Seafair and the Blue Angels

This past weekend was Seafair, a longstanding Seattle tradition in the summer. It includes hydroplane races on Lake Washington, Naval fleet week where vessels come to port, and the Blue Angels come do a show.

The Blue Angels practice out of Boeing Field, the regional King County airport, which conveniently is right outside my lab window. Accordingly, we get to see some great views of their practice runs, and takeoffs and landings. Not everyone loves the Blue Angels, and it is quite the topic of strife among some of the more urbane hipsters who feel their beloved People's Republic of Seattle is under military attack, but others, including myself, see it as a great example of precision flying, loud noises, and a fun source of pride.

At any rate, I've put together a handful of clips of some of their runs. Since they practice right outside our building, their route frequently takes them immediately overhead and around us, yielding some nice shots which I hope are faithfully reproduced here. I apologize for the dirt on the windows, I assure you, it's all on the outside!