Photography

BETTINA HANSEN / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Kyle Griffith, 32, looks out the window of the Seattle Great Wheel Saturday June 23, 2012 while taking a ride with his father Hal and brother Troy. The gondolas are heated and cooled, and air vents can be opened to feel the breeze, or raindrops, coming off Elliott Bay.

BETTINA HANSEN / THE SEATTLE TIMES

Hal Griffith, the developer and owner of Pier 57, climbs out of a gondola of the Seattle Great Wheel Saturday June 23, 2012 after taking a ride with his sons Kyle and Troy. The Seattle Great Wheel is scheduled to open to the public June 29th, with rides costing about $13, with discounts for children, seniors, and military members.

BETTINA HANSEN / THE SEATTLE TIMES

The Seattle Great Wheel is seen from the Bell Harbor International Conference Center Tuesday June 19, 2012.

BETTINA HANSEN / THE SEATTLE TIMES

A bird flies around the Seattle Great Wheel at sunset, seen from Alaskan Way Tuesday June 19, 2012.