Trip #566 Will Way, Arlington, Pittsburgh took place on March 14, 2021, and was published on March 26, 2021.
Searching for balance often feels like a quest to obtain the nectar of the gods. Balance is elusive; it lurks on the sidelines, it plays hard to get, and it’s known to disappear completely. We know how it feels when we’re out of balance, but we don’t always know how to regain or find equilibrium. And so, the journey begins. We buy self-help books, enroll in seminars and workshops, and scour the internet for various “life hacks.” And through all our machinations, we create changes in the dynamics and flow of our life. Our self-constructed “dams,” “bridges,” “tunnels,” and “roads” give us a sense of order and control – until the day comes when the flood breaks the barriers and washes it all away. Because as much as we hate to admit it, balance is like water; it is changeable, impermanent, and always on the move.
Field Notes: This flight leads from Arlington Avenue up into the neighborhood. Near the top, there’s some water run-off – can’t tell if it’s PWSA- related or simply natural. Either way, the mini-stream runs from the top of the stairs and collects in a man-made catchment pool. Looks like it’s working??
Love city steps? Get yourself the latest issue of Mis.Steps: Our Missed Connections with Pittsburgh’s City Steps! Each copy is unique and features 10 randomly selected “trading cards” of Pittsburgh’s 739 public stairways. Visit the Mis.Steps online store to see all issues and place your order.
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.
