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Yesterday, around 15:30 I sat in Dasher-1 going through my pre-launch countdown. Part of that countdown was to call Karol and tell her my launch was eminent and I hoped to be back at home base by 18:00.
A review of the instrument panel indicated that all systems were go. I released the hold-down clamps and Dasher-1 jumped off the launch pad. The clock was running and I felt fine.
Traffic was light and the return trip was uneventful. My way to travel. I only had to fire the retros at the tollbooths in the Garden State Parkway, exiting the Parkway to the New Jersey Turnpike, exiting the Turnpike to Route 55, and exiting Route 55 into Vineland.
I glided into the home-landing pad at 17:50.
I unpacked had something to eat and then accompanied Karol to a Halloween party. I’m not very enthusiastic for these types of affairs. A plain party is fine. It gives me a chance to practice my “meet and greet” skills. But I’m just not very desirous to put on make-believe costumes.
I wore a sport coat and tie with a President Bush mask. Most of the people at the party said they hoped I would win. My response was, “I approve of this message.”
I was pretty tired from the three-day away mission. During these missions I tend to live on adrenalin and caffeine. Once I’m back the adrenalin wears off and I don’t usually consume enough caffeine to keep me going. We left the party early and I went to bed. The extra hour of sleep was greatly appreciated. I really envy those individuals that can go continuously on four hours sleep a night.
Posted by Ted at October 31, 2004 5:03 PM