San Francisco Trip: DAY 3

Our third and final day was spent back in the city. We started bright and early to experience Alcatraz. Words cannot express how cool this is! You first board a ferry, taking you 1 1/2 miles out to the island, all while enjoying the scenic backdrop of the city. Once the ferry drops you off, you are quickly given instructions on what you may do while at Alcatraz. It's pretty cool; you're allowed to walk the island on your own, looking at the school house, or the water tower, or the morgue. Whatever you'd like. We first choose to do the "adventure walk," which included a spiral trail up the island. We got to see the vegetation of the island, make quick stops to take some breath-taking pictures, and just leisurely enjoy the eery sites of the prison. Once inside, you're given headsets that walk you through the entire prison. The voices are narrated by formal prison guards and prisoners. It's beyond cool. I don't think I've ever experienced any other tour quite as cool as this one. This is an absolute MUST if traveling to San Fran.

After Alcatraz, we grabbed some lunch then took a cable car back to Union Square. (Andy was eager to ride one of these. I had actually ridden on one before, when I was in town on business.....so we forked up the $10 fee and took a whirl on the car.) We shopped a little more---hey, we couldn't leave our babies for 5 days and NOT get them something--then took a power nap back at the hotel. The time change had finally caught up with us, so we just needed to catch up on some zzz's!

We then took a cab to a neighborhood called the Height-Ashbury district. This neighborhood was characterized as a flower-power, incense-burning, acid-dropping, tie-dye-wearing, peace-and-love-vibing 'hood, reminiscent of the 60's hippie era. Many raved this as a "must-see," but honestly...I would have to say this was my least favorite part of the trip. With all they hype that I read about, I expected a little more out of this neighborhood. Instead, I found this to be just a landing zone for burnt-out, 20-somethings, who prefer weed over life. It was quite sad, actually. But, I guess it was worth it....Andy & I got a MEAN ice cream cone from Ben & Jerry's! :)

That ended our fast-paced, action-packed San Francisco adventure. It was a great trip, and I can't wait for the next one!!!

Welcome to "The Rock"

Processing Center

Cell.  I believe it is 5ft wide x 12ft long.  Imagine that that is your home.

Replication of what the prison guards looked like.

Another picture of one of the cells.

Warning sign that's posted on the south end of the island.

This is a picture of one of the prisoners who escaped.  You can see the hole they drilled (from a spoon!) at the end of the room.  He made a face from a rock, to make it look like he was sleeping.