Pittsburgh PA, part 2

I realize that these photos make Pittsburgh look like some sort of pastoral paradise. I'm sure that the reality of living here is much different. This particular area features the towering Cathedral of Learning (above), the Frick Fine Arts Library (below) - both parts of the University of Pittsburgh - the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and  Schenley Park.

Pittsburgh, PA

It took me my whole life but I finally made it to Pittsburgh, PA. Thank you to my friend Patrick for helping make that possible. And thanks to the near-perfect weather it was a worthwhile - although brief - visit and my impression was quite good. That being said, I'm sure a Pittsburgh winter would push me over the edge.

western PA, part 2

Although the mountains aren't that high, it's clear that western Pennsylvania has a love affair with tunnels. There were many like this of similar construction and length. The above tunnel bears the inscription "Allegheny Mountain".

western PA

 

The fall foliage was a bit more colorful in the morning light. It was difficult, however, to take good photos while driving (and probably not a good idea).

Breezewood, PA

The lodging in Breezewood was fine - a clean, reasonably priced Holiday Inn with a cozy lobby. On the other hand, the town was not a culinary paradise. With very few meat-free options available, I found myself walking to a food court where dinner consisted of Panera tomato soup and Chiquita snack bites.

middle of PA

Various highways took me through Harrisburg and beyond. The Pennsylvania fall foliage covering gentle rolling mountains was pleasant. Continuing southwest as long as the light held out... put me in the tiny town of Breezewood, PA, located in the central-southwestern part of the state.

Delaware Water Gap, part 3

Overall a very good impression.

Delaware Water Gap, part 2

Evidently this trailhead right off of Interstate 80 is in Worthington State Forest. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is further north. Never been to that one, but I can say that the foliage and weather conditions in this area were perfect.

Delaware Water Gap

I knew I wanted to check out the Delaware Water Gap in some way, shape or form, but it was confusing. Within seconds I saw a sign for the Appalachian Trail, then another for the state of Pennsylvania, and then crossed a bridge over the Delaware River. Apparently I was following signs to the town of Delaware Water Gap on the Pennsylvania side. The town was fine but it wasn't the nature preserve, so I drove back to the New Jersey side and parked at the trailhead for the Appalachian Trail. That was stunning and strolling along Dunnfield Creek was well worth it. Driving back to Pennsylvania I had to pay the toll again, but since my little hike on the A.T. was free I didn't mind.

Interstate 80

It's a lengthy process, but as soon as you've driven through New York City and gotten onto Interstate 80, you're flying at high speed past the fall foliage of northern New Jersey. Also, every sign informs you that you're headed toward the Delaware Water Gap.