Transportation Day: hunting for adventure
By Dave Bates
For the Observer-Reporter
newsroom@observer-reporter.com
Because many of my columns are about enjoying the great outdoors, I figured I’d continue on a slight variation this week. With Christmas nearly upon us, I thought you might be looking for ideas for fun things to do either pre- or post-holiday. With family or friends coming in for a visit or maybe just looking to try something different on your own or as a couple, this might bring a little yuletide adventure your way. We make it a point to seek adventures whenever possible.
It all started with my daughter, Emma, and her interest in public transportation. Years back, when she was only a tot, we set out on one of our father/daughter Pittsburgh adventures. This particular day, we decided to try to ride as many public conveyances as we possibly could in one day. On the first leg of our journey, we drove to Pittsburgh and entered the city via the Fort Pitt Tunnels. It was just like in the old NFL Steeler videos when you exit the tunnel and the vista of Point State Park and the fountain unfolds. You could almost hear John Facenda in the background. Mom dropped us off in the Strip District.
If you have not been to “The Strip” it is a must see neighborhood of Pittsburgh. It is several blocks of the city in which a great deal of produce, food stuffs, and spices are housed in one central location. Numerous ethnic shops are contained within, including Wholey’s fish market, scads of souvenir shops, arts and craft booths, restaurants, street vendors and much, much more. It takes the better part of the day to experience all or most of the strip. Days of home Steeler games are bustling. Weekends just before Christmas are also especially fun as well. On Sunday mornings we like to make our last stop Saint Stanislaus’ church for a few prayers and some quiet reflection.
After spending the morning eating our way from one end of the strip to the other, I told Emma that we would walk as far as we could in the direction of our next stop, Station Square. She was “on board” from the start (pardon the pun). Not realizing how far we would have to walk, her little legs began to tire. In those days taxis were still a thing, but she had no idea that taxis even existed. As a passing cab approached I threw up my hand and flagged one down. Emma was mystified that you could stop a car and get a ride from a stranger. Onto Station Square. As we exited the taxi, we crossed the street and headed for the Mon Incline. Slowly climbing up Mount Washington, Em’s eyes grew wider with each vertical foot of elevation gained. By the time we reached the summit, Emma was beside herself with excitement. I had been there before but to experience it through her eyes made it all brand new for me. A cup of tea and a stroll around the top of the mountain brought us back to the incline station and ready for our return trip.
Admittedly, father and daughter are both history buffs so when we entered the old train station Em was awestruck with the beautiful ceiling arches, the old shoeshine booths and the antique restrooms. As we made our way to the concierge desk the manager informed us that reservations were needed and that there were no tables available. I thought Em was going to cry on the spot when the woman asked if I was a police officer. I nodded and asked what that had to do with us finding a table. She said, “My son is a police officer… follow me.” While I make it a point not to use my badge for such things, if my bald head and command presence give it away, then so be it.
Off we went to the worst table in the house; right next to the kitchen door. We couldn’t have cared less. We had the most incredible waiter named Moses, and we continue to see our friend, once a year or so, for brunch. After a couple of hours at the brunch buffet of the Grand Concourse we headed off to PPG Center (Pittsburgh Plate Glass Center) via the subway to take in the Christmas market. We scoped out the ice skaters and figured that would take up another of our special days as would a ride on the Gateway Clipper. While exiting the market, we found free carriage rides and, of course, took the occasion to add to our list of public transportation for the day. From there, we walked downtown and caught the bus back to Grammy and Pappy’s where Mom awaited our arrival. Later trips would include a Duck boat tour of Pittsburgh, a riverine police boat tour, flying out of Pittsburgh International to Disney and an eventual double decker bus tour of London and a British Isle Cruise. We are not finished quite yet and continue to pencil in new ideas for fun days as they present themselves.
If you have not experienced some of these great local venues, think about it during this holiday season. You can’t have too much fun and adventure.
Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com