Tickets to the Kennedy Space Center for a launch are difficult to come by, but other options for viewing these historic events abound

I always knew watching a space-shuttle launch would be an unforgettable experience, but I treated the opportunity as many do their local attractions. I blew it off, never making it a priority. Sure, I could drive a few hours south to Titusville, but... I didn't. And now--after 29 years and 134 missions--only two manned launches remain. So, if watching a shuttle lift-off has been on your to-do list, it's time to plan.

The only place to get tickets is the Kennedy Space Center website. I tried to buy several for the 14 May launch, but lady luck was not on my side. The process is easy: Simply connect to the website and enter a virtual waiting room. Of course, your chances of being called are about equal to winning the lottery. Still, it's worth a try.

Since my ticket efforts failed, I drove an hour and a half to Daytona to meet a friend and observe the lift-off from the beach. Daytona is truly too far for an optimal view, but the location was certainly better than my hometown of Jacksonville. The best free public viewing areas require you to arrive up to 12 hours early to stake out your claim.

Rain, heavy cloud cover, and wind are unfavorable weather conditions for a launch, but the 14^th blossomed sunny and warm. Crowds began to gather on the world-famous beach as the countdown proceeded. Folks with cell phones related the official mission status. A few seconds after T minus zero, the launch pad burst with brilliant, billowing flames. Of course, I couldn't see that view in Daytona, but I was close enough to hear the thunderous roar that shook the air. Very soon, the rocket appeared low on the horizon, trailing a fiery tail.

Spectators gaped and cheered. I almost forgot to take pictures, so torn was I between watching with my eyes or through the lens. As the shuttle climbed higher, I heard whispers round me. "Wow, look at that?" Other comments were more tentative... "Let's pray they make it." Still others uttered typical profanities.

The rocket path produced a billowy trail of white residue that hung in the sky. Just before disappearing from sight, a blast of white light exploded. Then whoosh--it was gone. Quiet, over so quickly. I felt a bit teary and tight in my throat. I'd just observed courageous astronauts riding atop a bomb of sorts and witnessed the rocket jettison out of the earth's atmosphere. Awesome was the word that came to mind and seemed correct. Yes, that was truly an awe-inspiring sight.

Being present at a shuttle lift-off is an intense experience. In retrospect, I wish I'd made the effort earlier. Unfortunately, launches are scrubbed 60 percent of the time because of weather or technical issues, sometimes with just minutes left in the countdown. You have to be flexible, which makes it difficult for those out of the area.

Now, the final countdown is on. Mark your calendars for the two remaining missions from the Kennedy Space Center. Discovery is scheduled for 16 September, and the Endeavor will launch sometime in November. Both plan to rendezvous with the International Space Station. Join me... I plan to experience these historic events.