Alcatraz

Last weekend Rachel and I visited Alcatraz.  I have wanted to see the island prison since moving to the Bay area but it took about a year to finally make the trip.  We went along with our friends, Chris and Kristy, and made a day out of it.  We booked tickets on the night tour and departed for the island at 6:45pm.  The majority of time beforehand was spent at the Rogue Public Ale House (coincidentally, it was also my first time visiting Rogue which I highly recommend, especially the Chocolate Stout).  Boarding the boat was easy and the 20 minute ride was enjoyable, albeit, cold.

Once we arrived at Alcatraz we had 2 1/2 hours to explore.  The first part was led by a tour guide. Upon reaching the prison building you can take the prison audio tour or go your own way.  Chris and I went looking for the best photo opportunities, while the girls went on the prison audio tour which I am told was equally as entertaining.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Alcatraz.  My only criticism is that it did not seem like enough time.  I think the night tour is great because you arrive as the sun is setting, but if I were to go again, I would probably take the earlier boat to have more time.  I read a short book about Alcatraz before the tour so I had a good idea of the history and what to expect.  However, as with most things, seeing it in person was well worth it and gave perspective to the history.

A very brief history of Alcatraz:

• The island was used as a strategic military fort beginning in 1853 in order to protect San Francisco from foreign attacks.
• Over time it became a military prison and then a federal prison in 1934.
• Alcatraz housed many high profile criminals including Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly.
• 36 men attempted to escape- 23 were recaptured, 6 were shot and killed, 2 drowned, and 5 are still unaccounted for and "presumed drowned"
• The prison closed in 1963 due to the high costs of operation and deteriorating conditions.
• Alcatraz was occupied by Native American protesters for 19 months from 1969 to 1971.
• The island became a National Park in 1972 and opened to the public in 1973.

Below are my images of Alcatraz.  I tried to capture the grittiness of the prison along with the beauty of the light reaching the island right before and after sunset.  Thank you for stopping by Dirty Thirty Photography and take care!