36: Visited McConnell's Mill

                           Another Day                               Another State Park!

Well it only took a week or so after discovering Moraine that I adventured a few miles in the other direction to McConnell's Mill................................... I was most definitely NOT disappointed! Now do not start thinking that New Park means new love of my life hangout spot, because that is most definitely not true. For bike rides and lounging in the sun, you better look for me at Moraine, so far there is a 99% chance I will be found there. However, if I want to hike, without a doubt I will be at McConnell's........somewhere.

So prior to discovering and exploring McConnell's Mill I did ask some friends about the park as well as do a bit of research, mainly because of my friend's responses. McConnell's Mill was originally an old gristmill on SLippery Rock Creek owned by Daniel Kennedy in 1852, but in 1868 the mill was unfortunately destroyed by a fire but quickly rebuilt. In 1875 the Mill changed hands to Thomas McConnell, yes there is the name McConnell, and once he gained ownership McConnell replaced the old waterwheel, water turbines, and grindstones with rolling mills making the mill the first rolling mills in the country. With this happening the Mills became known as McConnell's Mill. During it's running time it processed oats, buckwheat, wheat, and corn until its unfortunate end in 1928. However, upon its end of work, its namesake and beauty were preserved, Thank Goodness. Thomas H. Hartman gained ownership of McConnell's but he then gave ownership to the Western Pennsylvania Conservatory in 1942, who transferred the land to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1957, when the Mills was officially declared as McConnell's Mill State Park. Though McConnell's is only 2,546 acres, nothing compared to Moraine's 16, 725 acres, one friend's comment and warning for my safety was the ease of getting turned around backwards and upside down and sideways on the trails without even knowing it.

 And he was right. It turns out that there are various trails throughout the park as well as two rock climbing areas. Upon learning this I became more excited knowing that I could explore multiple trails and change things up a bit. I fell in absolute love with the hiking trails at McConnell's Mills mainly because while wandering those trails there were times where I truly felt like I was on some old school haven't been walked on in years trails that were gorgeous. Now I learned as I traveled that there were some parts that were flat out narrow dirt trails through brush in the woods, some that were relatively wide, some where you walked peacefully on asphalt, and even some parts where you were on hardcore, at least to me the armature hiker, treks across thick multilevel-ed tree roots, over huge boulders where you had to actually focus on where you put your foot, and up decent inclines complete with roots and boulders. Now for me, the inclines were the most difficult part of

 my adventure, primarily because I am from South Jersey which is incredibly flat so I am simply not accustomed to walking up hill in general, let alone on a hiking trail. But I am more than up to the challenge because I do love to climb. 

Upon entering the park, I was unaware that there were multiple entrances, and I also had no idea what to look for on my way in to even find the trails. So as I traveled down the road I was looking for any signs that would guide me anywhere of significance, or anywhere in general. I just wanted to see a sign! And finally I saw something!!!! A trail!!!! The only downside was that it was coming out onto the road. No parking area, not stopping area, no nothing, just forest and BAM! A path! SO i had to pass that one up, it was an extremely disappointing moment for me. SO I continued down the road remembering where I came from and where I saw the trail opening as well as praying to any god who would listen that I can easily come to that opening again but on foot next time. 

Finally I found a sign! It read parking and I was ecstatic. I pulled in seeing only a few cars and a restroom, so continued into the lot deciding on parking as far from the lot entrance as possible, and to my surprise there it was, a trail entrance. Now my nerves are going and my mind is exploding. What are these trails going to be like? I just want to climb, and climb I did.  So I started to head down the path that started as real wooden steps down to a road, then across the road the stairs continued, however these ones were created by boulders coming out of the earth, very awesome in my opinion. Now there was a railing for assistance, until about midway down where the trail kinda says, "Yo, you're in the woods now, good luck, don't get lost, don't get hurt, and don't get eaten, if any of the above happens to you, well then it sounds like a personal problem so good luck." And here I was, some chick from Jersey, trekking down into the forest of wonders on this beautiful day. 

Down and down I went, and no that's not down a rabbit hole, and I didn't stop until the trail hit a T, which even then I only paused for a moment. I had to choose left or right, but I went straight. I know my friends warned about the craziness and easiness of becoming lost, and signs prior to the second set of steps strongly warned against straying from the trail, as did the internet, however I heard the water and wanted to see it so went straight. I was not disappointed one bit, it was gorgeous. 

 I couldn't believe my eyes and ears. Here I was, standing on a ginormous boulder, in the middle of a state park, kinda illegally according to the signs, and it was simply the most amazing sight ever, or so I thought. The water was rushing down the river claiming anything that entered its territory and taking it down with it, which totally made sense why the signs said 'NO SWIMMING!' But I was unconcerned because I was nice and safe on my giant boulder, and yes I said my, because I officially claimed that boulder as my own, so no touchy. I made my way back to the trail and then had to make the decision of left or right. I turned left following the river down. In the end I was incredibly hopeful that the rushing water was rushing down towards the mills versus rushing away from exploding out of the mill further up stream. Either way I had no idea if I had gone the correct way, but I also didn't care because I knew that if I didn't see it this time, then I'd find it next time, or the time after that, eventually I would find it!

I continued on down the trails along side of the river gaping at every sight I saw. I truly was right in the middle of nature. I couldn't hear any cars or planes, no people or dogs, nothing that didn't belong there. The birds were singing away in their paradise and the slight breeze was perfect for the heat. I noticed it get a bit dark and looked at my watch seeing that it was only 2:30, that darn sun went behind the clouds hiding the beauty of the forest in the darkness and out of sight. Grrrrrrr, but it added to the mystery effect of wandering through forests so I secretly enjoyed it. Walking on down I took in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest falling more and more in love with my surroundings. Quite a few times I strayed from the trails again wanting to explore the rock formations which also gave me the exciting chance to do some minor climbing and exploration away from the trails. One time I passed other people on the trails, and the two women gawked at me when they saw me climbing atop a huge boulder that jetted out into the river turning up the water into small white rapids with the help from the boulders under the water.

The sights were breathtaking and yet I claimed another boulder. As you can see from the picture, it truly is simply the most perfect spot to hangout to get some sun or relax or get some reading or writing done. Either way I will be making great use of that boulder, especially since it is a slight distance from the trails so even if there are other peeps on the trails enjoying the scenery and whether, they will most likely pass me without even realizing I am there, unless they are adventurous like me. If that happens and a challenge occurs, I will

defend my boulder, well at least my rights for being there first on that day. I continued down the trails in pure amazement at everything I found around each tree and bush.                                                                                                                                                                                                          As I mentioned earlier, some paths were easy to cover and explore, while others added slight challenges of their owns, whether it was rough terrain, rocks or boulders of all shapes and sizes, trees and their untrustworthy roots, outreaching branches, occasionally with thorns, and those dang hills. If only there were more mountains in South Jersey, then I would be in slightly better shape than I am now. But those challenges were nothing for my determination. I was going to find that Mill.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           As I continued on down the paths I noticed three things occurring, one is that the slight breeze drastically picked up, two is that the soft rippling and bubbling of the river became a pounding crash, and three, the river got faster. It was fast before but now it was truly roaring on down it's own trail through the park. Again I was being extremely hopeful to find the mills down in front of me versus way up behind me past where I turned down. With my fingers crossed I continued, occasionally watching my step, especially at points where the trees attempted to grasp my ankles and being me down into the dirt. 

They are quite the schemers of nature, and very sneaky at that. Though they could easily slow someone up if they stumbled over the fingers, however, there is such beauty in just seeing the webbing of the roots stretching out among the rocks and through the earth. Those fingers just spiderweb everywhere and anywhere truly creating a work of art in the very earth we walk on, and the best part is that no two tree's roots are the same. Just as we each have our own individual characteristic and unique fingerprints, each and every tree has their own unique and beautiful roots that are equal to our fingerprints. 

I continued on again taking in everything that was surrounding me. The sights and sounds were amazing, though at this point, I hadn't seen anything yet. The river became louder so I strayed from the paths a bit more to be sure I didn't miss anything on my adventure, though at this point one of my favorite sights that truly made me laugh out loud was a single item that told hikers they were safe if they happened to fall in the river. YES, this beauty was peaking out of the trees at one point along the water's edge, 

and clearly it has not be used in quite a long time. If you cannot see due to the lighting and fading the 'life-saver' says McConnell's Mill State Park. Now when I first saw this 'life-sver' I honestly started to crack up. I understand that it was placed there in the case of an emergency, and later down the trail I did come upon a few more, however I personally would take my chances with a friend stretching out a branch to me or me latching onto a log jetting out into the river than this 'life-saver.' I mean honestly, the rope is probably older than me and that being said, from it living outside 24/7, I know it is rotted through and would probably snap from the weight of a small child in the river let alone a full grown adult. So the adorable 'life-saver,' may you never be needed, wanted, or used,                                                                                                                                               After I finally re-composed myself from my hysterical laughter, I continued once again down the winding turning paths that occasionally had other paths, or so they appears, attach to my path which is where I understood how some people could find themselves lost here. I had no worries though. For me I'm the woman who can get lost on clearly marked roads using a friend's directions as well as a garmin, but you throw me in the woods and let me wander for a few hours and I will come back out where I entered.

As I ventured back to the stream I heard the water rushing again and looked down river since I knew what was in sight upriver since I had already passed it. And then I saw it, the glimmer that I chose the right direction when i was upstream. 

The Mill Was In Slight!!!

Now I was ecstatic and the pep in my step jumped ten degrees in pace. I had seen the mill on post cards at a local restaurant but here was my chance to see it in person. Now here I was, next to a 'life-saver' that I'd never trust, and gawking at a beautiful old fashioned, first in the country, grist mill. I practically ran the rest of the way down the river. When I finally got down to the mill, I learned that saying it was lovely, gorgeous, beautiful, amazing, or fantastic were simply understatements. The Mill is Positively Breathtaking. And here I was staring at it in amazement at its beauty just relaxing in the sun on the river surrounded by the wildlife. I simply could not believe my eyes at its beauty. The post cards I had seen in the past gave it no justice, not any at all. This is truly one of the places that to me is a must see for anyone who ever visits western pa. And for everyone living out this way, if you have not seen the mill yet then Shame On You! You really are missing out on an amazing sight and experience as a whole. Whether you simply drive down to the mill across the gorgeous covered bridge, or do the hike enjoying everything McConnell's Mill State Park has to offer you, you need to get down there. I even hit one point where I told myself that I would love to have a wedding reception there. The sights and sounds are breathtaking, and for a small wedding, the space is perfect.

Clearly I took various pictures of the mills, I simply could not get enough of the mills, and if you are reading this I'm going to tell you right now that you need to see the mills for yourself! These pictures do not give its beauty any justice at all! I personally cannot wait to go back to the mills! And it really crushed me to have to leave in the first place, but due to weather....I HAD TO LEAVE! Yes earlier I noticed it get slightly darker and darker but I logically told myself, duh, it's cloudy. Hmmmmmmmm....probably should have checked the weather before going on my adventure. Actually should have most definitely checked the weather first because five minutes later I was caught in a torrential down pour, and as the cherry on top! I was in a WHITE TANK TOP! Yeah......OOOOOOPS! Big mistake on my end, and my two hour peaceful and gentle paced hike down to the mills became a forty minute or so rushed hike back up the mountainous terrain and towards my truck where I did get back to completely soaked through, and see through. It was fantastic! But luckily for me I only passed one couple so not too much embarrassment there. However, rain or shine I will be back at the mills soon! Though Preferably Shine!

#16: Visited Moraine State Park

Though I have seen the signs everywhere during my four years at SRU, I had never visited Moraine State Park until this past week, and I am now obsessed. Moraine is definitely the place to go if you want to hang out with good friends in the sun, want some family time in nature, or just want some alone time enjoying life away from everyone and everything. Moraine state park is one of Pennsylvania's state parks that stretches across 16,725 acres resting in Brady, Franklin, Muddy Creek, Clay, and Worth Townships within Butler County. I have learned that you can come to the park for their beach, for boats and fishing in the water, for amazing hiking trails, and fantastic bike trails.

Here is a series of pictures I took when I reached the beach on my first day after biking half of the 7.5 mile long paved bike trail, which you can also hike on if you choose. The Moraine bike trail is as I said, 7.5 miles long and paved, and a one way path meaning that it is 7.5 miles to the end and then 7.5 miles back, so it does not loop around, which is fantastic for most bikers. On this trail, which I have now biked half of it multiple times since I enjoy biking to the beach and then hanging out there in the sun for a few hours, is positively gorgeous.

 I have seen the cute families taking a bike ride for the day as well as couples of all ages, running from as young as teenagers to as old as well into life, simply enjoying the weather and scenery. I have also seen the competitive riders working on their speed and exercise habits as well as groups of great friends and the solo riders getting away from life for a bit. The trail is relatively easy to ride, so an amateur cyclist who has not ridden in years should not die from exhaustion, because the paved trail is relatively flat for being in what I consider the mountains with various slight inclines and a few deep slopes and hills. Also anyone on the trail is more than welcome to stop and turn around at any point in their ride. For me the best part of riding the trails is the

sights, smells, and overall aura of being thrown into nature and hiding from society for a bit each day or week. As you can tell from some of the pictures the trails primarily flow with nature versus cut through it like most roads and highways do these days. This adds to the mindset of being out and about and away from the craziness of society and really lets you think out anything that is on your mind as you travel through the woods. Of course as you can see I am fascinated by the sights because they are so different to what I am used to from being from New Jersey which may

 sound crazy to you since you are thinking that all woods are alike, but they are not. I'm from South Jersey which for starters is flat as
flat gets. So what you would call as normal terrain I call hills, and your version of hills to me are mountains. Also, the area of South Jersey I am from is also known as the Pine Barrens, so most of the trees I am typically surrounded by are, shocker, pine trees as well as various other plants and trees that I did not see so much in Moraine which adds to the change of scenery as well.

Another aspect of riding along the bike trail that I loved was that parts of it run along the water, and it was beautiful. Each time I came to a point in the trail where I passed the water's edge I had to pause and just look and truly see how massive Moraine State Park really is. Another fantastic perk for those who are like me, and burn at the
 thought of the sun, is that most of the trail is relatively shady due to the canopy above you from the trees. Obviously there are some break points where the sun peeks through or you can break out of the forest for a loop or two as you pass a tent/cabin area for campers, but otherwise the trail is primarily shady so don't have too much fear of becoming a lobster on the 14.5 mile bike

ride if you plan on doing the whole trail. And
also if you do not have your own bike it's no
problem because at the beginning of the trail
 is a bike rental spot that opens at 11:00. I do not know how much it costs though since I have a bike, but I see lots of renters on the trails so I'm sure it is not an arm and a leg, and whatever the price may be it is totally worth it! Also I have noticed that they have a variety of bikes from standard bikes to mountain bikes, bikes with baskets to hold your stuff, bikes with additional connections for two-riders, and bikes with children's seats on the back. So what ever may be your situation and group, I am sure you will have no trouble finding a bike to use there. They also sells snacks and drinks at the rental shop as well as have restrooms at the beginning of the trail and at various points throughout the trail for anyone who needs to stop.

And finally the best part is the wild life. You will see some critters who at the sight of you will run and scamper off into the forest, and others who will give you the approving head nod saying 'sup' as you ride on past. Which ever it is you may encounter, you will see wildlife from as small as birds and insects to as large as dear and possibly black bear who inhabit the area. On my last ride I had the experience of seeing a family of turkeys, parents were not too excited about me though and hurried the 'kiddies' along, as well as a young buck. From the picture you can tell who approved of my passing by.

I know I have written primarily about the bike trail but do not forget that there are hiking trails throughout the park that are also easy to get along through whether with friends/family or solo, and the trails have just as many beautiful sights if not more. So do not be afraid to grab a pair of comfy clothes and shoes, possibly some good friends or family, an rent a bike or pick a trail or grab a spot of the beach, I've done all and they are all beautiful and relaxing. Can't wait for my next adventure!

#21: Go to the Big Butler Fair

Well I got to check off my first item on my Pittsburgh Bucket List! Yes number 21, go to the Big Butler Fair, is officially off the list. Now I know going to the fair may not be a huge deal to most but for me it was an uber huge deal not only because I had never been but because I never really went to a real fair. Yes my best friend took me to a small farm fair one year that came to town but that was mainly like a 4H crossed with a craft show with some rides. The Butler Fair however was a full on fair and for me it was amazing. Prior to going I was warned by great close friends about the carnies and their tricks and all, as well as had all my previous misconceptions, but when I got there I learned that those ideas were not so wrong. Innitially I arrived at the fair an hour before my friends, and the pick-up lines from the carnies were endless and insane. I truly thought my friends were exaggerating a bit when they warned me but oh to my surprise they were far from exaggeration. Everywhere I walked the carnies screamed out lines such as, 'hey blondie! I see no friend, want to be mine!' or 'Someone's looking lonely there, I can change that!' and 'ever dream of being with a carnie?' These lines made me laugh out loud as well as think twice about ever coming to a fair alone again, but thankfully I was only alone for an hour, and it really wasn't that bad, just shocking at how open they were to asking me to join them later that night. Later however I did see the other side to them.

Now for this visit my friends and I were only walking around, next time I am most definitely going on the rides against the warnings of their safety. Now we were having a blast just being ourselves with great friends. At first we wondered around the shops and carts just seeing everything and that alone was a blast for me. Now us being awesome girls and great friends we couldn't help but have a blast goofing off with the hats when they came in sight. I mean honestly who cannot play around with hats. There Hats! It's like a required Photo Opportunity!

 Hats! How Could Anyone Not Take Pictures!!!!

But the real fun happened when we went down "the alley." Now when I call this place the alley, it is strictly my nickname for it. This alley was the long pathway through the middle of the fair that wrapped around the food carts almost in a tear drop shape, and at the largest part of the drop, or the bottom, were a couple rides as well as some rides inside. All along this alley however on both sides were the games. Dart games, throwing ball games, knocking bottles and clowns, tossing coins and ping-pong balls, winning stuffed animals of all sizes! Though that was the funny part, oh yes there was stuffed animals as big as a fifth grader and soft and fluffy and fun colors.

 "Hey! You there! Blondie! Just play once! Today is Lady's Day! Every Lady wins a Prize!"

 and after you play and even win by hitting three balloons with your three darts, you get some dinky little toy that looks like it fell out of a serial box or came in your happy meal box. And of course there are the deals too!

 "Ladies! Ladies! Over Here! I give you a special Deal! Just for You!

Oh it was ludicrous! Carnies shouting from every where at anyone who walked by. It wasn't like walking by girl scouts or fundraisers where they only spoke if you made eye contact, oh no if you were living and walking and in sight they would shout at you. I feel my favorite "Special Deal" was a carnie shouted at my two friends and I and simply said, "I have a special deal for you, each of you ladies pay $5 for three darts, and even if you all miss on each dart, I will let you three have one giant prize versus three small prizes, just for you ladies!" All I could think of is are you kidding me! Yes we want to pay $15 for a stupid stuffed animal that probably only cost 8 bucks and then we can share it, who are you kidding bud? Don't let my blonde hair fool you, we're not stupid.

Now we did not take that carnie's "Special Offer,' but of course being in the spirit of the carnival we did play some games. S'mall's came out with more than enough fun reminders of the day, one of which being an awesome white bison she chose to name Jaquine, which she won by paying for three darts at multiple games and letting each of us taking a shot and then trading in the dinky prizes for him, and Lex got out with her very own living Goldfish which S'malls won for her on Lex's last ping-pong ball in the toss. Surprisingly enough the Gold Fish is still alive and it has now been a whole week! I know right!

To end the day I got the chance to try my first ever Fried Oreo..........It was AMAZING!!! I particularly do nto like oreo's in general but I tried a fried one and I could not get enough of it! Sooooo delicious! Now the fair is gone but the memories remain and I know one thing for sure, I cannot wait to go back to the fair when it comes back to town next summer! And next time I'm going on those rides too!

Pittsburgh 'Bucket List'

The list has officially been created. Now I know it says 'bucket list' which is traditionally used in reference to a list of things a person wants to do/experience prior to death, but I felt that the saying was good for my intentions as well. Since I have moved to a town near Pittsburgh and plan on staying out here, then I minus well have a list of things for me to do so that I truly become a real 'Pittsburgher.' So here it is, my list. This list is of activities, sights, experiences, foods, and in general anything I have been told I must do, see, experience, or try to become a true Pittsburgher. I plan on completing this list by June 20th, 2015, yes exactly one year from today since today is when the list was made. Of course any additions are highly possible since I obviously do not know of everything to do and see in the area, but once it is on the list, it is on the list. Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 1. Go to a Pirates Game
 2 Go to a Pens Game
 3. Go to a Steelers Game
 4. Eat a Primanti's Sandwich in the Strip District
 5. Visited Carnegie Museum of Natural History
 6. Visited Carnegie Science Center
 7. Visited Carnegie Museum of Art
 8. Visited Any Warhol Museum
 9. Visited Mattress Factory
 10. Visited Toonseum
 11. Visited Depreciation Lands Museum
 12. Eaten Chipped Chopped Ham
 13. Eaten Hagan Ice Cream
 14. Visited Hartwood Acres
 15. Visited Point State Park (Check!)
 16. Visited Moraine State Park
 17. Visited Presque Isle State Park
 18. Driven over more than 5 different bridges in less than 30 minutes (is that really possible?)
 19. Visited Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium
 20. Visited Kennywood
 21. Go to the Big Butler Fair
 22. Skied at Seven Springs
 23. Eat at Isaly's
 24. Eat at Pamela's
 25. Ride a Street Car
 26. Ride the T
 27. Ride the Duquesne Incline
 28. Ride the Monongahela Incline
 29. Go to Forbes Field
 30. Go to Pitt Stadium
 31. Go to Civic Arena
 32. Go to Three Rivers Stadium
 33. Eat a Potato Top Tomato
 34. Used French Fries as Salad Topping (Check!)
 35. Attend the 'Three Rivers Regatta'
 36. Visited McConnells Mill
 37. Visit the Benedum Center
 38. Visit the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden
 39. Visit the Nationa Aviary
 40. Visit Heinz Hall for the Performing Arts
 41. Go to Schenley Park
 42. Visit Fort Pit Museum
 43. Visit the Clemente Museum
 44. Visit Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall
 45. Visit Phipps Conservatory
 46. The Nationality Rooms
 47. Visit the Frick Art and Historical Center
 48. Visit the Bayernhof Music Museum
 49. South Side
 50. Go to the Strip

Welp, I know the list is long, but I will get it done. Like I said, I have a year and I'm going to work hard to see, do, experience everything on this list. So here goes nothing!!!

Pittsburgh on Bikes

Today was my first time in Pittsburgh, and when I say first time, I mean first real time. The other times was simply for the airport which is outside Pittsburgh, but this time I went right into the heart of the city. The plan was simply, drive into Pittsburgh, meet up with great friends, ride bikes in an area, and then meet up with more friends for dinner. This may sound simple to many, and boring to most, but for me it was an adventure!

The first adventure began when I drove into the city. I know, an adventure driving into Pittsburgh? Yes! For me it was! It was also a huge victory! I will explain. :)

I know it sounds strange and ridiculous....but I sort of have a phobia of cities......it's alright, you can laugh, I don't blame out. But in my whole I maybe entered a city a whopping ten times, and those ten times were mainly field trips to museums and two trips to Phillie's games. On top of that when it comes to driving, lots of lanes and turn-offs freak me out. And to top it all off, I get loss incredibly easy, like for real, the first time I drove to the airport I had a friend's written directions, googlemaps directions, and a garmin, and I still got hopelessly lost and detoured for two hours. So like I said, I don't belong in cities.

So back to the story, here I am driving myself into the city, the oil city, the city f bridges, 446 bridges to be exact :) , and I am freaking out....MAJORLY. For starters the bridges appear, and off of the bridges are various turns to go different ways, and some bridges have turn offs right before hand that turn under the bridge. Totally Terrifying! Trust Me! So here I am crossing the bridge, a bit in Awe from the views, quite spectacular I must say, but also freaking out because the cars around me are speeding up and changing lanes like we are playing musical chairs and I'm just trying to figure out which of the four, and sometimes five, lanes I should be in to go where I want to go. th street, 7th street, Madison ave, orange belt, green belt, Squirrel Hill, Shady Side, South Side, North Shore, Belts! What is with the belts! I DON'T GET IT! At this point the music and air are off because I can't chance missing directions from the Garmin, and I'm leaning forward for God knows what reasons. Up and down, left and right, stay left but keep right, stay right now merge into left lane for exit, WHAT IS GOING ON! I JUST CAN'T HANDLE IT! Clearly at this point I am on the verge of saying 'screw it, I'm done.' Finally my Garmin tells me I'm only five minutes away.

VICTORY!

and then it happens.....dun....Dun.....DUUUUUUUUUN!

I'm headed down this road that started parallel with the city but slowly sloped down the mountain side. The sights were gorgeous at first because the mountain side was a mixture of cobblestone and mountain side, then it grew into the road to the dead. I see a green light about half a mile ahead, tops, and then this guy on a bike comes out of nowhere! I hit the brakes as he just flies into the road on his bicycle and the starts weaving in and out of the road avoiding the parked cars! ARE YOU NUTS BUDDY!!! To make it better everything gets dark around me..........I'm headed under a bridge! UNDER! A this point there are two lanes on my side, two for opposing traffic, and then we go under the bridge................and I hit a red light..........................ahead are four to five lanes and to my right are three more. I'm stopped at a red light and simply looking around in fear asking where I am and how I will get out. Then the horns go off. I'm sitting in my little S10 pick up and horns are blaring all around me echoing from the vibrations off the walls and then the mother of all horns blasts into the scene as she and her twin come to a sudden screeching halt out of nowhere from inside the wall next to me! Yes! The wall!!! That gorgeous cobblestone mountain side now has two.......TWO semi's coming out of its crevices and  I don't know where to go!!! Now I'm just sitting in my truck panicking because these trucks are turning, one of witch towards me, and the nut on the bike is just sitting, well standing, next to my passenger door and this truck is coming right at me. At this point I have lost it. I'm terrified of the city and now I'm sitting here under a bridge waiting to die.It's official, it's the end. I close my eyes as the truck continues to turn towards me since there are cars behind me so I cannot move anywhere between them and the psychotic bike. Horns blast some more and I just don't want to see my demise. Then everything goes quiet........................................I slowly open my eyes and see the first truck, my truck, is gone. Thank God! The horns start up again as the other truck, turning left, begins to blast due to a car in the way. Finally my light turns green. I hit the gas and fly out of there as fast as possible before any other bikes come outnof sidewalks or semi's out of walls!

About 5 minutes later I make it to The Sloth Whisperer's (SW) apartment, and now the real adventure begins. My tour guides were her and her boyfriend (F), and we grab out bikes and go. Now here is the tricky part, I can't tell you exactly where we were other than Pittsburgh, but I can tell you what I saw which was all amazing.

At first the bike ride was purely gorgeous simply because of where we were riding. SW and F took me along these grgeous bike paths that I would have never expected to find in a city. They ran along the river and roads and even crossed some train tracks at one point which brought us to an adorable little, in my own words, nook of a tiny town like area that you would expect to find wandering the streets of Italy or England where everyone is happy and there are little bistro restaurants and privately owned shops. It truly amazed me how these little areas of shops and food would pop out of nowhere. We continued to ride around following paths and riding on sidewalks through the city when we had to go over a bridge. Here is where I was introduced to Pittsburgh's 'Bar on a Bike.' Yeah, tell me about it, bar on a bike. I was in complete and utter shock at the sight. At this point I still had absolutely no idea where I was headed and then it happened................................

 The first sight I saw, after traveling on the gorgeous bike paths along the water that made me feel like I was in an endless park and through the city, came out from around the corner as we traveled along the river after passing through what to me appeared to be a park. At first I just heard it, and then we turned the corner and there it was...... THE Pittsburgh Fountain. Until this point I had only seen pictures and images on the news and here it was! The fountain! It was definitely a lot bigger than I was expecting, that's for sure! And it was positively gorgeous. That day I had no idea what my friends were going to show me and then I saw that fountain and it took my breath away. The size alone was positively massive beyond belief, and then the views around the fountain were just as gorgeous. On one side across the river was Heinz field, at least if I remember correctly it was, and the other was a Pittsburgh mountain side. SW even laughed at me, or rather with me, when I asked her what the large old looking red and black car was that was slowly creeping up the mountain side.

She enlightened me by informing me that it was the Duquesne Incline, which at the top of the incline to me looked like an evil lair or a bat cave. Maybe it sounds lame to Pittsburghers but, I honestly cannot wait to take a ride up it, which I have heard that it is beautiful to do at night time.

Well we stayed at the fountain for about twenty minutes after we rode our bikes around it once, and then SW turned to me and exasperatedly exclaimed, "We should show her statues! F can we show her the statues! You have to see them! They are huge and great for taking awkward pictures with!"

At this point I already figured that no matter what it was SW and F were wanting to show me that I would be completely breathless and amazed. I couldn't wait. So after a few snap shots were carried on our ways and went to the 'perfect statues to take awkward pictures with' None the less, SW was right. They were the perfect statues to take awkward funny pictures with.


The first she showed me was the Mr. Rogers statue. Now this may make me sound stupid. but I had not actually known that Mr. Rogers was from the Pittsburgh area until after I came out to college at SRU. Maybe that is pathetic, maybe it isn't, but either way it was true. Then again I wasn't from the area so how would I know unless I was a Mr. Rogers fanatic. None the less SW and F showed me the statue. For starters, it was huge......no.....not huge......Ginormous! I'm used to statues that are life size or smaller, this one was bigger than my truck. (And to be honest, from behind it looked like a statue of King Kong) But here it was, a ginormous statue of Mr. Rogers that looked like King Kong from the back, and yes it was incredibly easy to take awkward funny pictures. The most popular was to sit in his lap since most people could get there. Obviously SW and I had fun with that one.

The next statue SW couldn't wait to show me was of Art Rooney. Again, we had to pose and have our fun, who wouldn't! So here is what SW and I came up with. I personally think we were quite creative.

After the second photo shoot was completed, Adventure Time continued! SW and F showed me Heinz Field, PNC Park, The Jail, North Shore, and various other buildings and sights as we continued to ride bikes throughout the city. All in all, I was utterly amazed throughout the entire experience which added up to 10.7 miles. The fun and sights were endless, and I truly cannot wait to do it again and see more of the city. When and where my next adventure will be, I do not know, what I do know is that it will be a blast.

Thank You Again SW and F for the amazing day! You guys truly are amazing friends!

Pittsburghese Happened.......

It happened.........my Jersey dialect is still present, and recently my students discovered this 'difference in tongue,' however.......Pittsburghese crept into my mouth this afternoon.

This may be a confusing start for many of you, so I feel that a short explanation is in order. When a person lives somewhere one thing is always present in their language, and that is a dialect. Now true, an Accent may be present, but there is a distinct difference between an Accent and a Dialect. When people hear the term "accent" they often immediately think of three prominent, memorable, and often mimicked accents which is the Southern accent, the New Yorker/Boston, and the British. When I say dialect I do not refer to the sound of a person voice or "twang" in some instances, but what words or terminology are used and associated with that area as well as how some words may be spoken by people in that area.

When it comes to terminology, words that are characteristics of for example the Philly/South Jersey areas, as well as many other areas, are Soda versus Pop, Jimmies versus Sprinkles, contrary to some beliefs, Hoagies versus Subs or Sandwiches (I know some of you may counteract me stating that you eat Hoagies, but you do not, sorry, Hoagies are bought at Wawas, in Jersey you do not order a sub or a hoagie at subway or the pizza place, you order a Hoagie unless you go to subway where it is then a sub, and a sandwich is something you make at home yourself).

When it comes to how words are pronounced, some BIG ones my friends, and now students, have pointed out to me are as follows

- Water (Pronounced sounding like 'WOODER') (This is about half of Jersey, they other half says plain        'wauder'/how you normaly say it)

- Crayon (Pronounced 'CROWN')

- Orange (Pronounced 'AAAAARANGE')

Like I said, it is not a different word, but more of how we pronounce it but not like an accent

PITTSBURGHESE however is a different story......because it is a different language in many characteristics. For example, wash, as in 'to wash the car,' is pronounced "WARSH," and I learned that many people say GUMBAND versus Rubberband, STILLERS versus Steelers (Yes, their football team name),SLIPPY versus Slippery, BUGGY versus Shopping Cart, and my all time favorite, YINZ or Y'ALL versus you all. The final one is where I slipped, no pun intended, and it completely shocked me.

The story goes like this........

A friend and I were on a horseback riding trail ride, she on her trusty Draft Cross who is around 10 years old I believe, and me on an adorable and gorgeous jet black 3 year old. Now the 3 year old I was riding is in training, for those who do not know horses and feel that the 'training aspect' is a bit important or else you will think I am insane, and just like talking to a young child when you are teaching them to swim or ride a bike, you constantly speak to them and encourage them as well as tell them that they are alright. Well this friend and I are riding through the woods and the whole time I am, out loud, speaking to the horse I am riding telling him that he's such a "good boy, you're doing a fantastic job Loxely! Look at you all big and grown up on a trail ride. I'm so proud of you, you're doing so good because you know you're okay, yes you are you're okay," and so on. As this is going on during our short trail ride, his one foot slipped forward a little. Now amazingly enough he was able to control his balance and my own (non horsey people, an untrained horse does not know how to work completely with their balance let alone another's until they are taught, just like a child) and so I told him, "It's okay baby! Just a little Slippy no big deal! Just a little Slippy..........." and then it hit me......I SAID SLIPPY! NOT SLIPPERY, SLIPPY! I was in shock, I couldn't believe my own ears let alone my own voice, I did not properly enunciate the the proper pronunciation of Slippery, and I was at a cross road in my mind. Now this may seem like an over reaction, but it was more of a shocking moment then a reaction. I was not disgusted with what I said or upset or angered by my own words, just in shock.

This brought me back to my classroom where my students were snickering during my class discussion and I had no idea until it hit me, Wooder, I say Wooder, and they don't know what I am saying which of course I let them have five minutes to laugh it out and move on, but it's the shock of it all. Cultural shock is a real thing that can be experienced by anyone anywhere. You may experience it because you travel over seas to Europe or Asia, or because you simply move 7 hours from home, but either way you may experience it all the same. True I didn't know what a YIN was nor a GUMBAND, and people are confused when I order a WOODER or walk into a Pizza Parlor and ask for a Pie, but I never thought that I would simply 'Slip' into this dialect, and here I was riding a 3 year old horse and out came SLIPPY........2 times, not noticing until the 2nd time, none the less it occurred, and still it baffles me, but it also makes me curious as to what other Pittsburghese terminology and dialects I will pick up out here, I just hope that I do not lose my 'Jersey Born Dialect' that in some aspects is just as Unique as Pittsburghese, it just doesn't have a fancy name to compete against Pittsburghese.

My 1st Pittsburgh Salad........

When people travel to different parts of the world, whether it is for vacation or work and to other countries and continents or just to another state, they typically have an idea of things to see and do that they are expecting to be different. For example, when I traveled to Italy with my college, I knew that regardless of how "picky" I was when it came to food, that I had to try the food because I was in ITALY! Not the pizza parlor down the road or in town but Italy, home of Pizza! Some may feel the same way on their own travels. Well when I first decided on a college out by Pittsburgh, I honestly did not think anything of anything being different. Yes I heard rumors of words such as 'YINZ,' 'SLIPPY,' and "WARSH' but other than that I didn't have any thoughts, not even an idea about accents such as those you would hear going to Boston, parts of New York, and the South in general. However, I was completely wrong. For today I am going to focus on an experience I mentioned in my earlier post, a true Pittsburgh Salad.

Now some of you may be confused by me writing a blog about a Pittsburgh Salad because you live no where near Pittsburgh, and others may be confused because you are from Pittsburgh and want to know what is wrong with your salads. Well in the end there is nothing wrong with your salads, but they are unique and different.

For those who do not know, a 'Pittsburgh Salad' is a regular salad, however it is topped with French Fries.....Yes....I said FRENCH FRIES. I will give you a moment to any who may be shocked or confused about this bit of new information. You may be shocked, you may be disgusted, you may be upset thinking, "It's a Salad! How do you mess up a Salad! It's just lettuce and Salad Toppings like tomatoes, croutons, cheeses, onions, carrots, bacon! How do you mess that up!" Trust me, I understand your confusion, and I can empathize with anyone who has those thoughts, because I had those thoughts.

NOW FOR A FLASHBACK, 4 YEARS AGO, when it comes to my first encounter of the "Pittsburgh Salad," I was a freshman and out at dinner with some friends within my first month of coming to college. We all sat down, ordered our drinks and meals, chit-chatting like college kids do, and having a grand old time............and then it happened........the appetizers came out. Now I am typically not a salad person, however when it comes with my meal I will order it and dig in. Well the waitress.....sweet as could be, placed my "salad" down in front of me.........I just stared. It made no sense, nothing made sense. I just stared at my salad, French Fries and all, just chilling out in front of me. 

The waitress asked if there was a problem, but I did not hear her at first. There were french fries....on my salad!!1 I couldn't believe it! I thought it was some strange joke! Who puts french fries on a salad right? I looked at my friends who had not idea what was going through my mind nor what my "problem" was. Everyone was staring at me as I stared at the thing they called a salad sitting in front of me. Finally a friend asked what was wrong, I leaned in close and asked

......"why are there french fries......on my salad?"

She responded......"why WOULDN'T there be french fries on your salad?"

I was shocked, I was confused, more importantly, I was horrified. I looked at my friends for answers and then the bulb clicked on in one of their heads and he looked at me asking, "Victoria......have you ever seen french fries on a salad before?" All I could do was shake my head, why would he ask me that? Again the waitress asked the problem and I responded, "I'm sorry, I'm just, there are french fries on my salad, why?" Again everyone was shocked. 

Of course it turned out that I was shocked to see that out by Pittsburgh, you DO NOT order a salad without French Fries, and of course my friends learned that if they travel to other places they WILL NOT receive a salad with french fries. I still in shock and fear of trying the Pittsburgh Salads, always made sure that after that first encounter to always ask for my salads WITHOUT french fries. 

NOW A FLASH FORWARD to the present. Two weeks ago I was at a HHEducators seminar hosted by Dr. Herbert Hunt with guest speaker, Dr. Bernie Hoffman. Well at this seminar, I learned that they would be serving lunch. Not knowing what to expect at something like this, I just let my mind wonder but figured it would be like any 'business/professional' dinner I have been to in the past and have the "typical" foods of salad and a choice of meat or fish but very 'low key' for say since admission was free.

After a few hours, lunch finally came and I was ecstatic because by that point I was starving. My new found friend and I practically leaped out of our chairs and made our way to the buffet. We each grabbed a plate and she started to pile the lettuce on. Again, I'm not a huge salad lover, so only put a little lettuce on my plate figuring on making a small salad and eating something else, but then I saw it, the big shiny metal 'buffet tray' keeping something hot. Again in my mind are thoughts of a meat, probably a chicken, but secretly hoping for chicken parm. I watch as my new found friend opens the lid and to my surprise....there is a pile of french fries! I lean into her and ask, "what's with the french fries?" and she responded that the lunch is a salad buffet, why wouldn't there by french fries. (By this point I have come to hate the phrase/response of "why wouldn't there be french fries") and gaped unimaginably at the steaming fries. Well, I thought as I stared at the fresh fries as they were piled on her plate, tomorrow I am signing my contracts to lease an apartment since I'm moving out here.........WHAT THE HELL? WHY NOT RIGHT? MINUS WELL TRY THEM SOONER OR LATER. So there I went, back tracking a little to grab more lettuce, and then stalling adding some tomatoes, croutons, grilled chicken, cheese, and then it came, I was back at the French Fries........I swallowed deeply, not truly wanting to try it for fear that something will happen (which is a ridiculous thought) and then I did it,I slowly lifted the tongs, put them in the pile, got a hold of, as the man said behind me, "A Good amount of Fries," and dropped them on top of my salad......lettuce and all. I gaped down at the fries in shock at what I had done.

Next I moved a little further and saw dressing. DRESSING! What do you do with that? The only condiments I had ever let my fries touch were honey mustard or BBQ sauce (sorry, I don't like ketchup) but salad dressing! on FRENCH FRIES! I looked at the gentleman across from me and studied as he picked up the ladle and poured the dressing all over the top of his salad, French Fries and all. Again I was amazed. I glanced at the man behind me with this confused lost child look on my face. He had heard earlier that I was from out of state so asked, "Is everything alright?" I responded, "I'm new to the 'French Fries' on salad thing.....which dressing should I use? I like both." The man looked at my lost face and then down at the dressing and back at my face, "Cesar" he said, "I like mine best with Cesar, Ranch is too thick and balsamic is not one I care for." I nodded in approval and decided to go for it so I slowly picked up the ladle and poured the SALAD, not french fry, but salad dressing on to my salad. On the inside it hurt so much to do, but at this point, I was curious. Down the line I also grabbed a cup of soup and lots of bread. In my mind bread and soup were great back ups if the salad was a no go for me.

I slowly traveled to my table, which in reality was only 15 feet or so from the buffet room but to me was a mile of me carrying that forbidden salad. I sat down and then just stared, not even sure if I should eat the french fries alone or actually eat them with the lettuce. I glanced around my table at my fellow educators and noticed how they ate their salads (yes, I really did do this), and of course being the normal people they are, they ate their salads like any other person would. Observing this I slowly lifted my fork and went for it, strategically placing the fork down so that it grabbed the smallest fry bit and a little lettuce (yes there was some dressing on it) and taking the plunge.......

.........OH.....MY.......GOD!!!!!!! The flavors! The textures! The taste! A party was going on my mouth! But not just any kind of party! A PITTSBURGH PARTY! I could not believe what was going on in my mouth. There were flavors flying around every which way, and this time it was only a small french fry with some lettuce and dressing. Next I need to add the crouton, and cheese, and tomato! The possibilities are endless! I took another bite, and then another, and another! I could not believe what I was doing, eating a salad with french fries, but more importantly I could not believe the flavors and textures I was experiencing.

All in All, as you can tell from the picture and imagine, the salad was positively amazing, and possibly one of the best I have ever heard. From this experience and past ones involving this salad style I have learned a few things.

The first was a reminder of the old phrase, "You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover," which is totally true.

The second is that even if it is strange, just try it. You may hate it but hey! You may love it as well!

 And the third is less of a lesson to me but more of a lesson for my Pittsburgh friends, if you leave the Pittsburgh area and order a salad, do not become angry if there are no french fries on top. That it a unique quality and tradition native to you and your culture which adds to your uniqueness, and it is okay to eat a salad without french fries.

So at last, I would like to say goodbye for now. Until my next Pittsburgh Experience comes and goes, I will be silent, unless something else native to the area occurs. If you have any ideas or suggestions for things I need to see, do, learn, or try please let me know! I am loving it out hear and plan on staying and to truly fit in I need to see, do, learn, and eat what true Pittsburghers see, do, and eat!

 Thanks for reading!