Diamond Jubilee: Ohio River Valley, Pennsylvania

I awoke on the ride back from Chicago to Washington with the train following a river valley. We were already in Pennsylvania - it was the Ohio River. For a guy who grew up near the broad but shallow Susquehanna, it was interesting to see a river so far inland with heavy boat traffic. After all, freight can make it from Pittsburgh (with a few locks) all the way to New Orleans.

Some "help" so larger barges can navigate the river (especially in low water)

As we drew near to Pittsburgh, the number of bridges increased. Unfortunately, the train does not provide great views of the city upon entering downtown.

July 2021

After leaving Pittsburgh, we entered the mountains of Pennsylvania and then Maryland and West Virginia. The valleys were verdant and the train followed the course of river after river passing through countless tunnels. I realized I need to return to that part of the country. Appalachia is beautiful.

The journey reinforced in my mind how little I knew about "the other half" of my home state. I never explored Western Pennsylvania - what an irony.