Ferris wheel

Yesterday we had a peek view of the new Ferris wheel on Pier 47, down the street from Benaroya Hall.  It's 200 feet high and hard to miss.  Instead of open benches, this Ferris wheel has climate controlled gondolas that hold 6 people.  It's unlikely they'll need to turn on the air-conditioning with refrigerated Puget Sound water below-- but the heater will be welcome year-round.

The old Alaska Way Viaduct is oh-so-slowly being torn down and will (eventually) be replaced with a tunnel.  The Seattle waterfront was never an inviting place for pedestrians but it was popular with tourists.  Now the endless construction has turned the area into a maze of closed streets, traffic gridlock, detours and parking nightmares for the nearby sports stadiums.  The hope is the Ferris wheel attraction will bring business for stores and restaurants near the ferry terminal.

We usually go to Benaroya Hall in the winter with our heads ducked and cold wind blowing rain on our glasses but it was pleasant yesterday.   We finish our series this year with two June concerts in a row which is unusual.  John renewed the same 4th row seats for next season, and so did Betsy and Paul our nice seat mates.  We only see them at the Symphony but I still feel like we know them well. It's amazing how much family news two women can share in 10 minutes before the music starts.

This is a construction view from last month-- the ferris wheel is scheduled to open on the 4th of July.  It will be fun to take Nova (and her little brother or sister) for a ride there sometime.