In Your Backyard March 2020 ~ Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Phil the Groundhog said we were in for an early spring, and as the temperatures go in and out of the

40s I have hope his prediction is correct. So that means cabin fever has hit the breaking point and that is the perfect time for a great educational and all around fun road trip for the family. Pack a raincoat and don’t forget the camera and head south with me for a fantastic day at the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium. Hosting 77 acres of fun and 9000 animals including the fish, the zoo is a great place to view and learn about animals you may have only have read about or seen on tv.
The Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium has seasonal rates and times and until April 30th general admission for Adults $16.95, Seniors (60+) $15.95, children (2-13) $14.95 and children under 2 are free. Summer rates kick in May 1st through September 2nd and are $1 more. I was able to make it down for World Wildlife Day on March 3rd and the Zoo offered free admission for the day. Check their webpage to find out about RAD Day in October for another free admission day and also plan a visit on Mother’s Day or Father’s Day when Mom or Dad respectively receive free admission when accompanied by their child of any age. If you happen to be members of the Erie Zoo then you will be delighted to know that there is a 50% discount for their members if you show your membership card. US active duty military, reservist and veterans also receive free entry with proper ID. If you plan to make the zoo a multiple visit destination for the year, then let me suggest a membership. You can check out the different types on their webpage at www.pittsburghzoo.org Going this route will ensure you get to see all the different types of animals including the reptiles or warm weather animals that may be off exhibit in some of the cooler months as well as save money on your visits.

Families are able to bring in sack lunches and snacks as long as there are no glass containers or bottles and strollers can be used as long as they utilize the elevator for entry into the zoo. So it is the perfect trip for all ages and definitely a great time for the family.
I was absolutely thrilled to see the two baby Clouded Leopard cubs on my latest visit. Both are little boys and are named Gale and Lynn and they seem to have a great time with their enclosure and are full of energy and a true joy to see. Owning cats just made me want to cuddle them and take them home, that was until I saw mom and realized they someday they will be just as big.
I am a huge fan of the PPG Aquarium and all of the different animals including the Sea Turtle Second Chance program. Harbor the Sea Turtle is a current resident who arrived after a severe spinal injury and it was great to see him swimming around his tank. There are many different programs like this that are part of their ongoing commitment to conservation and education, so take a few minutes to check that out if you would like to help.

My absolute personal favorite part of the zoo since I have been going with the kids is the Waters Edge Exhibit. It is a chance to go under two different tunnels in the water to see the polar bears swimming in the first tunnel or sea lions in the second tunnel. It is magical to watch how gracefully these animals are while they are in the water. The fur on the polar bear is just moving in waves like the water giving them a truly amazing look. Be sure you visit that area when you go and I am positive you will not be disappointed. Sometimes the bears are not swimming, but usually if you are patient (even if you have to stop back by) they will at some point go in the water. I no longer have little young ones but one look at the Kids Kingdom and I could tell you that it is absolutely the coolest playground and kid area I have seen in a long time. A wonderful place that has many things to play on, animals to pet, and even a themed restaurant for your picky eater.
Maps are available online as well as the ticket areas, be sure to grab one so as you wander, you are not lost.

As seen in the Meadville Tribune on March 9, 2020 https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/monday-spotlight-pittsburgh-zoo-is-in-your-backyard/article_843c50fa-601b-11ea-9791-b36703bc07b9.html

In Your Backyard February 2020~ Camera Museum

Many of us travel around with a smart phone in their pocket and use the camera to do everything from remind us where we are parked, keep a photo of a product in a store we want to buy, share your dinner with social media or just take a photo of a precious family moment. With the technology today, those cell phone cameras are arguably as good as some of the more expensive cameras around, but the biggest difference is, it is usually with you and not safely stored in a camera bag. The saying goes “the best camera is the one you have with you” and leaving the house without our phones is almost unheard of. I teach a photography class and you would be surprised the number of the younger generation that can not identify what film is let alone the concept of sending it away and waiting for photos to come back by United States Postal Service.

So my next trip I am sending you on is a great little museum in Pittsburgh called the Photo Antiquities Museum of Photographic History. So pack the munchkins, download the Pittsburgh parking app (Go Mobile PGH- available on the App Store, Google Play and the Windows Store) and bring your copy of the Meadville Tribune with this article for a special $2 discount on admission into the museum. A couple words of warning, the museum does not have a credit card reader so be sure to bring cash with you for your admission fees and the parking is on street with meters that are controlled by a centrally located machine. The absolute easiest way to pay parking is with the app and your phone, but you can also use cash or card. For those who are not as familiar with this type of system make sure you make note of your space number and your license plate number.
The museum is located at 531 East Ohio St Pittsburgh Pa 15212 and is open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The cost is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors 65+ and under 5 are free. A guided tour of the museum by the owner is included and this makes the fee well worth the price. Everything thing you can image from the world of photography is in this very organized space and the kids will be amazed how photos used to be made back in early 1800’s. A collection of very rare photos and equipment make this a must see for any picture taking enthusiast and the room of cameras will take you back memory lane to some of the cameras your family may have used when you were a child.
A notable feature of this museum is a few slides from the Keystone View Company which has its roots in our very own town. BL Singley founded the Keystone View Company in 1892 and to make a long story short, it all started with the Flood of Meadville when French Creek overflowed into town. There were 30 original photos of this event in double prints pasted onto cardboard with the name Keystone View Company. In 1898 they began to make and sell the stereoscopic viewers and by 1905 it was the largest of its type of business in the world. In 1972 the Keystone View as we knew it in Meadville was closed and later the building (which was located next to the PNC drive through on Park Avenue) was torn down.

After you take your trip to Pittsburgh be sure to visit the Johnson Shaw Stereoscopic Museum located at 423 Chestnut Street in Meadville. The museum opens for the season in April and is open Saturdays from 10am until 4pm and by appointment only 10am-4pm Sunday through Friday. (Call 814-720-4306 to schedule) It is interesting to learn about how important Meadville was in the history of photography. Long before motion pictures and television sets, families would invite friends over to view the new slides of places and things they had only over heard of. The kids will get the chance to learn how about some of the simpler things that were treasured and enjoyed as well as see how far photography has come in just a relatively short period of time. Donations at the Johnson-Shaw are gladly accepted.
As you stroll through photographic history, remember not all who wander are lost.

As Seen in the Meadville Tribune on February 10, 2020 https://www.meadvilletribune.com/news/monday-spotlight-photo-antiquities-museum-is-in-your-backyard/article_4cdaab6e-4a15-11ea-92e6-c77f10bcdf71.html