End of an era

One of our favorite things about living here is being able to see the shuttle launches from our dock. Through the years we've been able witness many of them. 

We've seen launches on clear days...

and we've spotted the contrail through gaps in the clouds...

We've seen night launches...

No matter what the conditions have been, it is always thrilling to witness. Today was the launch of Atlantis. It was the last shuttle launch ever. 

Ever.

It's the end of an era.

I had hoped to be able to see the final launch of Atlantis and get photographs.

I saw this, instead...

It was a rainy, cloudy day. I went inside and saw this...

You know what?

It was still thrilling.

Godspeed, Atlantis.