California - Alcatraz

 We took a ferry out to Alcatraz, the infamous island prison in the Bay.  Time, wind, rain and the salt spray has certainly taken its toll on the buildings and many look like they are one good storm away from collapsing.  

Many famous prisoners spent time in Alcatraz including: Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly, Robert Stroud (aka Birdman of Alcatraz), James "Whitey" Burger, Mickey Cohen among many others.  Perhaps it's the thriving movie industry in the USA but one of the distinctions between US and Canadian culture is the Americans celebration of and creation of a mythic lore around its most violent criminals.  Try as I might I can't come up with one Canadian equivalent although I'm sure there are some.   Louis Riel is the closest I can come and that brings up a huge debate which I have neither the time or knowledge to get into here.  

Alcatraz operated from 1934-1963, 29 years. 36 men tried to escape in 14 different attempts.  23 were captured, 6 were killed and 2 were drowned.  There are also 5 who went missing and were presumed drowned.  There is a story that at least 2 of those missing actually did make it to land and succeeded in disappearing and starting a new life.

It is a neat place to visit given its history although a bit depressing.  

The ride out in a ferry

View of a freighter coming in under the Golden Gate Bridge. 

A look back at the San Francisco skyline and the Bay bridge. 

Our welcoming committee.

Remnants of a 19 month Indian occupation of the island from 1969-1971. 

Evidence that the island started out as a military fortification 

Above, one of the many rows of cells.  Below one of the prisoner cells.  Just slightly smaller than our room at the Medicine Hat Quality Inn. 

Exercise yard

 Cells with a view.

The days before conjugal visits. 

At least they ate well.

Can't say they weren't warned. 

Next up the Avenue of the Giants.