Seattle Space Needle

The Space Needle is easily the most recognizable feature of the Seattle skyline.  When it was built, it was the tallest structure west of the Mississippi.  Now there are 200 structures taller.

It's the usual tourist trap.  Ten bucks apiece to go up.  And when you get to the top, well, the center of the structure is a very large gift shop.  What would you expect?

On the other hand, the view is really amazing.  You can walk all around and see everything.  Assuming, of course, it's a nice clear day, which is admittedly a bit of a stretch in Seattle.

When we visited in 1999 there was a big scaffold around the center of the tower.  They were sandblasting and repainting for the first time.  Evidently the paint they're using is the same paint that was used on the Space Shuttle, and the painters went up riding on the top of the elevators.  Yahoo!

And of course, once you're up there, there's nothing for it but to have your picture taken with someone dressed up like the Space Needle.

Well, it's not a very good picture, but that's probably a good thing.

Since our original visit we have been back for a company holiday party at the top of the structure.  It was great fun, and the views at night were astounding.  We were actually looking at the pretty city lights through wisps of cloud.  But it was cold out on the viewing deck in December!