Oh How The Mood Changes

February 8, 2015 by LB

A quick trip to Charlotte, NC offered me a chance to have a mini 12 hour vacation. The day was beautiful for driving (I very much regretted not riding the bike) and I met friends in Uptown.

How wonderful it was to walk and wander, to point and shoot, to breathe and relax.

As an aside: I wondered why the residents of Charlotte call it Uptown and learned that this is a common question, one that Brad Panovich, Chief Meteorologist a WCNC-NBC TV answered in this blog post.

While I have many photos to work through and share, I loved the contrast between these two. Without a tripod, I took one with, and one without, flash. The mood changed dramatically in comparison, and the second begged to be converted to monochrome.

The first evokes a lovely evening stroll …

while the second encourages you to turn around and head home.

Oh the joy of photography!

Parting Shots from Pittsburgh

November 2, 2014 by LB

Can you handle just a few more photos from a great trip to Pittsburgh? I sure hope so because this is the last post!

Ruth and I rode the Monongahela Incline, one of two cable-powered inclines designed for transportation between the river valleys and the communities on top of the overlooking bluffs. The first two photos are mine, but I really think my friend Ruth’s photo captured the feel of the inside of that cable car. Please check the link for information about these historic inclines! So very cool!

Check out that 78% grade!

Once at the top, we walked the Mount Washington community, enjoyed a warm beverage from a local ice cream / coffee shop, and enjoyed chatting with the local business owner.

Ruth holds the framed article about that same business owner, while he tells us about the Mount Washington community and it’s local businesses.

Ruth thankfully is a photographer, one who has taught me much, and has complete patience with my non-stop shooting. Before riding back down, we posed for a picture in front of a the beautiful cityscape.

Just a few more shots that I think capture the essence of Pittsburgh.

Catsup 🙂

Bridges

Rivers and History

and Sports

Thanks for coming along on our road trip to Pittsburgh! I wonder where we’ll travel to next year?

Pittsburgh: Come Walk with Me

October 29, 2014 by LB

During our six mile walk around Pittsburgh, in addition to enjoying the bridges and rivers, we were impressed with the mix of old and new, the historic and the modern. We stopped for a light lunch, and of course I had to taste a Pittsburgh pilsner, but otherwise we didn’t shop. We just looked, and walked, and marveled and exclaimed. It was a perfect day to explore.

Ruth pointed out that the leaves of the Honey Locust tree, which we saw all along the streets, are the colors of the sports teams of Pittsburgh.

The Allegheny County Courthouse and Jail complex, designed in 1883 by Boston architect Henry Hobson Richardson, and built between 1884-1888, is a beautiful historic building right in the middle of Pittsburgh’s downtown business district.

The P&LERR (Pittsburgh and Lake Erie Railroad) terminal building, or the Landmarks Building, was constructed in 1900. This historic landmark, once a busy passenger station and hub of the P&LERR railroad, has been renovated and in now contains shops, restaurants, and is a wedding venue.

The interior was being set up for a wedding but we were allowed to take a quick look. The low light made for difficult spur of the moment photography, but wow! Isn’t it a beautiful room?

The Union Trust Building was erected in 1915–16 by industrialist Henry Clay Frick. The Flemish-Gothic structure’s original purpose was to serve as a shopping arcade. Known as the Union Arcade, it featured 240 shops and galleries. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This beautiful movie palace was a major theatre in Pittsburgh, opened originally as the Grand Theatre in 1918. Renamed Warner Theatre in 1930, it was used as a cinema through the 1980s, deteriorating all the while. The auditorium was demolished, and a two story shopping center named Warner Center was built on the site. The beautiful doors and a portion of the huge lobby have been retained.

The clubhouse of the Harvard, Yale, and Princeton Club of Allegheny is a National Historic Landmark. Built in 1894, the building originally contained 12 three-room apartments and served as workers’ row housing. Pittsburgh architect and club member Edward B. Lee (Harvard Class of 1899) was commissioned to transform the space into a private club, and after extensive renovation was re-opened in 1930. The courtyard reminded us of one that might be found in New Orleans, and had a quaint feel in the middle of the big city.

The Buhl Building is a historic commercial building in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Built in 1913, the building is faced with multi-colored terra cotta tiles. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. The yellow honey locust trees look even better against those blue and cream tiles, don’t they?

Isn’t this pedestrian walk way, with water feature and lovely purple lights, wonderful? We came across this as we were walking near the Rachel Carson bridge (I think), but I was not able to find any information online about it.

One PNC Plaza is a high-rise office building located in the Central Business District. Constructed in 1972, and 30 stories high, it currently features the world’s largest green wall.

I sure hope you enjoyed this walking tour of downtown Pittsburgh. The information for this post was taken from Wikipedia and from a variety of Pittsburgh websites.

Next and final Pittsburgh post: Inclines and other sites in this fun city.

Pittsburgh: Rivers and Bridges

October 27, 2014 by LB

Venice is known as the City of Bridges, but Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania actually has more. Three more in fact, for a total of 446!

Ruth and I planned our trip to Pittsburgh with a primary goal of watching a football game, but we had plenty of other fun things planned as well (see the posts about Fallingwater and the drive through southwestern Maryland and western Pennslvania). We spent most of Friday exploring the city, walking over bridges, and soaking up the history, architecture, and culture of Pittsburgh. Over 6 miles, and too many photos to count later, we felt we’d gotten a real taste of the city.

Many of you have posted photos of locks of love on bridges from around the world, and it appears that Pittsburgh is getting into the act, too.

Some of the bridges in this river city have pedestrian walkways which join a riverwalk. The Three Rivers Heritage Trail evolved from five separate trails and today comprises several unique sections over 37 miles.

The confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River is at Pittsburgh’s 36 acre Point State Park. It is there that they form the Ohio River. As we walked along the riverwalk, we passed a vibrant collection of runners, walkers, cyclists, and dogwalkers.

Expansive views of the city can be found from many vantage points, including the Monongahela and Dequesne Inclines (more on these in the next post).

Three of the 446 bridges are known as The Three Sisters. Similarly built self-anchored suspension bridges that span the Allegheny River, the bridges have been given formal names to honor important Pittsburgh residents: Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol, and Rachel Carson.

We walked over 2 of the 3.

We were never at the right vantage point to catch a photo of the 3 Sisters in one view, so I downloaded this one so you could see how beautiful they are.

The melding of the historic and the modern are everywhere.

What a fabulous city!

Next post: Pittsburgh – Buildings and Architecture

Fallingwater

October 24, 2014 by LB

Continuing our ride through western Maryland and into southwestern Pennsylvania (see On the Road), we reached Fallingwater in Mill Run, PA with a few minutes to spare before our 10am tour.

Fallingwater, “one of Frank Lloyd Wright’s most widely acclaimed works, was designed in 1935 for the family of Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar Kaufmann Sr”. (comments taken from Fallingwater literature).

Wright designed and built the house to rise above the waterfall rather than face it. Fallingwater “exemplifies Wright’s concept of organic architecture: the harmonious union of art and nature”

Constructed between 1936 and 1939, the home was made of sandstone quarried on the property and was built by local artisans. The stone serves to separate reinforced concrete trays that were cantilevered over the stream.

Our guided tour (no indoor photography allowed) lasted about an hour and while a bit rushed, was fascinating. We enjoyed hearing about Wright’s architectural themes, the extensive process involved in making this masterpiece, and the occasional design disagreements he had with the Kaufmanns. New York Times architecture critic Paul Goldberger called Fallingwater Wright’s “most sublime integration of man and nature”.

Fallingwater was the weekend home of the Kaufmann family from 1937 until 1963 when Edgar Kauffmann, Jr entrusted the house, it’s contents and grounds to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. The home was opened to the pubic in 1964 and over 5 million people have toured the home since that time.

After our tour we walked the trail to the Visitors Center, Museum Store, and Cafe.

We enjoyed lunch in the environmentally friendly cafe with food that was healthy and locally sourced. Reusable dishes and utencils! Recycling! and a relaxing view.

If you are anywhere near this National Historic Landmark, I urge you to go. Definitely a highlight to our trip.

Next Stop: Pittsburgh!

Kentucky and the “Niagara Falls of the South”

August 29, 2014 by LB

As I wiped the mud and water from my bike, I thought about how grateful I was for the warm welcome that I’d received when I checked into the hotel the night before. Hotels typically treat bikers well, and this time was no exception. I was allowed to park the bike under the covered entrance, was given rags to clean the bike, given recommendations for local eateries, and received a gift of water and trail mix. Betty surely made me feel welcome and a note was sent to her manager to praise her efforts.

The continued calls for rain had me considering heading home a day early, but as I cleaned up the bike I made the decision to take my chances. Kentucky still had alot to show me after all!

After packing up the bike and filling the tank, I set out for Cumberland Falls State Park. 25 E was a beautiful ride, and I passed by wooded lands and farms situated on nicely curving roads. Once inside the Daniel Boone National Forest, where the park is located, I had to keep myself from pulling over every few miles to take photos. The woods were lush and green and I was captivated.

One of the first things I saw upon entering the park was the Dupont Lodge.

The Civilian Conservation Corps, under Roosevelt’s New Deal, put jobless men and boys throughout the United States to work. Built by the CCC in 1933, the historic lodge was destroyed by fire in 1940. It was re-built soon after the fire, and all rooms were completely renovated again in 2006.

The staff offered much information including directions to a half mile trail, with a 200 ft descent, that led to the falls. Since my boots were still a bit wet, I was glad I’d only be hiking a short way, but I was definitely ready to get off the bike and into the woods. I grabbed my water bottle and headed off on foot.

I have to admit to being a bit skeptical about the whole “Niagara of the South” label, but oh, I was pleasantly surprised!

Since the early 1900s, Cumberland Falls has been known as the “Niagara of the South”. “Falling 7 stories, it is one of the largest waterfalls in the southeastern U.S.”.

Even though I was just one of many people there to enjoy the falls, I never felt that it was crowded.

I spent over an hour wandering about, taking pictures from a variety of angles and places, and learning about the history of the river and the falls.

The hike back up aggravated the new blister on my heel (thanks to the darn damp boots). But what fun it was to sit outside the lodge, applying first aide to my heel and talking with all the folks who stopped by to admire my bike. I’d been missing the human connection this trip as the rain kept me from alot of stopping and chatting.

While I’d been lucky this day, I knew that as I turned for home the weather would change, and I’d eventually run into rain again, so I made the decision to head on back towards Virginia. I rode through more beautiful country on curvy roads and found myself singing out loud with the joy of the wind in my face and even the occasional glimpse of sun.

As the day waned, I turned onto Rt 58 and my happiness continued.

My friend Tim helped me to find a hotel in Johnson City, Tennessee and one of the first things I did was ask the hotel clerk where I might find a cold beer 🙂

Once back at the hotel, the clerk told me to be sure to park right in front. It’s good to be a biker!

Next Post: The Ride Home

Breaks Interstate Park – Virginia and Kentucky

August 25, 2014 by LB

Despite the fact that every weather report called for extensive rain, I was ready to ride! My goal for this ride, my first trip on the bike since the wreck 10 months ago, was to take my time, enjoy the adventure, and have a completely different outcome from the last one. To say the least, I was excited!

The destination for this, the first day, was Breaks Interstate Park, a park shared by the states of Virginia and Kentucky.

I took a chance and kept my rain gear packed in the saddle bags and hit the road. The day was overcast and just a little cool … in essence, a perfect day to ride. As I got closer to the park the roads became curvier and the traffic became more sparse. About four hours later and just a few miles before entering the park, I stopped at Mill Rock Point Overlook. A short 65 yard hike, and I was taking my first photos of the trip!

Shortly after that, I entered what is known as the “Grand Canyon of the South”. 200 million years ago the area was covered by a vast inland sea. Once the sea receded, the river that is now known as Russell Fork began the work of carving out an immense gorge, renowned as the largest east of the Mississippi.

I rode straight to the Visitors Center, and was immediately distracted by this historic log cabin.

It was while chatting with the woman at the Visitors Center, and hoping to quench my thirst, that I realized my first error in planning. There would be no traditional end of the day beer as there areNO ALCOHOL sales in the park! Ah well, at least I was able to enjoy a cold ice cream cone!

The park has several trails and I set off to hike a few of them. Most were less than a mile and all of them led to various views of the 5 mile gorge.

These images look similar but the clouds kept changing and I could not stop shooting!

It was 6 oclock in the evening and I met no one else on the trails and saw no one at the overlooks. Perfect!

From this vantage point, I was standing in Virginia and looking at both Kentucky and Virginia.

All I could hear was the sound of the river, the train, and hawks flying around overhead.

I had to chuckle as I came upon this sign and of course, ventured beyond.

After several hours of riding and a few hours of hiking, it was time to head to the lodge for supper. While I had to settle for unsweet iced tea, I thoroughly enjoyed the restaurant’s specialty of brown beans and cornbread. Time on the deck was the only dessert that I needed.

With the bike parked right outside my room, I settled in for the night. I managed to escape the rain this day, but I knew that there was a good chance I’d be riding in the rain soon.

Next Post: Onward into Kentucky

Virginia’s Eastern Shore

August 21, 2014 by LB

The day dawned and brought with it a hint of sun, a welcome change from the previous 3 days.

My plan was to travel over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Tucked between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the Eastern shore is “defined by two elements: the fertile land and the water”.

I looked forward to going over the 17.6 mile Bay Bridge Tunnel and was happy to find that it had a visitors center and pier midway across the bay. Well you know me … I just had to stop and walk all the way out to the end of the pier before heading on my way.

It fascinates me that cars travelthrough a tunnel under the water in the break between the two rock edges.

Once back on the road, and knowing that I’d have much more time to explore the Eastern Shore the next day, I pushed on up to Bethany Beach, Delaware. After a short but wonderful visit with dear friends, I set out to explore a bit. On a borrowed bike, I hit a pretty bikeway which ultimately led me to the Indian River Inlet Bridge.

The view of the ocean and the Delaware Seashore State Park was beautiful.

Every bike ride should end with a cold beer, at least in my opinion, and I found that, and fish tacos, at Hammerheads Dockside. It was just the fuel I needed for the ride back over the bridge. After that, it was a quick visit to the beach and time to settle in for the evening.

The next morning, I was up early for the drive back down the Eastern Shore. I stopped in Cape Charles, a town founded in 1884 as the southern terminus of the New York, Philidelphia, and Norfolk Railroad. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this train town also boasts a water tower that looks like a lighthouse.

I found my way down to the bay and within minutes, I was out of my shoes, had rolled up my pants, and was enjoying the feel of the sand and the water.

The next stop was the Eastern Shore Wildlife Refuge. “Located at the tip of the Delmarva Peninsula, this area is one of the most important avian migration funnels in North America. Each fall, like colorful clockwork, the refuge is the scene of a spectacular drama as millions of songbirds and monarch butterflies and thousands of raptors converge on their voyage south”.

In addition to photography, the refuge offers the visitor opportunities for fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and education.

I wish I’d had a kayak with me this day!

All to0 soon, it was time to start the trip back home to the mountains. While disappointed to leave the water and marine life, it was time to get home to prepare for my first post-wreck bike trip.

Next Up: Kentucky

Gwynn’s Island

August 19, 2014 by LB

Gwynn’s Island is an island located in the Chesapeake Bay on Virginia’s Middle Peninsula. Just drive over this drawbridge and you are there.

Hopefully, you’ve seen my post Fresh From the Bay. This small community lives and loves the marine life. I’ve included this photo (credit the Gwynn’s Island Museum) because it offers such a great view of the island.

The Chesapeake Bay is a fragile economy and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, the largest conservation organization dedicated solely to saving the Chesapeake Bay, has a mission to reduce pollution, improve fisheries, and to protect and restore natural resources such as wetlands, forests, and underwater grasses.

Before heading off to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and to Delaware, I wanted to share a few more images from 3 lovely days on this Island.

I hope you’ll find time to visit the Middle Peninsula someday … it really is worth the trip!

(You may be wondering why some of these images are watermarked and others are not … just a little Lightroom trouble today)

Next Up: The Eastern Shore and Delaware

Home!

August 11, 2014 by LB

Hello from the very rainy Commonwealth of Virginia!

I’m back from vacation, during which I saw very little sun, but had a wonderful time! Luckily, I only rode in about 6 hours of rain, 2 of which were the final hours before arriving home. If you were to visit me right now, you would see drying bike gear everywhere!

I’m anxious to catch up with your blogs and plan to visit within the next 24 hours! And of course, soon I’ll be sharing photos and notes from my travels. I’ll hope that some of our rain pushes west in order to provide relief to the draught stricken!

Life on the Bike and other Fab Things

Whether it's one simple yet somehow perfect day or a dreamed about journey finally realized, I never want to forget the joy of the moment or how fortunate I am!

Tag Archives: Travels

Oh How The Mood Changes

Parting Shots from Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh: Come Walk with Me

Pittsburgh: Rivers and Bridges

Fallingwater

Kentucky and the “Niagara Falls of the South”

Breaks Interstate Park – Virginia and Kentucky

Virginia’s Eastern Shore

Gwynn’s Island

Home!

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