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The cyclist pirate at launch... November 14, 2008Leave a comment ;)
It's amazing how one well placed monocle rear view mirror can totally change the meaning of the photo! Argh matey, I thought I left the last pirate back in Montana! Friday was a flurry of activity. In addition to getting the final approval for me to ride my bike around the Kennedy Space Center I was working to make sure that my friends were taken care of for launch. The public affairs and media services folks at KSC, namely Lisa Malone, Mary Ann Chevalier, and Bill Johnson, made a tremendous effort to coordinate my time here at the Cape. My deepest appreciation to everyone! I knew that it would be impossible to complete my ride to the Cape during a launch flow, so I decided to hold off one day and take some time to appreciate the launch from the Press Site. NASA Headquarters and KSC took some time to film my arrival near the countdown count. Jay Roman, Margo Aragon, Erin Coye, and I had a spectacular view of the launch of STS-126. Before I started my ride I told the Commander of STS-126, CAPT Chris Ferguson, that I would make every effort to be here in time to see his crew fly. I am so pleased that it worked out! If you have never seen a Space Shuttle launch in person, I would highly, highly, extremely highly recommend that you make the effort to come to FL before the shuttle quits flying in 2010. It is a personally moving experience that takes your breath away. Not just from the visual aspect, but from a physical one as well. You can actually feel the vibrations from the shuttle as it climbs to orbit. So much so, that many car alarms in the parking lots go off in response to the launch. The light from the solid rocket boosters and space shuttle main engines is so bright you can't look directly at it. It's just like looking at the sun (please don't do this at home). You can tell that from the silhouette of Windy against the light. If the shuttle launch wasn't spectacular enough, my evening was made complete when I dropped to one knee prior to launch and asked Margo to marry me (SHE SAID YES!) Since we met back near the beginning of my ride, Margo has been an incredible inspiration, a tremendous support, confidant and friend. I am blessed to have met her on this journey and firmly believe there was a greater purpose to this ride than I ever imagined! I started off this trek hoping that I would make a difference in the lives of others and found someone else making a huge difference in mine! Margo, thank you for being there for me! I love you! More Images: ;)
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7 Comments
Nov 19, 2008 10:02 am - Lynn Howell wrote : I want to offer my congratulations, too, John. What a tremendous feat your ride has been, and with a bonus at the end! Looking forward to seeing you on the racquetball courts. --Lynn
Nov 17, 2008 6:04 pm - Bonnie Arevalo wrote : Many added blessing to you and your new life! May the two of you be happy forever...
Nov 17, 2008 12:13 pm - Tad Theno wrote : WTG John! Congrats on both of your most excellent accomplishments! :D Give me a call when you get home!
Nov 17, 2008 10:59 am - Juniper wrote : Go John! Hot mama!
Nov 16, 2008 12:34 am - Joe Oswald wrote : Congratulations John and Margo!! Life is good and then suddenly it gets better.
Nov 15, 2008 7:36 pm - The Woodbridge's wrote : Congratulations! We are very happy for you and Margo! Glad you were able to finish your ride! See you soon. Add a comment: |
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Margo and John Congrats. Grandma Andrea told us Sunday and she is so happy. Two great people! Welcome to Margo's Idaho family John. Bessie and Farley