Alcatraz - The Rock

Posted by admine in California, California Travel, San Francisco on 09 23rd, 2005 | Read Comments(8)

San Francisco: For tourists this means Golden Gate Bridge and Cable Car, China Town und Pier 39. If you are sick of the hurly-burly , take the ferry and travel to a completely different world: Alcatraz, the island located 2 kilometers from the city in the bay of San Francisco. Once fortress, then prison and finally occupied from the Indians, the Island stands under nature protection today and is part of the Golden Gate National Park.

People, who visit Alcatraz, have to consider some rules: So for example eating and drinking is only allowed at the pier and visitors have to keep away from the locked off ranges. This is about the sea gulls, which breed between flowers, bushes and trees. The plants once where cultivated by the families of the prison guards and spread all over the island today.

Prison guards although than prisoners left Alcatraz more than 30 years ago: The prison was closed in 1963 about to high costs. But stories and myths about “The Rock” are still alive: Al Capone, “Birdman” Robert Stroud or the 14 attempts for outbreak: On a walk over the island and through the cell buildings the past and it’s myths becomes alive. And all this under the watchful view of the sea gulls. They are the new and probably also the last guards of Alcatraz….

	click pictures to enlarge!

Ferries to Alcatraz leave in San Francisco at Pier 41. The journey lasts only 15 minutes, but you should take minimum 4 hours into account for a visit on the island. In summer the ferries are completely written off. An internet-reservation in advance is advisable and helps to save time: You can pick up your tickets at ticket-machines and you have not to wait in the queue.