Get out your camera!

It's fall. Time to take a step back and appreciate something that has probably become purely mundane to you, the seasoned Pittsburgh resident. There's something in your everyday life this time of year that, if you can take your eyes off the back of the Buick keeping you 10 miles per hour below the speed limit for long enough, is purely stunning to behold.

Sometimes, when I'm on my couch with my Powerbook slowly cooking my thighs while I refresh Facebook for the thousandth futile time, I feel like I live in one of the most boring parts of the country. My friends are busy, I've got nothing to do for free and as a student no money to do anything else, and using Facebook is doing its job as the greatest demotivating factor in my life. In these situations, usually I just rot on my couch for a while, but if my restlessness grows strong enough, during the Fall I've got another option.

Because even though it may feel like this is one of the most boring places in the country (and if you really think that you've never been to Upper-Peninsula Michigan [and neither have I, but come on, what happens there?]) this is also one of the most beautiful places in the country. It's true! Don't believe me? Look:
We live in the "Perfect Storm" for autumn beauty. Pittsburgh has expansive rural areas within a short distance of town, hilly terrain that affords occasional breathtaking views (including proximity to a major mountain range), almost exclusively deciduous forests, and fall weather that is tolerable enough to actually go out and enjoy it.

If you're bored one day, take a drive out to the Laurel Highlands. As you're going out Route 22 or 30 to the east of the city, you'll notice the ridge in the distance. Once you get there (it's farther away than you think, because it's pretty big,) just get off the highway and get lost in the windy mountain roads. While you're there you're sure to happen upon some gorgeous places. Go to any of the tons of parks that are part of the Laurel Highlands area. Some of them afford incredible views of absolutely groovy scenery. Load up your digital camera and come back unable to decide which of the images you want to put on your Desktop.

If you want to stay closer to home, there are some areas inside Pittsburgh that also afford these opportunities. A local favorite is Allegheny Cemetery. An oasis of calm and trees right next to Lawrenceville, the Cemetery offers tons of photography opportunities. Some of the areas in Oakland around the Cathedral of Learning aren't bad either. And there's also Schenley Park.

So I guess my point is if you're bored on one of these chilly Fall days, don't let the weather get you down. Grab your coat and your camera and possibly a friend, and go have an adventure.