Spring in Full Bloom in PA

On our recent trip out east and back, the warmest pocket was in western PA outside of Pittsburgh.  Everywhere else was 40s and 50s, but where we stayed with friends was upper 60s and 70s.  And the warmer temps showed in the amount of beautiful spring plants in peoples' yards, like this beautiful bush.

Welcome

Stately Estate

Reaching Toward Heaven

Pittsburgh's Clinton Furnace

It's hard to tell in the image, but this thing is massive!

According to the sign, "Pittsburgh's first successful blast furnace for making pig iron.  Operations began near here, 1859, using Connellsville coke as fuel.  The furnace's technology initiated a new era, leading to more advanced furnaces capable of producing huge amounts of iron and resulting in the modern blast furnace.  Clinton Furnace played an important role in establishing Pittsburgh's dominance in iron and steel making.  Operations ended in 1927." – PA Historical and Museum Commission 2003