We started off by heading down to Pier 33 to get our Alcatraz tickets. There was a moment of panic when it looked like they were sold out for the day, but thankfully it turned out that there were some tickets left for the Alcatraz plus Angel Island tour. We had no idea what Angel Island was all about but the boat was going in ten minutes so we said yes to the tickets and jumped on board.
First stop Alcatraz after a fifteen minute ride and some more photos (Nicky is wondering whether I'll have taken more photos of the Golden Gate bridge this holiday than of the Disney castle!!). Walked up the hill to the main prison building and did the audio tour. Fascinating stuff. Turns out that there was an escape in 1962 when three inmates dug holes in their cell walls and climbed out through the service space between the cells. Got off the island and were never seen again. Sounds more than a little bit Shawshank. Bought a book to learn more about it.
Back to the dock at midday for the ride to Angel Island where we had a tram tour. Island is now a national park (as is Alcatraz). Formerly used as an army base and as the West coast's Ellis Island. We all really enjoyed the extra bit of our tour and were glad that we'd ended up with this bonus to our day.
Water was surprisingly choppy on the way back to Pier 33 and then to Pier 39 for some more arcade fun before coming back to the hotel.
Wine and apple cider at the hotel before heading back out. Went to Ghiradelli's square and picked up some chocolate before going to Capurro's (restaurant opposite the hotel) for dinner. This time I did get my clam chowder in a bread bowl.
Off down the coast tomorrow.
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