The Space Needle

Part 1 of our Seattle Tour on Monday

I decided there were too many photos or comments for one post, so I am splitting it into at least two. This one will be of the Space Needle and our ride to the top.

Our tour guide gave us a tour of downtown Seattle on our way to the Space Needle. It wasn't too crowded when we arrived about 11:00, but it was crowded by when we left. I think we had an hour, but it is amazing how fast the time goes. Very little time to shop and the lines were long and slow. UGH!

these flexible bamboo-looking structures

were across from our loading & unloading area

this adult and children's playground was in a park 

area next to the Space Needle

it was a busy place

this museum housing the Seahawks Super Bowl trophy

and player rings is also next to the Space Needle

there are other items in the museum

it was the shimmering colors and unique shape

that caught my attention

from the skywalk on the Needle

an Asian barge/ship holding many of those

containers we saw at the docks

another directional view from the skywalk

another look along the dock area

I think it's a cruise ship that travels within the bay area

Mt. Rainier from the Skywalk

some metal art at the Art Museum also

on the grounds

huge metal flowers

I could see Chihuly glass from the Skywalk

when I got downstairs, 

I went in search of the blown glass display

yep! on the grounds of the art museum

had to pay to get in; no time

so I took peeks through the trees

my artistic view from under the Space Needle

looking up

The Space Needle was built and opened for the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle. Construction took 400 days. It is 605 feet tall and weighs 9550 tons. It has three elevators, two for passengers holding 25 people moving at 10 mph, or 800 feet per minute. The elevator trip takes 43 seconds. The retail facility at the base was constructed in 2000. A Skyline Banquet facility, 100 feet above ground, was added in 1982. Skycity Restaurant, 500 feet above ground, revolves 360º every 47 minutes.