We had to decide on how to get to the dock in San Francisco to catch the boat to Alcatraz - either drive in and park or ride the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). After debate and calculations we decided that the BART was the way to go. No stress of driving and having to park. The station was a few miles from our RV Park. The map below is roughly the route the train took. The ride on the train took 45 minutes. It was smooth riding with nice padded seats. Very comfortable. Mary Lou got a little sleepy. Once we got to the station in San Fran, we had a 1 mile walk to the dock, then stand in line for awhile to get on the boat. Once on the island, there was a lot of uphill walking, then standing in line for the return boat. With the mile walk back to the station, the old legs and feet were about done. Here are a few scenes from our walk to the dock. The first photo is some sort of gathering with booths, etc., having to do with 'green' living. Another view of Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill. As mentioned in the last post, Alcatraz is an island in SF bay. Originally an army post with artillery for defense of the bay, it later became a federal penitentiary, and was closed in 1963. It also has a lighthouse. It's known as 'the Rock', and was not necessarily for hardened criminals. A couple of the more famous inmates were Al Capone, and Robert Stroud, the 'birdman of Alcatraz. (he didn't have any birds there, but he did in the prison he was transferred from). Apparently he was not a model prisoner and spent much time 'without privileges'. The building in the photo below is for guards and their families. Even children lived there and went to school in SF by boat every day. It was apparently a good life for them. Up from that building is the remains of the warden's house, and above that is the navigation light. Flower gardens maintained by the guards' families. This is the cell block. The showers. Rows of cells Below is a typical cell for the well-behaved prisoner. It's 5 x 9 feet. They could keep some belongings like musical instruments and games. The cell below is bigger that the previous one, but it was for prisoners who 'acted up'. The drawback here is that they were not allowed out of the cell but for 1 hour a day, and showers once a week. Inmates could establish a bit of a life here. Some did painting, some crocheting or needle work, and some musical instruments. The guards control room. An escape attempt was made from this cell. A hole was chiseled behind the grate in the back and dummy heads were somehow made, even with hair, to lay in the bed to fool the guards. Several escape attempts were made, most didn't survive the swim, and some were never heard from again and no one knows if they survived. At least one hostage situation occurred with several guards being murdered in cold blood. The Marines were called in to help with the standoff in the prison, and finally when it was over some of the perpetrators were killed and others were later executed for their involvement. The prison was closed in 1963. Views of the city and the Golden Gate Bridge that the prisoners didn't get to see. We were provided with equipment for an audio tour, which guided us along with very interesting narration with quotations from prisoners who had been released and sound effects. Overall a worthwhile experience. Following the mile hike, and 45 minute train ride, we got back to our 'home' at the end of a good day. Tomorrow we head out of the big city and get back into more calm, peaceful countryside as we head north for the big redwoods... with one important stop.
Stay tuned.
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Who Are We?
Chuck and Mary Lou have been traveling in their RV since 2002 and have lately been taking longer, extended trips. This is our way to share our experiences. Trip Reports
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