Trip #225 Marengo Street, Southside Slopes, Pittsburgh took place on December 7, 2018, and was published on December 17, 2018.
Brisk. Crisp. Cold. Frigid. Freezing. Whatever you want to call it, it’s here. Winter. The sun shines for a bit, but the snow isn’t melting – at least not in the infrequently traveled shaded places. The grains are hard and icy, and the filigree appearance of ice crystals under a microscope, beautifully lace-like, pops into my mind. I can’t see those lovely patterns on this snow-covered stairway, but I can imagine the complex molecular world that exists deep inside what is in front of me.
I can also imagine lush, green covered hillsides, a hazy, lazy sun and the scent of honeysuckle and damp earth. But thinking those thoughts won’t help me right now. Gotta make the best of the weather at hand.
Field Notes: This is a little flight that runs alongside a house and down to a path that connects to Southside Park. First real “snow visit” for the season!
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Be a good neighbor! Have you visited these stairs and found them in poor condition or that illegal dumping (large items like tires, old furniture, and construction debris) and trash were abundant in the area? There are two things you can do to take action and make our city steps cleaner and safer for everyone! First, grab a photo if you can, and submit a report to Pittsburgh 311. All problems, both broken stairs, and railings, as well as trash and dumping, should be reported to the city. You can easily do this online or by calling. If the location has an abundance of illegal dumping and trash, also contact Allegheny Cleanways, letting them know the location and the nature of the garbage. Thank you!!
