Third Visit to Highland Park in Pittsburgh, USA 🌳🍂

This year, I visited Pittsburgh twice and found myself returning to Highland Park for the third time. Each visit felt like unwrapping a blind box of life—every season brought its own unique surprises. ❄️ First Encounter in Winter: Snow and Exploration On February 22nd, my first winter visit greeted me with bright sunshine but biting cold. Stepping from my apartment into the park, I felt a sense of anticipation. The Victorian-style garden entrance, guarded by two bronze granite sculptures of horseback riders, stood like silent sentinels protecting the park’s secrets. I was eager to find the legendary lake area, but when I reached the steps, I discovered it blanketed in snow—like a silver quilt. Occasionally, patches of ice revealed glimpses of the water beneath, as if the lake was breathing softly under the frost. Hiking the Bigelow Trail, the snow crunched beneath my feet—a novel and delightful sound. From the hilltop, the view of the river overwhelmed me with joy—a generous gift from nature. A selfie on a forest swing chair captured my excitement and my first impression of the park, preserving the memory forever. 🌺 Spring Adventure: Blossoms and Awakening Life On March 14th, I returned with my daughter as spring arrived. The lawn near the entrance seemed enchanted—clusters of green sprouts emerged, and crocuses burst into a colorful spectacle. Shades of lavender, deep purple, orange, and soft blue bloomed before our eyes. I felt like a treasure hunter, exploring every corner of the grass with pure delight. These early spring bulbs were nature’s messengers announcing winter’s retreat. The lake, once frozen and snow-covered, had transformed into a poetic blue canvas dotted with fallen leaves. My daughter exclaimed, “Look, ducks!”—and to our surprise, we spotted ducks and mandarin ducks swimming together, an amusing combination that felt like the park’s little joke. On a bench by the lake, warm sunlight streamed through the trees, sharp yet comforting. As we wandered downhill, we encountered graffiti in the valley, fallen trees, white mushrooms, a dog park, and Canada geese strutting confidently along the path—each adding vivid footnotes to our spring stroll. 🌞 Summer Twilight: Serenity and Vitality This time, I arrived at 7:30 PM on a summer evening. The sun was still bright, casting dappled shadows through the trees. Colorful handmade circular textiles adorned the stone railings at the entrance, giving off a distinct Chinese vibe that felt warmly familiar. The emerald lawn carried the fresh scent of newly cut grass, and clusters of flowers surrounded the statue of Flora—a blend of symbolism and surrealism that seemed to whisper tales of nature and myth. The central fountain danced energetically against a backdrop of blue skies, white clouds, and lush trees, evoking the elegance of a European palace. Visitors sat reading or chatting on benches, enjoying the tranquility. I opened my borrowed copy of The Lovely Bones—in this atmosphere, I understood deeply why “books must be borrowed to be truly read.” Before sunset, the lake became a stunning stage. The crystal-clear water mirrored the sky and clouds, while a mother duck led her fluffy ducklings along the shore—a heartwarming and healing sight. As I circled the lake, joggers and activity groups passed by, reminding me of Pittsburghers’ passion for life. As dusk approached near 9 PM, the golden sunset glow draped over the lake, and I left reluctantly. Walking through the park on a Pittsburgh summer evening, I pieced together fragments of the seasons into a vivid painting of life. These three visits have been endlessly fascinating and full of charm. #Pittsburgh #HighlandPark #TravelUSA #NatureLovers #FourSeasons #ParkLife #Wanderlust 🌸🦆📚