Alcatraz and the Beauty of the San Francisco Bay

We had a ball yesterday visiting Alcatraz. This was my fourth visit and I enjoy it every time. More importantly, the kids liked it (passing the bored teenager test with flying colors). One added feature this year was one of the last survivors of the prison, who was signing his book in the book store when we visited.

The island is rich with history, including a time as a civil war fort and prison (which I loved as a military history nut). The island once boasted massive 15-inch Rodman guns to protection the bay.

From the fort to the infamous prison to the takeover by Native Americans, the “Rock” is a fascinating study. It is also a bird sanctuary (fitting since the name refers to the place of the big birds).

The tour on the island is extremely well done in using the voices of former officers and inmates from the Rock. Here are a few of the pictures from the Rock:

After getting to freedom, we left the boat and walked all over San Fran. We walked through Chinatown (which I have always found a bit underwhelming) and then walked to Lombard Street. It was a challenge to go up after such a day of walking but we made it to the top with the wonderful views of the city and Alcatraz.

We then made a stop at the Stinking Rose — a garlic lovers delight (and I am one of that stinking group) and then had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Little Italy and the adults enjoyed a Super Tuscan with wonderfully fresh focaccia bread.

It was a glorious day even with my back out of whack. This morning we will visit Golden Gate bridge and the park before heading to Yosemite. We will miss this great city but too much of the Golden State remains to stay put.