The Rock

Leaving Fish Camp, a thick conifer forest, in the chill of the morning, the drive across the mountains to San Francisco was interesting. Such a change in landscape and climate! I've never been across the Bay Bridge, and it was a glorious first view of San Francisco for Elizabeth and Stephen, with the city skyline, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Alcatraz in sight.

Driving in any big city can be challenging but we eventually made our way to the hotel near Union Square. We had reservations for the 3:50 tour to Alcatraz, so we were focused. Following a quick picnic lunch in the concierge lounge, Mom and Anne grabbed a taxi while Greg, Stephen, Eliz, and I rode a packed trolley over to the pier. And of course we all arrived in plenty of time.

Narrated by former guards and prisoners, the cell house audio tour is eerily realistic

Alcatraz is a very pretty place, for a former maximum security prison!

After the tour, we walked over to Fisherman's Wharf for a bowl of world famous chowder, and a very pretty sunset. A cable car ride back to the hotel, and we are getting ready for a full day, our last full day, of San Fran sightseeing tomorrow!