October 8, 2014

A relaxing day in Pittsburg, the home of the Steelers.  The city is not easy to drive through so if you have to, wait until 10 am to try to get through.  That way, everyone who is going to work will already be there, or at their favorite place to have lunch.  With the inbound traffic people have to leave home early to get to work on time so by 10, they are probably hungry again.
The city is known as the Steel city because of its many steel structured buildings and also the City of Bridges with over 400 bridges.  It is also known as the City of Champions.  The Steelers have 6 Super Bowl Championships and have sold out every home game since 1972.
Today, the Heinz field replaces the former Three Rivers Stadium that was destroyed by implosion in 2001.  For the video, go to this link.  Goodbye Three Rivers Stadium

We stopped at the Station Square area down by one of Pittsburg's 3 rivers.  Below is a Refractory Press used to compress bricks that will line steel and iron furnaces so they will be able to contain the 3200 degrees to melt iron ore.

The piston looking device is a super large bellows that pumps air into the blast furnace.  It weight 600 tons.

The Station Square has been improved over the last several years from the rail yard but there are freight trains that pass through.  Inside the main building it looks like a railroad yard with boxcars being used as part of the stores.  In the last 2 years, an office building has been completed.

Tom thinks Grammie really enjoys this blog.  She is always smiling when he goes to take her picture.

The Duquesne Incline provides a ride up to one of the higher points of the city for really good views.

There are however better views of the city from the other hill top.

Unfortunately there are no rides on this train.

We finished the day with great company and a relaxing meal at Chelsea's Grill, our usual spot when in Oakmont.  And if you are ever in town, there is a tremendous selection of Pastry at the Oakmont Bakery.  A treasure not to miss.