This week, while I am on vacation, one of my readers, Dave Malehorn who is a “Friend of the Riverfront” has agreed to do blog entries. Today Dave talks about this view of the River and his kayaking adventures to work
Our Clinical Proteomics research laboratory was relocated over two years ago, from the Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside, to leased space in the new Magee Womens Research Institute. One perk is proximity to the river, as is evident from this photograph of the fine view from my office window. The bridge in view is the Birmingham Bridge, and that is the Pittsburgh South Side neighborhood on the far bank. We see a lot of coal barge traffic, especially this time of year when power plants must be kept going to supply electric demand.
Access to the Monongahela River from Oakland is problematic (nonexistent, really). On days when I kayak to work, I take out at the boat ramp which can be barely made out under the Birmingham Bridge, on the far bank, situated in South Side Riverfront Park. From there, I put my kayak back up onto its stroller, then walk via city streets, cross the Bridge, and come into Oakland on Fifth Avenue to the MWRI building, corner of Forbes and Craft.
Generally, in order to enjoy a 1.5-2 hour paddle to work in the morning, requires about 45 minutes of walking on both ends of the trip, to and from the River. I have to leave home about 5 am to get to work by 8:30. On late fall and early spring days, a good bit of the trip happens during the dark, so I have to take proper precautions with lights and reflective gear.
