Our afternoon on "The Rock"

Last week we took our final trip to San Fransisco with one thing in mind... touring Alcatraz.  We booked our tickets early this time, and good thing we did because they sold out fast.  Touring "The Rock" was a phenomenal experience and we're so happy we were able to work it into our schedule before we leave California.  If you ever get the chance, please do go and see it for yourself... you won't be disappointed.

I'm sorry, but our pictures don't do it justice.

the first building we went into played a short movie about the history of this historic place.  Scott and girls watched the movie while I stepped out and took some pictures.

There were beautiful gardens that were tended by many of the inmates as well as the workers that lived there.  Were you aware that children were raised here?  I wasn't.

This is what greeted us upon entering the cell block... the shower room.  The hygiene table and shoes were behind bars so I couldn't get a closer look.  I love how they staged almost every room to make it feel real.

We also did the audio tour while in the cell block.  Please, if you ever come here, DO the audio tour.  It is full of information, stories, and special effects and you'll be left in the dark if you don't.

Several of the cells were staged to document the lives of some of the most notorious inmates.

The man in the middle is "the birdman"

and then there's Al Capone

We spent nearly three hours on the island taking in the sites and touring the grounds.

I took a lot of pictures, but didn't share them all.  Perhaps you'll see more in the future.