I actually lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for 9 years. But during that whole time, I never went to Alcatraz. We were invited on this San Francisco road trip by one of our best friends AJ. AJ & Meera have been great friends to us for over 10 years. In 2005, AJ celebrated a big birthday by renting out a box at the San Diego Padres’ Petco Park and inviting his closest friends and family. For this year’s birthday, AJ invited a bunch of us to go to the Giants versus Padres game at AT&T Park in San Francisco. That was the main event of our trip and I’ll blog about it in a separate post. On Saturday morning, 4/20, we went on a tour of Alcatraz with AJ & Meera and their kids.
But first, let’s start from the beginning. We woke up and it was SUPER-sunny in San Francisco! This almost never happens! Our hotel had a really cool window, with red painted frame and cheery bright yellow shades.
We walked two blocks to Caffe Capriccio and got some latte, nutella bagel, and croissant for breakfast. 
Then we showered and got ready for the day. Somehow time slipped by us and we had to run all the way to Pier 23 to catch the 10am boat to Alcatraz. AJ & Meera and the kids were waiting for us!
Some great views along the 10 minute ride to Alcatraz. We could see both the Golden Gate Bridge on one side.
And the Bay Bridge on the other side.
Awesome view of San Francisco.
Our boat.
Alcatraz is on the right. You can see it in relation to the Golden Gate Bridge.
Arriving to Alcatraz.
AJ and Keiji excited to get off the boat and explore the prison!
Getting oriented to where things are on Alcatraz.
Here we are. 
The tour started at the landing where we got off the boat. There was a park service ranger telling us stories from yesteryear. 
We decided to head up the hill on our own and explore.
This is the ruins of the Officer’s Club.
Heading up the hill to the water tower and to the actual prison.
Amazing views from the top of the hill!
Todd and AJ goofing around.
I was fascinated by the morgue.
It’s very rare that San Francisco is this clear. We really got lucky!
Finally arriving at the main prison.
I was amazed that the actual prison wasn’t very big.
It seems sad that the prisoners had such great views out the window. They could see SF but yet it was so far away.
I got the audio tour, which had narration from ex-prisoners and prison guards!
Totally reminded me of the movie “The Rock”.
The cells were very small and sparse.
It’s hard to imagine being locked up behind these bars.
Or maybe we don’t have to! Ha ha.
Andon & Keiji looking at the cells and listening to the audio tour.
The infamous “D Block” where the worst of the worst got locked up.
These cells were bigger, ironically. But they never got to come out to the yard or anything. They were locked up 24 hours a day.
Some of the inmates in the D Block.
These doors led to solitary confinement cells that were dark 24 hours a day. These were for bad behavior while inside the prison. 
They had a library of books. But they were not allowed to go inside the pick their own books. The books got delivered to their cells.
End of the prison tour.
Walking back down the hill to catch the boat back to San Francisco.
These were actually prison guard residences.
We really enjoyed the tour and the audio guide. Such a historical place! 
After getting off the boat, we walked to the Ferry Building to have lunch.
To the surprise of everyone, a group of nude cyclists rode by us. AJ had to cover up Andon and Keiji’s eyes. Todd and I couldn’t stop laughing. I had to add some black decency strips to show you the photos on my blog.
Not sure why this is a good idea? Riding a bike WITH clothes on already hurts.
The nude cyclists did not curve our enthusiasm for some burgers from Gott’s Roadside though!
Todd got a seared ahi burger and I got a cheeseburger, with sweet potato fries to share. 
The Ferry Building is one of the coolest places in San Francisco. Lots of fresh gourmet food there.
I will blog the rest of the trip tomorrow!
I loved seeing your pictures of Alcatraz and I'm so glad you got the audio tour. I think the experience isn't quite as good without it as it provides a lot of information. Seeing your lovely pictures I could almost hear the seagulls and feel the cold ocean air on my face even though it's been eight or nine years since I've been there.
ReplyDeleteWow look at all those photos! It's like i did the tour myself. Gotta laugh at those nude cyclists bc I agree, it DOES hurt to cycle w clothes on - never mind naked!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! I went on a tour of Alcatraz 14 years ago. It sure brings back loads of happy memories. And you got so lucky with the weather! Looking forward to hearing about the rest of the trip :-)
ReplyDeleteI spent the first 11 years of my life living in the San Francisco Bay Area, so I've been to Alcatraz, but I don't remember it! Great photos, thanks so much for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteIdk so much about Alcatraz, but I've been in a running federal prison [I worked for the U.S. Attorney's Office last summer, so they figured if we were putting people in prison we should see where they go] and the solitary confinement cells are definitely much bigger because they stay in them all day + they have a shower in them. The other cells are small but it doesn't really matter, the prisoners are only really locked in them at night and are free to walk around the entire block all day + have yard time. It actually didn't seem like that bad of a deal at all, except for the solitary confinement ones obviously.
Great tour! Someday I'll get there....only for a visit. haha
ReplyDeleteNude cyclists? No idea why people would do that?
julie
This makes me homesick! Luckily I'll be home next month. :) You know I lived in SF for 24 years and I never made it to Alcatraz! Maybe someday we'll go if David's interested.
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