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Hi EJO,
A couple more thoughts. Take a trip on the ferry from downtown Seattle to Bainbridge island. Washington State Ferries are one of the largest fleets around. Foot traffic only pays in one direction, so a round trip might cost $10 each or so. You get great views of the area, and the crossing is 30min each way.

Since you are interested in mechanical things you might consider a tour of the tunnel boring project in downtown Seattle, aka "Bertha". This huge machine is finally making really progress after a series of mechanical setbacks. The DOT is offering tours of various aspects of the project. I have not done this personally, but here is a link with moire info:

http://www.google.com/url?url=http://...vmgh-9T6rw

http://www.google.com/url?url=http://...RPinKcjkyA

Dennis