Trip #457 Baldwick Road to Noblestown Road, Oakwood, Pittsburgh took place on June 14, 2020, and was published on July 1, 2020.
Like everyone else, there are times when I want to get my work done in the quickest and easiest way possible. On this particular city steps visit, my plan was to get in, get my photos and notes, and get home. I was a little dismayed to discover this section of Noblestown Road has no street parking, but after driving up and back and up again, I settled for a parking lot at an empty baseball field. Then, I started walking, and walking, and walking some more until I reached the stairs. Yes, it was super hot out, and of course, I had forgotten my water bottle in the car. When I finally reached my destination, I discovered the flight didn’t go anywhere other than the adjacent homes’ backyards (*sigh*). As if on cue, the Polaroid decided this would be a great time for uneven chemical distribution, and I got to watch it happen during the uphill walk, walk, walk back to the car. But instead of feeling aggrieved, I had to laugh at how NOTHING had been quick and easy! My plans had been totally laid to waste, but instead of going home, I decided I wanted to track down another flight of city steps. Funny how a little shift in attitude can alter the trajectory of the day.
Field Notes: This is a strange little flight that now leads into someone’s backyard. However, there is a bus stop at the top and it runs alongside the property at the top. A hold-over from days done by.
See the Risograph print of this photo and story in the Mis.Steps Shop.
Want to visit these stairs? You can locate them on the Pittsburgh City Steps Plan website!
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.
