The wind is whipping, my eyes are sagging, but Matt and I made it to Mojave and we're parked at the airport among the first batch of cars here. Seems like everyone else is catching some shut eye and we're going to do the same. After 1048 miles from Tacoma since 7am yesterday morning, we have arrived. Good night.

The loud speaker said we're go for launch. We wait among thousands of people for the takeoff and launch of SpaceShipOne. Matt and I got nearly no sleep so are running off fumes. It's an amazing place to be on a beautiful morning in the high desert. Time to fly!

They did it! Matt and I are now waiting to see if they parade SpaceShipOne, the first privately funded manned space launch vehicle, in front of the crowds. We saw a little wiggly line of white smoke kick straight up, through the sun, the disappear into space. It was a moving sight. After, the craft glided gently to the ground with the other chase aircraft nearby. Beautiful.

My ass is also a nice place to live.

Comments (3) | To Top

6/23/2004 @ 1:28pm

I have to explain the "Screw Wasco" entry... Matt and I were on our way from I-5 crossing over the dark valley toward Mojave after 11pm when we reached a point where Highway 46 briefly flerted with Highway 43 then was suppose to turn right back into 46. There was no obvious signage leading us to continue on 46 so we ventured south and east on 43 and luckily made it to Bakersfield where we connected to yet another highway out to Mojave.

Wasco's slogan is "A nice place to live" and, given that I feel spoiled to live in such a beautiful part of the country, I beg to disagree. Flat land with endless rows of sun-baked crops is not my idea of a nice place to live -- nor be lost in.

by KevinFreitas

6/23/2004 @ 2:16pm

Thanks for sharing with us Kevin! Enjoyed some of your beautiful pics for this day and days past.

by Pat Auyong

6/23/2004 @ 5:05pm

What a great experience! And you even were able to stay awake to see it! The pictures were beautiful. Thanks.

by Lori V