Criminals, Relatives, and Friends

Several weeks ago we made reservations for Alcatraz. It was a good thing; they were booked through Sunday. We got a 10am taxi for the 11am ferry to Alcatraz. The ferry ride was short.






When we reached Alcatraz we gathered for a short Ranger talk. I opted to take the handicap shuttle to the top, a 13 story hike; Preston joined me. Ray and Parker walked to the top.





We checked in at the Cellblock to get headphones for the audio tour. Very, very well done audio tour. Each of us had our own headset. The most famous residents included Al Capone and the Bird Man of Alcatraz (Robert Shroud).






We learned about the violent escape attempt, known as the Battle of Alcatraz, a 3-day siege which began on May 2, 1946 and resulted in the death of 2 guards, 2 inmates and the execution of 2 others. On June 11, 1962 5 others left dummy heads in their beds and climbed through the roof. They were never seen again. It is assumed they died in the cold waters.



After 3 decades the prison closed due to high operating costs, deteriorating building, and a change in prisoner handling – reform rather than punishment. The last inmates left on March 21, 1963.

We left around 2:30 to go back into San Francisco. We were so glad that my nephew, Colin, was able to make time for us. He has a busy schedule as an attorney in SF.





He met us at the restored Ferry Building at 3:30. We really enjoyed seeing him and catching up over coffee. He is a neat guy and the quintessential single, professional, living the great life.

As soon as he had to leave we met Jane Pryjmak, a college student from HSV, who is working as an intern in Sausalito. She arrived on the 5:15 ferry. We walked around for a while then had dinner at a Mexican restaurant in the Ferry Building. She caught the 7:55pm ferry back and we caught a cab back to the RV.





What a fun day! We had a good time seeing Colin

and Jane.