Matthew Tuffin Blog

flickrphoto: 

Source: Flickr

Source: Flickr

Source: Flickr

The morning began with another walk up and down the hills until we approached Fisherman’s Wharf and a quick bite to eat at a bakery place that cooked bread using sour dough. Gently walking further along the wharf we got a chance to view our destination of the day Alcatraz Island with some photos taken in good weather for once.

Continuing on we spotted some Sea Lions, ranging from small to large but with one common trait amongst them all, they were all very noisy. I took a video so you can hear just how loud these creatures can be and how much they deserve the name given to them Sea Lion.

Arriving at Pier 33, there were loads of people waiting to head off to Alcatraz and guessed as to why they shut the prison down. Prisoners don’t generate near as much money as tourists do. Boarding the boat took longer than expected just due to the number of people who were waiting to head across.

You arrive on this small but delicate island, amidst a large crowd you are met by one of the park ranges who presents the initial introduction to the island, and then you proceed up the winding hill to the main prison complex. There are a few other paths on the island but since it is still nesting season for the birds these paths are closed off to the public during this time of the year.

Entering the main prison complex in the shower area you are given pair of headphones and an mp3 player this includes the audio tour which starts playing upon walking into the cell block area. The audio is very impressive guiding you through with voices from prisoners and guards a like and has a great atmosphere with immersive sound effects.

One of my favourite films is the Rock with Sean Connery and Nichols cage, it shows the Rock as this dirty and strange world but from the photos you can tell it looks like most other prisons, it just so happens that this prison is on an island in the middle of the bay.

All things considered the trip to Alcatraz was worth it, not only are you given an excellent audio tour around the cell complex (And some stunning views of San Francisco from the lighthouse area) but you can now say you have been and escaped from Alcatraz island. (Provided you can cope with the crowds)