Alcatraz (from the word alcatraces or seabirds) is an island in San Francisco Bay popularly known from early 1930s as one of the world's high-tech penitentiary that housed some of the most famous inmates in the United States. Presently,
'The Rock' serves as a tourist hot spot bringing more than a million tourists and travelers to the island every year.
The self-guided tour took more than 2 hours with audio tour available within the main cells, stories told by former inmates and officers of Alcatraz.
The day in San Francisco was very foggy, cold and windy. Not the very best time to take photos. Most of the photos I took are blurry and dark and without the proper protection gear, my lens was constantly exposed to moisture.
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Although many boats can take you to the Alcatraz island for $15, only Alcatraz Cruises is allowed to make stop at Alcatraz. There are early bird, day and night tours for $26 per person. Board the nice white vessel at Pier 33 at Bay Street. They also offer to souvenir photos for $22 (2 pcs 5x7). |
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| The 1910 Social Hall. Destroyed by fire in 1970, it served as what it was - a social hall - to many employees, prison officers and their families living on the island. |
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| First Winter Western Gull. The basic I stage of Western Gull of the Pacific Coast. These birds are cute, they do not shy away from where people are in the hopes of finding food. According to allaboutbirds.org, the First Winter (Basic I) is like juvenal plumage, but head, throat, and breast lighter and more streaked. Bill black with pale base, eyes dark brown. |
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| The cells along 'Broadway' |
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| Taken from the control room using a telephoto lens on a foggy day |
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| Inside the main cell house with audio tours |
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| Photo tip: Wide lens will do wonders inside the cell house, use telephoto lens outside |
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| Chambray Alcatraz Prison Uniform |
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| Michigan Avenue is a cell block just like "Broadway" where some of the racial minority inmates lived. |
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| The garden cared by volunteers |
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| The Alcatraz Lighthouse was the first on the Pacific Coast and has been in operation since 1854. |
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