Trip #654 Tropical Avenue to Gladys Avenue, Beechview, Pittsburgh took place on October 20, 2021, and was published on October 29, 2021.
Humans share many personality traits with beavers and groundhogs, two rodent species we have an abundance of in Western Pennsylvania. For example, once we find an ideal living space, we set about constructing and engineering the environment to suit our needs. Whether it’s wooden beams or bricks, fences or dams, we strive to create a secure home in a place we find comfortable and adequate for our family, food, and belongings. All of us can benefit from having a stable home base, whether it’s a place inhabited year-round or one we return to after weeks or months away. At this time of year, all of us are readying our respective burrows, collecting nuts and berries, and adding insulation where it’s needed. As winter approaches, thoughts turn to having a place where we can rest with ease.
Field Notes: This was such an interesting flight of city steps! It’s in a very residential neighborhood and connects two long avenues in the mid-point. All the houses have tall fences up (some wood, some chain-link, a brick wall) so it’s almost like you’re walking through a tunnel.
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.
