37%
We got up early to embark on the long drive home. The sooner we left, the more of the afternoon we’d have to prepare for work again the next day after nine days off.
Our route took us past Pittsburgh. On my list of oddities and unique things to see was the US’ steepest street—the last ‘incline’ I hadn’t yet done in that city. You’d think San Francisco would take the cake, but apparently it’s Canton Ave in PGH.
I can’t full convey how thrilling it was to drive up this absurdly built, 37% grade street. I didn’t even really think before I swung into it. I set the truck on sport mode, and hit the gas without going too fast. As soon as all four tires started up the incline, I regretted it, then I felt a wave of excitement, followed by another wave of fear and panic before finally settling down into excitement again. Ashley and Myrtle clung to each other in the back seat, protesting as I inched the pedal closer and closer to the floor. I gripped the wheel tightly hoping that we’d be alright, but truck didn’t struggle for a second. In retrospect, I shouldn’t have worried; if it weren’t traversable, it wouldn’t be open to the public.
I parked the car and got out to take a few photos. The stairs are a necessity to get up and down. Even though the vehicle could do it, it’d be a struggle to walk up and down without proper shoes and balance.
After leaving Pittsburgh, I drove us home and we arrived by 4 PM. Ashley went to bed super early, and now I am here at my desk, plugging away at this entry and reflecting on the great roadtrip we got to enjoy over the last week with Myrtle.