13th October 2016 - Tour of Alcatraz and then Cable Car ride in San Francisco

Having rushed from the Hilton our cab got us down to Pier 33 arriving at 12.28pm and whilst they had commenced loading the 1.00pm cruise we were asked to wait and were subsequently admitted to the vessel just prior to the closure. We were fortunate and excited, we had made it and we stood on the aft of the crowded vessel and took photos of the Island and the penitentiary with so much history, whilst in the background we had the sky line of San Francisco. 

The weather was clear but slightly overcast, but dry with heavy rainfall forecast for the night.  On  arrival you exit the vessel and then are greeted by a Park Ranger who provides the introduction and information briefing.  We were advised that those with injuries could avail of the transfer via the tram / trolley which saved the long walk up the equivalent of 13 floors. We then walked through the various areas of the prison and you could sense the historical perspective through the displays and presentations, although we were surprised as to the quality and amount of food provided.

This was the harshest of environments and the whole programme of stringent control was reflected by the control and behaviour standards.  Yes some tried desperately to escape to the mainland, the whole focus was to maintain the tightest of controls.  There are about 5,000 visitors per day in decent weather, but you clearly wouldn't want to visit on a wet or windy day. 

We thoroughly enjoyed the visit, the displays and the historical perspective.  

The walk down quite steep roadway was interesting and took about 20 minutes.  We found the whole visit and experience very worthwhile and our 2 hours and 30 minutes was about right in timing.  We caught the 3.00pm ferry back from Alcatraz to Pier 33 then walked along the major roadway and hailed a cab to return us along Hyde Street to downtown San Francisco and back to Hilton.

Upon return to our room on 17th floor we called and had our luggage delivered, unpacked what we needed for our visit tomorrow to see Betty and Gene Williams in Oakdale about 100 mile from San Francisco downtown.

Ken then went for a walk to see the Cable Car at Market and O'Farrell Streets. Ken decid d to ride the Cable car at cost of $7.  He took several photos and then saw 2 women waving madly to him, he initially didn't recognise them , but they got off down at the bottom and he realised they were golfers who he knew from Portsea Golf Club. They wanted a drink so we went into Irish pub , had a drink and laughed, as to what a small world it is.  They had been to New York and have a 2 day stopover here in San Francisco. 

Back to the Hotel and we decided that we were dog tired and would have an early dinner at Lori's Diner, where we had a scrumptious meal of Bay Shrimp (Jeanette) and Lasagne (Ken) then a 5 minute walk back to the Hotel.  It has been a terrific first day after a great flight and the excursion and Alcatraz visit was great. 

Approaching Alcatraz. 

The cold hard reality of jail life at Alcatraz. 

The radio n is falling on Sunday morning as we cross the street to pick up the rental. 

The busy bustling foyer of Hilton San Francisco