Sometimes we are just lucky as we sure didn't plan to be here for the space shuttle launch.

We decided to travel today after all as the wind began to lay down. We headed out of the anchorage about 8:30 and didn't get too far when we looked back to check on Auriga and they seemed to not be moving. Sure enough, they were hard aground - suck in the mud. We went back to check on them, determined that there was nothing we could do and decided to continue on knowing that they would call for help and join us soon. But - Rick did some tricks with the boom and the throttle and before we knew it, there they were right behind us. Kirby always says that if you haven't gone aground, it just hasn't been your turn yet! Rick and Tanya have paid their dues.

And on we went towards Titusville and the Space Shuttle Launch which we couldn't have planned any better. It was thrilling to sit on the bow of the boat and watch the sky light up at lift off. It was especially fun for Kirby as he used to work on satellites and the shuttles and had never seen the BIG ONE lift off before. The light that it created was magnificent and lit the whole sky. Seconds later we finally heard the noise of the rocket motors roaring. I think this will be one of the highlights of our trip!