Pittsburgh Trip - Day 1

My work trip in Pittsburgh starts today!  Since I was already pretty close to the Steel City, I slept until 0630 (no alarm set). Even though my work day was predominantly going to be related to the travel requirements for arriving at the Pittsburgh Airport (10 hours allowed), I still got online at about 0700 and cleaned up email.  I went to "breakfast" (again, very limited) in the Lobby of the Super 8 (Pittsburgh/Monroeville) at 0800 and then got back online for some early meetings.  At 0920, I took another break to get a haircut at the Supercuts (my first time ever) across the street from the hotel.  Somehow, I'd gone almost three months without a haircut (last one was in Washington State back in mid December)...  I had more meetings in my hotel room between 1000 and 1100.  After that, I started packing and did a few personal items of business before checking out of the hotel (1145).  Outside, it was mostly cloudy (a gray day) with temps at 38 F.  To depart from Monroeville, Google Maps took me down a series of back roads until I was able to get on I-376.  Sadly, there was lots of traffic and construction.  Along the way, I passed through the Squirrel Hill Tunnel and then came out to views of Downtown Pittsburgh (1210).  Before long, I was exiting the Interstate on to a "spaghetti-like" series of ramps and bridges and ended up getting misled by the map app.  I had been looking for a place to park near "The Point" but Google Maps didn't seem to understand that - instead, it took me to a place without a parking lot (or even a place to pull off the road).  This situation required me to cross the Monongahela River accidentally.  On the other side, I found the Duquesne Incline but decided not to explore that landmark.  Instead, I backtracked across the Monongahela and (with no help from map apps) managed to reach the surface streets of the city.  Along the way, I noticed that almost all parking garages were too short for me to use (because of my cartop carrier).  Crossing my fingers that there might be street parking, I drove around until I found and open spot near the Gateway Subway Station.  I was able to pay for one hour on a kiosk (1220) but wished later that I'd added more time.  From my car, it wasn't a long walk to reach the area where Fort Duquesne and Fort Pitt used to stand (Point State Park).  When I arrived there, I walked around for a bit but then decided to go into the Fort Pitt Museum, which was built inside a recreated bastion of the original British fort.  I paid for my ticket at 1230 and, with the clock ticking on my parking meter, I sort of rushed through the displays.  There was lots of cool history and the exhibits were very professional.  Along the way, I got ambushed by an enthusiastic lady Docent (she was dressed in Kelly Green and wore a St. Patrick's Day tophat) who wanted me to join a "tour".  There were two other "captives" already with her and, admittedly, she did have some information that was interesting.  However, I really didn't have time to spend with her - using the excuse that I was feeling parched (not really a lie), I excused myself and, after getting water from a fountain, I continued the museum on my own (including a walk through the second floor).  In the end, I wrapped up my visit at about 1255 and then went outside to visit the Block House, which was the only original building on the property from the era of Fort Pitt.  I first walked down the Monongahela River, following something called the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, until I reached a marker (at the Fountain) that indicated where the Ohio River began.  Across the river(s) from here, I could see the Football (and Baseball ?) Stadium.  My friend Bob would like to know that I was here...  From The Point, I went upriver on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail, following the Allegheny River, and then cut across the State Park.  In the middle of a large green area, I encountered a cement outline (built flush with the ground) of the original Fort Duquesne.  It was great to get so much up-close history!  After that, I walked back towards my car.  With barely enough time on my meter, I decided to visit the original location of the Primanti Brothers  and found it nestled in an interesting old area with lots of brick buildings.  From there, I made it back to my car about five minute late.  What a whirlwind of exploring!  By this point, I was hungry and hoped I'd be able to find parking to get something to eat.  Erin had recommended I get lunch at a place called S&D Polish Deli so I drove uptown (along the Allegheny River) to a place called The Strip District.  Somehow, I found a place to park on a side street there - everywhere else was metered or cost an arm and a leg.  From my car, I walked to the deli found it to be an old time Polish Market with lots of character.  Inside (1340), I explained to the lady working there (there were no customers) that my daughter had raved about the pierogies and she directed me to their "hot & ready" area.  Fortunately, there was one order of "Cooked PCC Pierogi" available for purchase!  I also got the only other remaining item in the warmer, a container of "Heluski, Pittsburg Style" (noodles with cabbage).  I guess I'd made a good impression on the clerk because she suggested that I dip the pierogies in sour cream.  Also with her recommendation, I added a Juniper and Hops Black Currant (fizzy soda from Poland) to my meal.  Overall the food choices were excellent (I followed all the instructions) and, while eating my delicious meal, I felt very fortunate to have gotten some food because the place was going to close in about 20 minutes.  I sent Erin a text with photos and she told me she was jealous...  After I was done eating, I checked on my car and then explored the nearby neighborhood (I learned later that I was very close to a place called Polish Hill).  Along the way, I saw a huge banner for a restaurant that had apparently (per the sign) been featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives".  When I reached the building, I was immediately distracted by the fact that there were several Whiskey Distilleries nearby.  Since I was full of food already, I decided to go inside the Wigle Whiskey Distillery and ordered a flight of four flavored whiskeys.  Most were just infused but there was on Bourbon among them.  No one else was in the place so I enjoyed the ambiance with some silence.  The establishment offered materials and utensils for straight, splash of water and ice cube options.  Brett, one of the Executives for the business (and today's bartender), explained that they wanted everyone to be able to try whiskey "as they like it."  After trying each option, I'm a believer...  Brett also told me the story of how Whiskey originated in Western PA and gave me a long (historical tale) that involved the Wigle family, Neville Family, George Washington and the Whiskey Rebellion.  What a great story!  After I was done sampling (1440), I bought two bottles: Wapsie Bourbon (made with special corn from Iowa and flavored with Maple Syrup) and Phil's Shadow Rye. Another fun thing I learned while at Wigle's was that there are now whiskeys being produced that are aged in barrels that previously aged beer (and previously aged whiskey).  What a recycling idea!  The best part was that this combination of aging yields "Teddy Bear Kisses" (involves beer from Upland, IN).  Overall, it was a great decision to visit the Distillery!  Once I'd reached my car, I made my way back to the west (along the Allegheny River).  On the way, I passed a marker for the Lewis & Clark Expedition - it was great to see evidence of them again.  Near The Point, I was able to cross the Monongahela River again.  Unfortunately, there was a huge traffic jam that was waiting to go through the Fort Pitt Tunnel.  Instead, I followed the route I'd earlier taken by accident (past the Duquesne Incline) and followed the opposite bank of (eventually) the Ohio River.  On this route, I was later able to turn south and get on I-386, which took me all the way to the area near my hotel (Summit Park).  During this time, my TPMS acted up again, with one tire showing extremely low suddenly.  Fortunately, I found a Sam's Club gas station that offered free air for tires - I pumped up the low one.  Right next door, I found my hotel, a Staybridge (by IHG) and was checked into my room by 1515.  After that, I resumed teleworking and stayed online until 1700, when I knocked off officially for the day.  During my "off-time", I read a bit and updated my "fans" on social media.  At 1730, I went down to the "social hour" in the hotel lobby, which ended up being a free beer (I chose a Yuengling), some chicken in a sauce, mashed potatoes and broccoli!  There was more but I was quite satisfied with that much.  After finishing this substantial "happy hour" meal (1750), I explored the hotel and discovered that they had free laundry machines!  Returning to my room, I read for a while and then got dressed to workout in the Fitness Center.  Between 1845 and 1905, I rode on the stationary (upright) bike, logging 4.2 miles in 20 minutes.  This is closer to my normal workout pace so I started wondering if the reclining bikes in the other hotels were set to Kilometers...  Back in my room again, I couldn't get inside because the door had an error code (lights).  When I returned to the front desk, I had some new keys made and then tried again - I got the same result.  With some persistence, though, I managed to get the door open.  Not wanting to get stuck outside, I went into my room and essentially became a captive.  Calls the Front Desk didn't yield satisfaction until after 2200, when the clerk brought me my third set of keys since arrival.  It turned out the problem was related to a sensitive "privacy" lock - hope this doesn't happen throughout the stay...  After this annoying interlude, I settled down for the night and watched movies until bedtime (2300).  What an amazing day in Pittsburgh!