'On the Rock'

David and I spent Wednesday in San Francisco where we visited the Famous Alcatraz. We have been to San Fran a couple times before but we're never able to make it to Alcatraz...this time we devoted our whole day to the historical State Penitentiary. Being that Alcatraz was Americas maximum security prison from the mid 1930's to the mid 1960's, we couldn't wait to step foot on a piece of history. It was a beautiful day to get some shots the the Golden Gate Bridge. A look back to the city as we made our way out to 'The Rock'.

Once inside the prison we got to start the tour. This is the first stop that all inmates would make. Here they would be assigned uniforms, bedding, tooth powder (not paste), and have all personal possessions taken from them.

This is one of the cells in which a famous escape was made through the vent. The men made their way through the vent using steel spoons. "Each cell in B & C block was 5 feet by 9 feet. Cells at Alcatraz had a small sink with cold running water, small sleeping cot, and a toilet. Most men could extend their arms and touch each wall within their cell. The cells in D Block (segregation) were more spacious, but still the least popular." Al Capone was one of the more famous inmates that stayed on Alcatraz for 4 1/2 years. He was known as 'the gangster' of his time. At many of the other prisons in which 'Big Al' stayed he got special treatment, even hiring guards to do jobs for him. However, once he got to 'The Rock' he stated at one point..., "It looks like Alcatraz has got me licked." (Referring to the fact that he was treated just like any other inmate). These are the 'confinement cells' on D Block. They were blackout cells where select inmates would stay based on their behavior. Pretty creepy! On the audio tour one of the inmates recalled that when he was placed in here, if he would close his eyes long enough he could take himself to another place and eventually 'see light'.

If you have ever seen the movie "The Green Mile." It's exactly like it as you walk down the cell blocks. This is a picture of the sky lights as you look up the row.

This is David in the Interrogation cell...the first cell that every inmate is taken to once they arrive on Alcatraz. He is given his number and rules by the Warden. Some rules they we given: "You are entitled to food, clothing, shelter and medical attention. Anything else that you get is a privilege." No unnecessary talking or laughing will be allowed. A rule of Silence was in effect during the Prison's early years. Good behavior is a requirement and will not be rewarded, however bad behavior will be punished.

This is the Warden's quarters. It was a 15 bedroom mansion. The Warden and his family lived on the island along with the guards and their families, (who had small apartment homes) and of course the inmates. The guards children would go to school everyday in the city.

Us on Alcatraz. The deck below us is the guards kids' playground area. The city with the Bay Bridge.

Here is one of the break rooms for the Guards. I love the old Coke machine.

David and I on 'D Block' In case you wanted to know:

• There were Zero executions on Alcatraz, it had no facilities for Capital Punishment
• 8 were murdered by fellow inmates while on Alcatraz
• 5 committed suicide

Here we are at one of the oldest parts of the Alcatraz building. Before the island was ever a Prison, it was used as a military fortress to protect the bay. This part of the building has layers of history within its bricks. The visit to Alcatraz is a creepy but interesting one that had us both wanting to learn so much about it. Visit this link if you want to read and learn more.... Alcatraz History! After our full day of History we had to stop by my favorite thing about San Fran......(you know my favorite things always deal with food)....Boudin Sourdough! We had to get a huge bowl of Clam Chowder in a Bread Bowl ....THE BEST! Yummie, thanks San Francisco!