Trip #36 Harding Way 1 (north of Bigelow), Polish Hill, Pittsburgh took place on September 16, 2017, and was published on September 25, 2017.
In my mind, I hear my teacher say, “Why fearing?” ~
I’m fearing because I’m afraid of heights. I’m fearing because I’m afraid of falling. I’m fearing because I’ve learned to be afraid of these things by my actions and experiences. Falling is a loss of control, unexpected change, the threat of injury, pain, or even an unprepared death. I know why I’m afraid, but giving up fear isn’t easy, and sometimes, when I think I’ve let it go, in my mind, in my heart, my body tells me otherwise. Heart racing, stomach flopping, lungs refusing to expand, the sweat breaks out on my lower back.
~
“Ah-ha! Fearing still there!”
~
But not today. No need for fearing right now. This fear-inducing flight has been closed by the city. *phew*
Field Notes: Harding Way is the first “officially closed” flight I’ve come to. I’m kind of relieved because walking up and down this one always creeped me out a bit – the gaps between the steps are so wide!
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!!
