Give Pittsburgh a Chance: McConnells Mill State Park

This past weekend was our one free weekend all summer.  Can you even believe that?  The qual was finally over and classes hadn't started yet, so we took advantage of our limited free time and made a trip to McConnells Mill State Park, which is about 45 minutes north of Pittsburgh.

The park is absolutely beautiful.  It features a restored, working mill, a covered bridge, a beautiful river, and miles and miles of hiking. 

We've had a lot of rain in western Pennsylvania this summer and everything was so green.   

We saw a lot of wildlife, including this wolf spider holding an enormous egg sac.  I took a picture so we could all shriek collectively.  I also saw a snake, a little striped guy who slithered right through my legs as a I took a step across some rocks, and almost jumped out of my skin in surprise.  Snakes actually bother me more than spiders.  He was moving so fast I didn't get a picture.  You're welcome.

 D, who loves hiking and is afraid of no creature, was in heaven.

And me, well I was a little more comfortable once we were back to civilization.  Even though I'm dressed like the world's worst-coordinated runner (everything else was in the wash).

There are so many beautiful parks and outdoor areas in our corner of the state, and we're excited to get out and see more of them.  Just warn the spiders and snakes that I'm coming.

Other times I've given Pittsburgh a chance include a Pirates game, a trip to Raccoon Creek State Park, the Nationality Rooms at the University of Pittsburgh, a ride up the Monongahela Incline, and visiting the Allegheny Observatory.