with bradQ, brad[something else], and erok (none of whom are members), headed out the yough for an overnight. l'ville to s'side for breakfast and provisioning. out the trail and 837 to mckeesport, through mckeesport to the yough trail, yough trail for another 20 or so miles.

we were aiming for a shelter bradQ had spotted, three sided with the open side full of a stone fireplace, hence we brought no tents. but when we got there it was taken, which left us with a choice: out another 12 or so miles to a site with lesser shelters or stay put at one of the numerous firepits and sleep under the stars, given the rainless forecast.

we chose the latter, and woke next to a still-burning fire (we all kept after it overnight), bikes and bags covered in frost. tough to get going, but a diner at mile 4 of the return trip and enough wood to keep the fire going till mid-morning made all the difference in the world.

great trip.

traffic hell

so they finally paved center between negley and graham. about damned time. that stretch of road was just heinous with a full load of groceries on my back.

work, happy hour downtown, then off to chase pitt stops -- first, to morningside (too late), then to highland park (the place is no longer open for business), then finally to sharp edge in bloomfield, where i caught up. later, over to highland park to drink with a friend, then home, via the zoo hill, butler, etc.