I was on a month long visit to the Seattle area of Washington during November and December with work, to participate in some machine pre-acceptance testing and familiarisation with the Airbus A400M CAWDE - Composite Assembly Wing Drilling Equipment, manufactured by Electroimpact in Mukilteo. The machine in question is a multi axis drill / assembly machine specifically designed for the A400M aircraft project. We stayed at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Lynnwood, 15 minutes north of Seattle. Obviously as part of the working trip, there was a small amount of leisure time too... with visits to Downtown Seattle, Seattle Harbour, the Spaceneedle, Lynnwood, Mukilteo, Everett, Stevens Pass, and Las Vegas.

CAWDE - Unfortunately I have had to remove al Photographs of the CAWDE due to Airbus Copyright and the Official Secrets act due to it being part of a Military Project... but the text remains!

So here she is... the latest addition to the Airbus Assembly Family... a multi material high speed drilling and assembly machine, purpose built for the A400M program

So here is the reason why we are all here... to complete Pre-Acceptance Testing on the CAWDE before it is broken down and shipped to the UK, where it will then go through another series of tests, popularly known as Final Acceptance Testing or known within our Programming Department as... FAT PAT

Platforms...

Electroimpact, or EI as it is better known, is an extremely skilful engineering company in the dwindling speciality market of building purpose built machines and devices. Each individual within the company has his own key skill, and has to manage his own deliverable to whichever project they are currently working upon. It requires a total team effort for them to be able to achieve their goal

Work is going a little slow... mind this is Airbus! So slow is the way to Go! Anyhow enough about that... lets get on with the social side of things...

A visit to McGaw Hall at the Seattle Centre to see the latest instalment of the legendary skier Warren Miller's Film Higher Ground. McGaw Hall is where the world-class Seattle Opera Company and the revered Pacific Northwest Ballet perform

John Moore, Jeff Bunker and Robert Voyle... the initial test team downtown at Trinity's

The Famous Pike Place Market

The Mist is Down

The Original Starbuck's

Until I went to Seattle I thought coffee was just something you drank in the morning or perhaps when entertaining you would serve with dessert. However, in Seattle coffee is something you drink all day long in many forms: Tall Non-fat Raspberry Mocha, Grande Skinny Latte, Double Tall Non Fat Caramel Frappaccino. Aahhhh.... to drink coffee is to truly learn a whole new language! Learn how to order coffee if you want to blend in. IE: how much espresso + size of drink + type of milk. (in that order) 'double tall non-fat latte' = two shots of espresso, in a 12 oz cup, non-fat milk' etc etc

Seafood

Throw me a Salmon...

Robert in Downtown Seattle

Moore's

Onward and Upward

Towering

The Olympic Hotel

Pike Place Market is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Seattle and a wonderful, vibrant place to spend a couple of hours. The Market has been in existence for more than 100 years and covers nine acres on the Seattle waterfront. Pike Place Market's shops and stalls are filled with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. You'll also find fresh flowers, fresh fish and lots of Seattle souvenirs. Be sure to stop by the original Starbucks store (opened in 1971). Another must see is the Pike Place Fish Market, famous for its "flying fish." It's really interesting to see the guys here throwing those big, frozen fish around. Pick up some Aplets and Cotlets (a Washington treat that is delicious!) and enjoy the area. The Pike Place Market is open seven days a week, year-round, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Sundays are voluntary opening days for Market merchants and some shops may not be open. Business hours for individual merchants also vary depending on location and type of business. Parking is notoriously difficult in this area. The most convenient parking is in the Market's garage located at 1531 Western Avenue, south of Steinbrueck Park. There is street parking, but it's very hard to find. Be prepared to spend some time searching for a space

Qwest & Safeco Field's

Monorail

The Seattle Centre Monorail was built for the 1962 Seattle World's Fair to provide a crucial link between the fairgrounds and the amenities downtown. Construction began in April of 1961 by Alweg Rapid Transit Systems, who received the bid when it offered to underwrite the entire cost of construction. The monorail opened to the public on March 24, 1962 nearly one month before the start of the World's Fair. At a cost of $3.5 million, the trains carried more than eight million guests during the six months of the fair, easily paying for themselves. That is, the full initial capitol cost of the system was recovered and a profit was realized by ALWEG before the end of the fair. Following the Fair, the monorail system was turned over to Century 21 Corporation at no cost. Century 21 sold the system to the City of Seattle in 1965 for $600,000. Today, the trains carry approximately 2.5 million riders every year. The monorail has become an important fixture in Seattle for locals, who use the trains during major festivals and sporting events. Seattle Centre Monorail is the nation's only fully self-sufficient public transit system. The Seattle Centre Monorail system uses 62 pre-stressed concrete piers to support the two beams which the monorails ride upon. The trains can cover the 1 mile distance at a top speed of 50 miles per hour, making it the fastest full-sized monorail system in the country, even today. Riding on 64 rubber pneumatic tires, the monorail runs on 700 volts D.C. power obtained through contact rails on the inside of the beam. 16 load-carrying tires ride on top of the beam, and 48 guide tires grip the sides of the beam. Maintenance of the system is fairly straight forward, with nearly all system components still produced and supported by the original component manufacturers. For example: All tires, drive train components, and bearings are readily available locally. The propulsion system is GE, just like common subway trains (New York, Chicago). The braking system is WABCO (Westinghouse Air Brake), and operates much like train. The gear boxes were manufactured by Rockwell and are still supported. The drive shafts and joints are Rockwell also, supplied by Drivelines Northwest right here in Seattle. Although the cars look very unique, the systems of the train are industry standard, supported, and available even after 40 years

Heading home...

The Hi-5 to Vancouver

Five of us spent a day Ski-ing at Stevens Pass on the second Sunday that we were in the States, John Moore, Simon Roberts, Jeff Bunker, Ian Cotterill and Myself. There was a serious amount of powder snorted, and not the kind that you are thinking of... I am talking the snow kind, due to hitting the ground so often... and so hard, especially assisted in my case by my Bionic Leg!!!

Sixty-five years ago, Bruce Kehr and Don Adams took a Ford V-8 engine, some wheels and a rope, combined with a little imagination and their passion, and started Stevens Pass. Stevens has grown from its humble beginnings to one of the Northwest's premier resorts offering 10 lifts, over 1,125 acres of skiable terrain, 37 primary runs, and at the heart—an intimate base village surrounded by our three day lodges. Like our founders, the resort's team members are passionate about the sport, their environment and the service they provide

Jeff and Ian taking a break

As you can see, I didn't manage to get a great deal of pics that day, due to spending most of it on my back, and I guessed that you wouldn't really want to see the hundreds of photo's of that blue blue sky!

Located on the crest of the Cascade Range, we receive abundant and frequent snowfall. Cool air often drifts from the eastern slope of the range through the Stevens Pass area, keeping our snow relatively dry. Stevens is located on two national forests, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie on the west side of the crest and the Wenatchee National Forest on the east. Our forested area is predominately Pacific Silver Fir, Mountain Hemlock, and Sub-Alpine Fir, offering a visual treat when covered by fresh snowfall. The winter weather is usually comfortable, with temperatures often in the mid-twenties

Robert at Stevens

Stevens is 78 miles east of Seattle on the scenic U.S. Highway 2, up the Skykomish Valley. 78 miles east of Seattle, 65 miles east of Everett and 58 miles west of Wenatchee it is part of the beautiful "Cascade Loop."

Snowfall & Terrain... Stevens has lots of it, averaging 450" of snowfall each year, covering 1,125 acres of skiable terrain, including 37 major runs and numerous bowls, glades and faces.

Base area elevation 4,061'
Top elevation Cowboy Mountain 5,845'
Mill Valley base elevation 3,821'
1,800 vertical feet on three sides of two different mountains

 

My Hotel Room at the Embassy Suites in Lynnwood

The View from my Room

Seattle... Although founded a mere 150 years ago (1851), the city has a few very special and beautiful spots, like the historic Pioneer Square, with beautiful historic architecture, galleries and eateries.
Other great spots in Seattle include the Waterfront, Pike Place Market and Seattle Centre,
home to Seattle's landmark and most famous structure: the Space Needle.
When the sun is out, people can escape the city by going to Alki Beach on West-Seattle,
or by taking a ferry-ride to Bainbridge Island or Vashon Island.
Seattle, christened 'The Emerald City', has a population of over 563.000 people, which makes it
24th in size among U.S. cities. The greater Seattle area is home to 2.7 million people

Robert Harbourside

Argosy

A few shrunken heads from Ye Olde Curiosity Shop!!!

Many people don't know this about Seattle, but large parts of the city stand on top of an old city that was abandoned in 1889 after a devastating fire. Seattle was originally built on a mud flat and consisted mainly of wood-frame buildings. When a fire burnt the growing city to the ground, the city's leaders made an unusual decision: they rebuilt over the top of the old city, thus creating the "Underground." You can take a tour of this forgotten underground city. You'll walk below the sidewalks of Pioneer Square (and in places actually be able to look up and see people walking above you). Tour guides will tell you the stories of Seattle's history and explain all the sites along the way. The tours start in Doc Maynard's, a restored 1890s public house. From there, you go underground to places that have been unoccupied since 1907

Smith Tower

Site of one of the earliest settlements, Pioneer Square is said to be Seattle's oldest neighbourhood. Although somewhat unkempt, Pioneer Square also seems to be one of the "trendy" parts of the city. It is home to antique shops, bookstores, art galleries, restaurants and entry to the "Underground." On the first Thursday of every month, the "Art Walk" takes place when art galleries open their doors to the maddening crowd for browsing and shopping. Pioneer Square is also recognised for having other notable landmarks---the oldest restaurant in the city, the observation deck of the architecturally notable Smith Tower (which once was the tallest building west of the Mississippi), and the Klondike National Gold Rush Museum. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the neighbourhood, having dinner at one of the many trendy restaurants, then enjoying one of the jazz clubs at night

Seattle's tallest skyscraper, Bank of America Tower (285m/937f, 76 stories, 1985).
By number of stories, the building is the tallest building west of the Mississippi River
(height wise, US Bank Tower in LA is the tallest building west of the Mississippi (310m/1,017f)).
Cost of construction were $285 million, and approximately 5,000 people work in the Tower.
The building was originally designed as a 306m/1,005-foot-tall tower, but because the structure was
in the flight path to the Seattle-Tacoma Airport the building was shortened,
though the originally planned 76 stories of the tower were retained by shortening the floor to floor height.
The building has an observation deck, which is open on business hours from Monday - Friday.
This deck, on the 73rd floor, gives views towards the north (partly), south and west of the city.
Entrance fee is $5

Pioneer Square and Seattle Ferry Terminal

A Harbour Cruise on the Argosy

Skyline

Since 1949, Argosy Cruises has been a favourite attractions for millions of locals and visitors. Guests have enjoyed this unique cruise which departs Seattle's historic waterfront. Learn about Seattle's history and facts of the area while viewing the colourful waterfront, spectacular city skyline, one of the world's largest shipping terminals and the majestic Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges during this 1-hour live narrated cruise of Elliott Bay and the Seattle Harbour. A fun, quick way to learn and take a cruise tour of Seattle. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board. The Harbour Cruise departs daily from Pier 55 on the Seattle Waterfront, rain or shine

Robert with the panoramic Seattle Skyline

A view of the Spaceneedle and Skyline from the harbour

Cargo Vessels

Flagship

Before it got the name Seattle in late 1852, the city was known as Duwamps

Seattle, Washington is located in the far north western corner of the United States, if you don't consider Alaska. It is approximately 100 miles south of the Canadian border, nearly 3000 miles west of New York City and over 1000 miles north of Los Angeles, California. The city is situated on a series of low hills overlooking the deep-water harbour of Puget Sound about 75 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. It is nearly surrounded by water with Puget Sound on the west, Lake Washington a few miles to the east and Lake Union connecting

Lake Union bisects the city just north of downtown as it wends its way from Lake Washington on the east side to Puget Sound on the west. The lake is filled with activity from the commercial fishing vessels, motorboats, yachts, kayaks and seaplanes that continuously ply its waters. Houseboat communities on the lake were featured as Tom Hank's home in the film "Sleepless in Seattle." The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, located near the lakeside community of Ballard, are worth visiting. You can not only watch the incessant stream of maritime traffic navigating the locks, but you can also watch the incessant stream of migrating Salmon navigating the fish ladders

Robert on Puget Sound

On clear days the Cascade Mountains are visible on the eastern horizon and the Olympic Mountains loom across the Sound to the west. The snow-capped volcanic peak of Mount Rainier dominates the southern view. This city is set in the midst of some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the USA

Safeco Field

Safeco Field is the home of the Seattle Mariners Baseball Team. Since the Inaugural Game on July 15, 1999, Safeco Field gained a reputation locally, regionally and nationally as a terrific setting for baseball and a great place for baseball fans. Sweeping views of the downtown Seattle skyline and breathtaking sunsets over Puget Sound combined with excellent views of game action from all angles to give fans at Safeco Field an experiences unequalled in Major League Baseball

Tenant: Seattle Mariners
Capacity: 47,116
Surface: Grass
Cost: $517 Million
Opened: July 15, 1999

Qwest Field

After more than two decades of playing in a stadium with another tenant, the Seattle Seahawks moved into their own stadium in the summer of 2002. After spending more than two decades at the Kingdome; a multipurpose dome facility, that was also the home of the Seattle Mariners (MLB), the Seahawks wanted a new facility for themselves along with the Mariners. In the mid 1990's voters approved referendums for two new stadiums to be built. A new baseball only stadium, Safeco Field, was constructed adjacent to the Kingdome. However, the Seahawks new facility was to be constructed on the same site as the Kingdome. In order for the new stadium to be built, the Kingdome had to be imploded. While the new stadium was being constructed, the Seahawks moved to Husky Stadium, home of the Washington Huskies (NCAA). Construction began on the Qwest Field in early 2000

Tenant: Seattle Seahawks
Capacity: 68,000
Surface: Fieldturf
Opened: September 15, 2002
Cost: $450 Million
 

Many of the best attractions in the Seattle area are located outside of the city. Olympic Peninsula with Olympic National Park lies across the Puget Sound, and on a clear day, its snow capped peaks are visible from downtown. Mount Rainier National Park and Mt St. Helens National Monument are both only a 4-hour drive from downtown Seattle. The Cascade Mountains rise just beyond the eastern limits of the city. A few hours drive over Snoqualmie Pass takes you to the Columbia River Plateau and the Yakima Valley. This is the rich agricultural heartland of Washington and is its wine country. A few hours boat ride brings you to the San Juan Archipelago where you can view whales, seals and other wildlife in the natural splendour of unspoiled wilderness

Seattle Shipyard where many of the Alaskan Fishing Boats and Ice Breakers are built

Peppered Pork...

Needless to say... here is Space

The Seattle Spaceneedle

Actually, the world does revolve around you.

SkyCity is a 360-degree view buffet. Drink in the spectacular view and award-winning local wines. Dine on sunsets and fresh-caught King Salmon. Then get all bubbly over our jaw-dropping Lunar Orbiter. Partake in the natural taste treasures of the Pacific Northwest. The freshest seafood's and finest aged meats are virtually reinvented through the skill and creativity of a world-class crew of chefs. Best of all, many of these raw ingredients come right from our neighbourhood. Salmon harvested from local waters. Berries picked from our abundant fields. Top it all off with mouth-watering desserts concocted from the fertile minds of our culinary masters. So come join us. Indulge yourself in Seattle's unique dining experience as you rotate in 360 degrees of spectacular, where every seat is a view seat, and every meal a treasure. The Space Needle also offers convenient valet parking and the drop off is right in front of the landmark. Leave your car for the day or while you are dining with us. And don't forget, your elevator ride and Observation Deck visit are complimentary with your reservation at Sky City

Seattle People
Bill Gates, Paul Allen, Jimmy Hendrix, Quincy Jones, Bruce Lee, Gypsy Rose Lee, and Kurt Cobain amongst many others...
 

View from Space

What a Skyline!!!

Seattle has a symphony, a ballet, and over 400 theatre companies. It has a full complement of major league sports teams. The Seattle Seahawks, NFL football team, is currently playing in the Husky Stadium at the University of Washington while their new home is under construction. The Seattle Mariners, baseball team, plays at Safeco Field downtown. The Seattle Sonics, NBA basketball team, and the Seattle Thunderbirds, hockey team, both play at Key Arena in Seattle Centre

Moon river

Go from 0 to "Wow" in 41 seconds.

10 seconds: see the sparkling waters of Puget Sound. 20 seconds: Mt. Rainier becomes a huge snow cone. 30 seconds: skyscrapers appear like giant Legos. 41 seconds: you're up saying "Ohhhhhhhh" on the O Deck. The anticipation begins on the ground, the moment your eyes and your imagination take in the magnificence of the iconic structure you’ve seen only in pictures. The adventure continues as the elevators propel you to the Observation Deck, 520 feet above our metropolis. Get your pointing finger ready! Every degree of the O Deck’s 360º view commands your attention. The lofty panorama of Seattle’s natural wonders. Snow-capped Mt. Rainier to the south and the Cascade Mountains to the east. The majestic Olympics to the west. Float planes gently alight on sparkling Lake Union. Ferries, cruise lines and cargo ships cross Elliott Bay. One of America’s great cities invites you to share in its treasures. Forgot your binoculars? No problem. The magnification power of our complimentary Swarovski Telescopes magically empowers you to spot a friend in the stands a couple of miles away at Safeco Field, home of the Seattle Mariners baseball team. You don’t have to guess what you’re looking at. We’ve got all the answers. Colourful, imaginative environmental graphics around the outer edge of the level, and the information displays along the interior core are filled with descriptive data and delightful trivia. And of course there’ll be a surprise or two. Sorry, can’t tell you. Then it wouldn’t be a surprise

We all enjoyed an evening meal at the fantastic Sky City restaurant at the top of the Seattle Spaceneedle. It is a 360' revolving restaurant with spectacular views of the City Skyline, Washington Lakes and the many famous Mountain and Volcano Ranges. It was... Jollytastic!!!

John & Christian

John Moore starstruck... just like his namesake Patrick!

Robert overlooking the bright lights of Seattle

The Space Needle is located at Seattle Centre. That’s an apt description of where we are: the centre of Seattle. Whatever your interests - theatre, ballet, opera, professional sports, rock ‘n’ roll history, roller coasters, science, movies, shopping, exploring or just plain walking around - the city unfurls from the Space Needle

Heading to the Airport for our exit passing through Seattle

Lake Union

Needles

Obviously there are a number of key things to remember from Seattle, the greater Washington State, those being:-
1. Coffee is a serious business (big deal, and extremely diverse).
2. You are so welcome.
3. Food is huge, yet predictable.
4. When the mist is down, don't go sightseeing.
5. Don't drive a car or truck with less than a 5 litre engine.

Skyscrapers

Signs

Goodbye Seattle

Freeway

Mt Rainier

On Cloud Nine

The British Coastline

London

The Thames, Millennium Dome, Tower Bridge, and the Tower of London

London Eye, City of London, Waterloo Station, the Oval Cricket Ground

House of Commons, Battersea PowerStation, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace

Earls Court and Stamford Bridge

Wembley Stadium Arch,

Kew Gardens and Hampton Court Palace

Heathrow

The Shadows

The Eagle has landed

An unfortunately non-photographed memory was certainly Sugars...

Sugar's was just soooo sweet!!! Especially Saphire...

All photographs were taken in Seattle / Lynnwood / Mukilteo / Everett or Stevens Pass - Washington - USA

or London England from the 12th November to 10th of December 2005.