The Big Thaw


I know this snow is pretty, but it was 55 degrees on Sunday, which melted most of it. To top it off, it has rained for about 4 out of the last 5 days. To a non-Pittsburgher, this may not seem like a big deal. But to those of us in the 'Burgh, this is a recipe for flood watches and high water.

All the hills around here mean that melting snow and water seeks the lowest point . . . and eventually ends up in the rivers. (You will recall that we have three rivers; the Monongahela and the Allegheny Rivers combine at the point to form the mighty Ohio River.) As I was driving to work this morning, the big flashing road sign that usually says "Congestion, next 700 miles" {slightly exaggerated} had a new message. It said, "Mon Wharf Closed." The Mon Wharf is the public boat launching and docking area in downtown Pittsburgh. During the business week, the Mon Wharf is a parking lot for commuters who park in the huge concrete wharf area and walk into downtown to work. On high-water days, the wharf closes sending a few hundred commuters scrounging for a place to park. These are REALLY good days to have a parking lease which insures you a place to park. Unfortunately, I do NOT have a lease right now. I was probably one of the last 10 cars in the garage before it closed this morning.

Life is sweet. Hope the water goes down soon. I applied for a lease, but it doesn't start until April 1. Keep your fingers crossed that the rest of March isn't too wet.