it to be in the distance.  All fears of being in the wrong place were quickly thrown aside as he said, "It's coming straight for us!"  

 In preparing for this flyover, I had put the zoom lens on the camera, completely unaware that it was going to be THIS close, therefore I didn't even have time to change in order to get the entire picture as pilot Jeff Moultrie descended for a 500 ft. flyover directly above us.  

As a long-time lover of aviation, loud engines and sheer power, I was once again overwhelmed by the moment - and even feeling the awesome power of that modified 747 as it roared over us.  Thanks to the Nikon's "vibration reduction" lens, the photos turned out great despite the uncontrollable shaking of my hands!

I turned to try to say something to our new friend, and once again, I was moved by the fact that this man had tears in his eyes.

We had no idea that this was just the 1st of 3 opportunities that awaited us.

The 2nd time, the flyover was right along the runway beside us, giving an amazing side view along with the jet on her wing.  It wasn't until our new friend pointed out that the landing gear wasn't down that we realized there would be one more.  

 ...and when the time came for the landing, the familiar feeling of bittersweet awe and wonder returned, as cheers erupted for a final time to welcome Discovery to her new home.

We had now experienced 2 moments that many had not had the opportunity to experience, and we had made 2 more friends that we now refer to as our "Shuttle Buds." 

Taken on the day the Atlantis made her final voyage to the Kennedy Space Center display

It saddens me to know that we will never again bear witness to a shuttle launch, made possible by so many individuals who proved what can be accomplished through work and dedication, combined with fantastic ingenuity and passion for space exploration.  
Thank you to NASA, and everyone involved in one way or another with that space program for being an inspiration to us all.  

Godspeed.

America the...Unusual

The majority of images from our travel photo collection cover the typical categories such as nature, scenery, landscapes & historical sites.  

But there are lesser known categories that consist of our favorite offbeat photos that we believe show America's true colors.  

Examples include:

Unique Places:

The Big Fish Restaurant

Bena, Minnesota (Road Trip 2010)

  

Unusual Sights:

Ever get a feeling that you're being watched?

Phoenix, Arizona (Road Trip 2008)

Interesting People:

Who HASN'T painted themselves gold from head to toe?

New Orleans, Louisiana (Road Trip 2011)

And finally...

The Crazy Antics of The Travelin' Martins

What most folks are not aware of is that our inner dorks often provide the ideas for our craziest (most enjoyable) photos.  These photos usually include one or both of us, either using some sort of crazy prop or simply exposing our dorkery by taking advantage of a  perfect photo opportunity.  

The Big Fish Restaurant from a different angle

 

There are also photos in which one of us is holding an index card with something written about what was going on at the time...these have mostly been used in our scrapbooks, and they have been quite helpful in telling the story.  

We can't wait to share all of them!

 

  Carlsbad, New Mexico (Road Trip 2008)

                                                                                                                
Without further ado...

Where It All Began

During the months after September 11, 2001 there seemed to be a stronger feeling of unity & patriotism among Americans.  Countless television shows, documentaries and publications told stories of the people, places and things that make America such a great place to live.  

When the front of this Life magazine caught Steve's eye, he felt compelled to learn more about the photo chosen to represent our great country.  In his mind, it was a powerful symbol of Americana and the freedom that allows us to set out to explore places like this.   

 Chimney Rock (Bayard, Nebraska)

Plans were already in the works for a June, 2002 road trip to visit Steve's family in Cheyenne, Wyoming.  So we decided to add Chimney Rock to our list of stops during our 2-week journey.  

One of the 1st lessons learned on our first cross-country tour had to do with photography.  A good photographer is patient, knows where to get the perfect angle, and probably spends hours waiting for the perfect lighting.  How did we learn this?  

By actually visiting Chimney Rock...

The difference between the actual Chimney Rock versus the front cover photo that inspired the journey was incredible - almost more than poor Steve could take.  To this day, he recalls the painful sting of embarrassment after going to all the effort to add it to the trip.  One photograph truly can make a difference!  

Ok, so maybe it wasn't quite as majestic as the cover photo made it seem...

Fortunately, there were many other experiences during our first trip that made every single mile worth the time and effort.  

From that point on, the foundation was set for U.S. exploration over the next decade and beyond...for this was the birth of The Travelin' Martins. 

Blog of The Travelin' Martins

Prior to our travels, I would have said that pigs would fly before I'd believe that any one person could remain interesting and loveable after two weeks in a confined space. This cloud formation, taken on the last day of our 14-day honeymoon, clearly proves that pigs did fly...and somehow I was fortunate enough to find a man who has provided constant companionship, laugh-out-loud fun, intellectual stimulation and so much more for the past 13 years, even in confined spaces.  

Pig Flies In Colorado Skies (2008)

Before we begin sharing the gorgeous photos, interesting stories and fascinating facts that we have acquired throughout 10 years of road trips across 36 states (so far), I must preface this by shedding light on a few important things that we have learned along the way.  Some of our best conversations, fabulous ideas, incredible inventions and most random thoughts have come about while driving together for hours upon hours, day after day.  

First and foremost, it is imperative that I take a moment to explain the Martin definition of the word "vacation."  I think it's safe to say that popular opinion is that a vacation should be relaxing.  We have thoroughly enjoyed each of our road trip vacations, however the focus is rarely on relaxation.  In order to cover thousands of miles in a set amount of time, our typical vacation day begins at 6am.  While many prefer activities such as sleeping in late and long strolls on a beach, the majority of our time is spent in forward motion, heading for destinations that often change by the hour.

Texas (2011)

When people ask how our vacation was, we are rarely able to give the answer that we would like to.  Most of the time I just say that it was amazing.  During the rare times when people really want to know more, we gladly share a few pictures and maybe a story or two.  It pains me to see the distant gaze as people begin to lose interest, so I try to keep stories short and sweet.  Some of our best stories have never been shared because we realize that the places and things that interest us do not always interest others... and that's okay.  This is precisely why we wanted to create this blog. 

It took a long time for me to be "okay" with the general lack of interest in details.  We have never sought or been in need of admiration or approval.  The truth is that we would love for more people to broaden their horizons, step outside of their comfort zone and see America.  Some of the experiences that we have had together have brought tears to our eyes (such as witnessing the final launch of Atlantis in July, 2011).  But it's hard to explain how this tomboy that climbed trees as a kid, along with my construction working husband have been humbled by some of Mother Nature's breathtaking masterpieces. 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Michigan (2010)

I will go so far as to stop strangers on the street to recommend a visit to Utah at some point in their life.

But for those who are genuinely interested in the stories we have to tell - first of all, thank you.  Our hope is to generate interest in the amazing sites that this great country has to offer.  If we are able to inspire just one person to begin their own journey, we will rest assured, knowing that someone in this world will finally understand what we mean by "the picture does no justice," as they, too, realize the incredible beauty that is our America.  

"America the Beautiful"

"O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, 

For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain! 

America! America! God shed his grace on thee.

And crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea!"