HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCY.
Another cool morning, again around 60°F (16°C) and as we were booked on a ferry trip to Alcatraz, we wrapped up warm. We were told that Alcatraz is the top USA attraction.
We had the 10:30 sailing to Alcatraz island.
As we sailed from pier 33 across San Fransisco bay, we got a good view of "The Rock". Although it has not been a prison since 1963. In fact in November 1969, American Indians, being relocated and terminated by the U.S. government, occupied the then vacant island of Alcatraz. Their 18 month occupation would bring an end to the federal termination policy, saving the tribes.
We also had a great view of the Golden Gate bridge. Which is actually painted "International Orange", as it is thought to blend in with it's surrounding better. After over 75 years (opened May 1937) perhaps the colours right.
As we docked on Alcatraz, we got a view of the old rangers station. Then as Pat was still having problems walking, we took the SEAT—Sustainable Easy Access Transport (an electric shuttle) up the hill to the cell house, where we picked up our 45min audio guide's.
The audio guide took around the cells and told us that the U.S. Army used the island for more than 80 years, from 1850 until 1933, when the island was transferred to the U.S. Department of Justice for use by the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The Federal Government had decided to open a maximum-security, minimum-privilege penitentiary to deal with the most incorrigible inmates in Federal prisons, and to show the law-abiding public that the Federal Government was serious about stopping the rampant crime of the 1920s and 1930s.
Well known criminals, such as Al Capone, George "Machine-Gun" Kelly, Alvin Karpis (the first "Public Enemy #1"), and Arthur "Doc" Barker did time on Alcatraz. As did Robert Stroud, the so-called "Birdman of Alcatraz"
The cells were all around the same size, with bars at one end. But Solitary confinment "The Hole" was total enclosed and in complete darkness for 23hrs of the day.
After Alcatraz we took an after non city tour.
Over the Golden Gate bridge.
The Bridge is actually named for the Golden Gate Strait, the narrow entrance between the Pacific Ocean and the San Francisco Bay. The strait was named by explorer and U.S. Army officer John C. Frémont, who marveled at its beauty in 1846—two years before the discovery of gold in California.
Golden Gate National Park Conservancy - vista, looking back over the bay.
Back over the bridge we went through the "Golden Gate Park" where there is a small number of American Bison.
Although they are often referred to as buffalo, they are American bison. The name buffalo is thought to be derived from what the French fur hunters called these animals in the 1600s, but they are related to bison and not buffalo.
Driving through the streets, we passed the home of "Jimi Hendrix". Allegedly!!
We also passed some elegant properties.
Then up to "Twin Peaks", which are two small hills with an elevation of about 925 feet, located near the geographic center of San Francisco, California. Except for Mount Davidson, they are the highest points in the city.
Great view of the city, looking down Market Street.
A wider view over San Francisco and the bay.
Then back into the City, we passed an interestingly named cafe.
Then riding down from Russian Hill.
Prior to the discovery of gold in California in 1848. A Russian man-of-war put into the harbor of San Francisco, and whilst here a number of her men died. The bodies were buried on what has been known, since that period as Russian Hill. The graves, some dozen or more, have never been disturbed.
Lastly, a view of some older properties in the City.
After a long day we returned to our hotel, Pat and I went for 40 winks, but did not re-appear till next morning, as we were knackered!!
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