5/10/22
Today was gloriously warm and sunny, which made it a perfect first exploration day in this city.
I had planned to visit the Phipps Conservatory today, but unfortunately I ended up on a Google-maps/construction/road-closure wild goose chase instead. I will try again tomorrow!
But I still had a wonderful day. I checked out of my hotel at 11 am, and pedaled down to the lovely Point State Park, with its iconic fountain that I later learned was just turned on again a few days ago. People were out walking, cycling, and sunbathing around it, and it was a cool sight to see.
After that, I was ready to go meet my friend (and erstwhile Portland neighbor/fellow HOA board member from my condo) David, for lunch. The ride to the restaurant was really cool, first crossing one of Pittsburgh’s beautiful yellow bridges, and then meandering along a riverfront bikeway corridor with copious, glorious “graffiti.” It was something to behold, and that art continued for probably at least a quarter mile.
It was great to catch up with David, who is a very interesting person with a very interesting and ever-evolving life. I was so glad he could find time in his busy schedule to meet up.
After lunch, I began my efforts to see the conservatory. Although I did not achieve that goal, I did enjoy more bike paths, parks, bridges, and other worthwhile sights in the pursuit.
Around 6:00, I crossed yet another beautiful yellow bridge to reach the glorious old-Pittsburgh home of my new Warmshowers hosts, Ben and Mara (and their elderly but spry and friendly dog Colby).
I settled in and met their neighbor, and then headed straight back out again to meet more local friends, Stentor and Christina, for dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant. We got the food to go, and ate it in a beautiful park with a lake. Sadly, I did not capture a photo of the people, nor the park, but a good time was had by all.
I’m looking forward to two more days here in this cool city. My tentative plan is to visit the conservatory and some in-town spots tomorrow, and then cycle out onto part of the GAP trail the following day.
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