Alcatraz

Glenn has been wanting to tour Alcatraz since the last time we visited San Francisco several years ago.  So when we left Bellhaven and headed that way, it was on the top of the "to do"list.

We booked a cruise for the afternoon and set sail around 2pm.  It was an easy ride over and we "climbed on The Rock" for an afternoon of discovery.

Our boat



"No! Don't take me to The Rock!  I'm innocent, I tell you!'

 

  Once we had a short orientation by a park ranger, we were set loose to wander the area.

The walk up to the main building was equal to a 13 story climb!  OK, so now we've had our exercise for the day. Whew!  They have a great audio tour set up.  We learned of the history of Alcatraz, stories of infamous inmates, life as a guard, and the attempts to escape.

 

Spreader bars made to attempt escape
 

Obviously, Glenn was also unsuccessful

I certainly wouldn't want to spend much time in that small space!

 

See the hole under the sink?  Another escape attempt.

Cell block



A little seagull hanky-panky on Alcatraz

Guard tower

You could see these purple flowers from across the bay!

 I was surprised at the amazing flowers at Alcatraz!  The gardens have been maintained since the rock was first used and originally, the soil had to be shipped in!  Even the drinking water was brought over on a barge.

I've never seen fuschia grow this big!

 

 

Fascinating place to visit and now Glenn can cross it off his "bucket list"!