Thursday, August 25, 2022

Day 4627

Today was uneventful. The weather was a bit warmer this morning, but it was still a welcome relief from the heat wave we were having just a few weeks ago. Maybe the worst of this summer is finally over. I could definitely live with no more hundred degree days this year.

I'm still making slow, steady progress getting ready for the trip to Kennedy Space Center. So far this mostly involves checking equipment and making sure that it works. I renewed a prescription that might run out during my stay, but I haven't gotten around to packing clothes yet. This usually doesn't take long. I travel light.

It was quiet during our sunrise walk with Dawn. Some days the park is empty on our early morning walks and other days there is lots of activity. I still haven't figured out what draws people to the park on specific days. There are a few people we see every single day. They are obviously on a schedule, just like we are.

I probably should have gone to the gym today, but I decided to take another long walk in the park. The outdoor walks aren't any easier on my feet, but they are more enjoyable. Today was humid, but it was still quite pleasant. 80 degree days are much nicer than 100 degree days. 

My Airbnb hosts told me that it would be OK to extend my stay if the Artemis rocket fails to launch on Monday. This was good news, but I'm still not sure if I would want to spend an entire week in Titusville just waiting for another launch attempt. Mostly it's the additional cost that bothers me. The magazine I write for doesn't pay any travel expenses and the bills add up quickly. I still can't decide whether I have a second career or an expensive hobby. I guess it doesn't really matter. I enjoy covering these rocket launches and in a world where joy is a rare commodity, I guess this counts for something.

Sometimes I envy the rocket photographers who actually live in Titusville. There are quite a few of them and many seem to be at every single launch. Would this get boring after a while? I'll probably never find out. It does feel like you are witnessing something important when you are at the space center. History is being made. The actual photography is just a task though. It isn't that different from photographing dogs or the night sky out in West Texas.

I told my magazine about the interviews I set up with the two European astronauts and my editor wants me to do an article about them as well. It's a good thing I enjoy writing. Print writers seem to be a dying breed. Almost everyone I've met out at the space center seems to have a podcast, works for a TV station, or has some connection with a website. There are very few writers.

I've already taken this week's trash out to the curb, which always marks the end of the week for me. I guess I'd better pack my bags tomorrow. I'm running out of time.

Pinky is today's Dalmatian of the Day


Watch of the Day