Day 14: San Francisco

Today was another early start but they did not seem to want to get up! Today they were going to prison! They were off for a spell at Alcatraz! Alcatraz is the old prison that is situated on an island in San Francisco Bay. The bus arrived for the group at 8.40am and this was the last time the whole group would be together as the only other activity planned for tonight will not be done by everyone. So it was with a little sadness they all set off!

They were dropped at Pier 33 which is The Alcatraz tour stop. Once again they joined a queue and waited to board the ferry out to the island. The boat was busy as it was one of the first sailings of the day. The island lies about 1.5 miles off the coast of the city. The oat bobbed it's way out and people vied with each other to get the best view of the island, the view back to the city and a view of the bridge. However, the bridge was really too far away to get good pictures. The view of the city skyline was amazing and you certainly get an idea of how hilly the city is when you see it from the water.

The boat arrived at the island and they all departed. They all wanted to check that they had return tickets and I was really worried as I had NO ticket and so if I was caught I would be done for!

This is a lovely location for a prison. The views are spectacular all round. You can see beautiful views of the city and of the bridge. You can see across the bay at the rest of the Bay area and if you had to spend years in one place cooped up then it could be a lot worse!

We climbed up to the entrance and they got their audio tour to listen to as they went. This really helped bring the tour to life and pointed out a lot of information and stories about life in the prison. There were not many cells in the prison - as this was a prison where the real hard liners were sent to once they had created problems in other prisons. The cells were bleak and were about 7 feet by 5 feet in size! They had a mattress, a chair, a small table and a toilet and sink. There were no luxuries here. Prison means prison here!

They visited cells, the solitary confinement block, the dining room, the library, the recreation area and the prison admin wing. It was basic and stark and is what you think a prison should be like. I was worried when I was placed in a cell for a photo incase I was left! I also got to see what it would be like to have a visitor by looking through the glass partition to see them.

It really was a great visit and it is amusing to think the most popular place to go in S F is an old, disused prison!

They went to the shop as ever and then made their way back down to the quayside where they got the boat back to the city! After this they had the rest of the day free. They spent it wandering around Pier 39 which is one of the most popular attractions in the city. They went shopping, had crepes for lunch and then got the bus back to the hotel at 4pm.

 

Now they are getting ready for the Farewell Dinner. Around 27 are going on this and then to more they celebrate their silver wedding by going on a visit to Muir Woods. This is north of the city and will let them drive over the bridge!

Oh...and before I forget! I met two famous guys today! The Chuckle Brothers! I got my photo taken with them and it was all very funny!

Check them out below!

Oh, and L thought she saw her Dad! So she took a photo of him! What do you think?

 

 

 

 

 

 

Me with The Chuckle Brothers!

 

L's Dad? You decide!

 

 

 

 

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