out of the KSC Visitor Center - so how could we not stop? KSC was amazing - but touristy. We felt like we were at Cedar Point - very crowded (mostly have to do with the space shuttle shot Monday morning) and also that it's break for many families with Easter this weekend. Regardless we did 2 amazing things - we stood in line for the Shuttle Launch Experience which was developed by the shuttle astronauts and they wanted it to be as life like as possible. Something we will never forget. It covers from the time you are harnessed into the shuttle, to launch, and then to when the rockets break away. As you stand in line there is a commentary of former shuttle astronauts explaining what it feels like and how it is during the lift off and then after the shuttle is free and on it's own. After the experience was over - now I understand why they did this - was intense and for some could be frightening. Once you are strapped in - you have astronaut Frederick Gregory telling you what is going on - and of course he tells you when the exact moment that the Challenger blew up after take off. The G forces, you are tilted onto your back during most of the time - then righted up - in weightlessness, the shaking and vibrations, the fire and heat, the blinding light, change in pressure - amazing. They open the bays and show you actual pictures of what the earth looks like as you are going up.
The second thing we did while there was sit through a 45 minute IMAX presentation of the Hubble telescope and pictures and video taken of the astronauts as they fixed the Hubble, then what the Hubble is now seeing in space. In 3D. Dave isn't impressed with alot and of both things - he said and I quote - AMAZING. We took a tour of the Space Center - of course you can't get close because of security and of the impending shot. Here's the shuttle sitting in the bay readying for takeoff Monday. For security reasons this is all the closer you can get. We hope to be at the beach watching it.
From there we went to the Police Hall of Fame Museum. Mostly did this in honor of my sister's son Chris who is a police officer. Very nicely done. As Dave said - sad in alot of the displays - dedication to officers who lost their life, to K-9 dogs who have given their lives, but all in all - very impressive. Then was invited to go to their indoor shooting range and watch. Met a crotchity old man who was entertaining. He was a Marine Corp sharpshooter who went on to coach internationally shooters for the Olympics. He is a retired police officers as well. Very interesting coot.
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