The Duquesne Incline

At this time last month, my husband came home late from teaching a night class and asked if DT and I would like to join him for an impromptu mini-getaway to Pittsburgh. We'd have to leave in less than 10 hours. He and a coworker had planned to be part of a Q&A panel at the University of Pittsburgh on the topic of effective implementation of pre-engineering programs in high schools, and his coworker suddenly backed out of the trip. Travel and lodging were covered.

How could I say no? I was giddy at the opportunity to get away as a family. So bright and early, we loaded a day's worth of clothes and swimsuits for the hotel, and drove the six hours from South Bend to Pittsburgh. In all we would spend only 24 hours there before heading home, but we would be sure to find all the fun we could.

While my husband attended to his Q&A business, DT and I took a map of the Oakland area from the concierge and began wandering on foot.

Hungry from the long drive, we aimed for "The Original Hot Dog Shop."

I ordered "The Superdog." Warning: This dog comes with 2 thick slices of bacon and cheddar cheese.

With full tummies, we putzed around Oakland and eventually wound up back at our hotel, enjoying the pool, and searching the web for something to do in the morning after check-out.

And here's what we found! The Duquesne Incline. (view from the parking lot below)

Opened: 1877. Cost to Build: $47,000. Length of Track: 794 feet. Elevation: 400 feet. Grade: 30.5 degrees. Speed: 6 miles per hour. Passenger Capacity: 18 per car.

Going up!

That one's going down at the same time, right next to us.

DT checking out the view from the top, just outside the incline drop off.

Both of my boys. You can see the convergence of three rivers from here. Just don't ask me now which ones they were.

Here's a view of the incline from the top. What was cool at the top was that you can look through a peak hole and watch working parts of the incline inside the drop off booth. We're talking huge gears! And you can learn the history of the incline and view pictures of it being installed and used over time.

Once you leave the drop off booth, there's not much to do. But if you walk to the top of Mount Washington, you'll find this cool monument. We didn't plan on seeing it, so it was a nice educational bonus! It's called Points of View and it depicts a meeting between George Washington and Seneca Indian leader Guyasuta.

I hope you can zoom in to read this plackard that goes with the monument.

DT and I overlooking the city, just behind the Points of View monument at the top of Mount Washington. DT did not like having this picture taken. Nor did he enjoy his travel up or down the incline. This is when we discovered how truly afraid of heights he is!

Thank you, Pittsburgh, for a wonderful day.