Space Shuttle flyover dazzles Bay Area

Bay Area denizens of all conceivable types paused for a few special moments Friday morning to watch one of America’s most expensive and accomplished pieces of equipment fly into retirement.

Like most who visit the Bay Area, the Space Shuttle Endeavour just had to check out the Golden Gate Bridge. During two soaring passes above the bridge, and over the rest of its journey across California, Endeavour and its 747 buddy commanded the attention of gawkers and photographers.

Some freeway drivers even pulled to the side of the road to take in the once-in-many-lifetimes sight.

Endeavour’s 4-1/2 hour excursion over California — and its remarkable 21 years of service — will end when it touches down in Southern California later today.