Urban Safari Hike

by Grace Eggleston, Photography Intern

The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and we all had our hiking boots on. The trip leaders counted off the twenty smiling participants and we started off down the street two by two. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful November day for the Venture Outdoors Urban Safari Hike!

 
The hike began at Mullin’s Diner, and over the next three hours we leisurely made our way through the highlights of the North Side’s extensive neighborhood streets. First we climbed up a set of stairs (371 to be ex
act, a number that was marked at the top) and found ourselves enjoying a beautiful view of the city from Fineview.
After relaxing and enjoying the view for a few minutes we headed back down the hill to our next stop: exploring the colorful and quirky Pittsburgh treasure of Randyland! Everyone walked around marveling at all the different murals, trinkets, and sculptures while enjoying the sunny weather.
 
 
Next we made our way past the Mattress Factory and over to Allegheny Commons, where we strolled through the grass, over Lake Elizabeth, and past the National Aviary, stopping to watch two large vultures spread their wings in the sun.

Lastly, we made our way past the Children’s Museum and across the highway, finding ourselves back at Mullin’s Diner. What a beautiful and adventurous Sunday hike with Venture Outdoors!