Today was a day that we will surely remember. We could not decide if we wanted to explore urban decay or we wanted to see rural abandonment. Hubs decided - let us just do both. So off we went. Our first stop was in a section right outside of Pittsburgh called Munhall. We saw some amazing abandoned churches - there are so many in the area. We could not go in today - but I do have something set up for this week so you might see more about this location soon. The outside was so beautiful. So many beautiful carvings. I tried to capture some of the finer details, but just could not get the real beauty in the photos.
As we left the street where the church was located we saw this amazing building. Turns out it was the Carnegie Library. This location was built in 1898 and was also an athletic club. The library is still in working order, but there is also a pool, which we got to see and also a music hall. We got a private tour, went on stage, back stage and up in the balcony. All the chairs are original and the organ. It was exquisite. PS Ghost Hunters was here t one time to tape because of stories of ghosts. We saw and heard nothing and our tour guide did not as well.
We then drove the complete opposite direction and went to Kittanning, PA. We drove the highway and then got off and went on these amazing, winding roads that led us down, down, down. We passed though towns and saw some awesome things. We saw a great abandoned boat, covered in ivy and in such a sad state. When we finally got to the tunnel, we were shocked at how lovely the Mahoning Creek was right next to the tracks. We scaled a rather steep hill up to the tracks. We then hiked on the tracks - they were abandoned for sure. It was very Stand By Meish. We had our walking sticks and off we went. The hike was rather short and we came upon the tunnel easily. All tunnels are magnificent - but this one was unique. I love the narrowness of a railroad tunnel and this is the closest I have come to one. The one side of the tunnel was blocked due to a landslide and that made for a whole new adventure for the little adventurer in our family.
We hiked into the tunnel but I have to admit, it was REALLY dark and VERY creepy. We only went until it was very dark, we tooks some pictures, and I kind of jetted out.
The way back was more fun that the way to. We played flip flop golf down the train tracks with the little girls' left flip flop - I know...we let her walk without shoes, we are those terrible parents. We found pieces of the tracks that we made into a castle, and we got great use of our walking sticks. The ride back offered lots of talking and laughing, flip flop golf is that funny, and then a peace that filled the car with a backseat nap. The heat and fun will do that to you when you are five. Another great day exploring Western Pennsylvania.
FYI - the photos below are all backwards in terms of what we saw -but the rural ones were so good I wanted to put them first.]
As we left the street where the church was located we saw this amazing building. Turns out it was the Carnegie Library. This location was built in 1898 and was also an athletic club. The library is still in working order, but there is also a pool, which we got to see and also a music hall. We got a private tour, went on stage, back stage and up in the balcony. All the chairs are original and the organ. It was exquisite. PS Ghost Hunters was here t one time to tape because of stories of ghosts. We saw and heard nothing and our tour guide did not as well.
We then drove the complete opposite direction and went to Kittanning, PA. We drove the highway and then got off and went on these amazing, winding roads that led us down, down, down. We passed though towns and saw some awesome things. We saw a great abandoned boat, covered in ivy and in such a sad state. When we finally got to the tunnel, we were shocked at how lovely the Mahoning Creek was right next to the tracks. We scaled a rather steep hill up to the tracks. We then hiked on the tracks - they were abandoned for sure. It was very Stand By Meish. We had our walking sticks and off we went. The hike was rather short and we came upon the tunnel easily. All tunnels are magnificent - but this one was unique. I love the narrowness of a railroad tunnel and this is the closest I have come to one. The one side of the tunnel was blocked due to a landslide and that made for a whole new adventure for the little adventurer in our family.
We hiked into the tunnel but I have to admit, it was REALLY dark and VERY creepy. We only went until it was very dark, we tooks some pictures, and I kind of jetted out.
The way back was more fun that the way to. We played flip flop golf down the train tracks with the little girls' left flip flop - I know...we let her walk without shoes, we are those terrible parents. We found pieces of the tracks that we made into a castle, and we got great use of our walking sticks. The ride back offered lots of talking and laughing, flip flop golf is that funny, and then a peace that filled the car with a backseat nap. The heat and fun will do that to you when you are five. Another great day exploring Western Pennsylvania.
FYI - the photos below are all backwards in terms of what we saw -but the rural ones were so good I wanted to put them first.]