| We visited San Francisco last October. First time either | | | | to climb through. The escapees also stole many |
| of us had been there and we quickly fell in love with | | | | raincoats to use as a raft for the trip to the mainland. |
| the place. Our hotel was the Grand Hyatt in Union | | | | Leaving papier-mâché dummies in their cells, |
| Square, providing an ideal location for sightseeing and | | | | the prisoners are estimated to have entered the bay |
| we felt close to the hustle and bustle of the city. We | | | | at 10pm. They were never found. Suggestions are that |
| already had read a number of pocket guide books so | | | | they drowned in the strong freezing currents. |
| were keen to do the "must-see" sites as soon as | | | | The cells are tiny and the constant wind whistling |
| possible. Our stay was for 6 nights. We had originally | | | | through the building is chilly and uncomfortable. Certainly |
| considered doing 3 nights in the city then 2 days in Las | | | | staying at this prison would not have been pleasant. |
| Vegas but opted for all 6 nights here. We were glad | | | | Golden Gate Bridge |
| we did as this proved to be a wonderful city. | | | | Golden Gate BridgeWe decided it would be nice to |
| Our first surprise was the weather. We had lovely | | | | hire some bicycles and cycle to and over the bridge. |
| sunshine throughout the week, very different to the | | | | These were hired at Fisherman's Wharf and the |
| cold damp conditions we left behind in England. Walking | | | | pleasant trip to the bridge took about 30 minutes. One |
| around the city was a delight, jumping on and off | | | | side of the bridge is designated for cycles and it took |
| trams made it easy to get around although taxis cost | | | | us about 15 mins to cycle to the 1.7 miles to the other |
| around the same. We took a tram to Fisherman's | | | | end. |
| Wharf, up and down the steep hills. It looked to be hard | | | | In the sunshine the bridge takes on a wondrous reddish |
| work for the driver at the front of the tram having to | | | | colour, and is such a dominant feature of San |
| constantly pull the brake levers to slow or stop the | | | | Francisco , cycling across is a great way to fully |
| tram. We strolled leisurely around Fisherman's Wharf, a | | | | appreciate it and stop and enjoy the views. |
| mixture of carnival attractions, chain restaurants, | | | | The views were stunning. It's possible to continue the |
| souvenir stands and the sea lions at Pier 39, barking | | | | cycle route across the bridge to Sausalito with an |
| and posing for pictures. We elected to book a trip to | | | | optional ferry back if the legs are feeling the strain! |
| Alcatraz immediately as we were tipped off that | | | | We did not see any of the famous fog shrouding the |
| these trips could be books up days in advance. | | | | bridge. |
| Alcatraz | | | | Golden Gate Park |
| The morning of the trip arrived and we headed to the | | | | This is a huge park and worth visiting for the Japanese |
| wharf to board the ferry. Its a short 10 minute trip to | | | | Tea Garden alone in my opinion. Taking a cab to the |
| Alcatraz island. For 29 years, up to 1963 it operated as | | | | park resulted in a lengthy history lesson from our |
| a penitentiary. A walk around the cells and yard | | | | driver, an aging hippy, with opinions on every aspect of |
| reminded me of the "Escape from Alcatraz" film, a | | | | American policy it seemed. The Tea Garden is a joy |
| headset relays the history and describes some of the | | | | to stroll around. Lovely displays of trees and Buddhist |
| famous convicts who stayed here, such as Al | | | | replicas with the backdrop of sounds of running water. |
| Capone.alcatraz.jpgWe are told that 34 prisoners | | | | Also worth seeing are the Conservatory of Flowers, |
| were involved in fourteen attempted escapes, two | | | | including butterflies of all colours landing on you, and the |
| men trying twice; seven were shot and killed, two | | | | Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. |
| drowned, five were unaccounted for and the rest | | | | As a lover of seafood, the city provided some great |
| were recaptured. Two prisoners made it off the island | | | | opportunities for clam chowder, lobster and crab. One |
| but were returned, one in 1945 and one in 1962. | | | | visit you may consider is the Cheesecake Factory at |
| The most famous escape attempt involved Frank | | | | Macy's. A 20 minute wait is typical but the food's very |
| Morris and brothers John and Clarence Anglin, | | | | good. |
| popularised in the motion picture Escape from | | | | Shopping is a delight. We were surprised how San |
| Alcatraz. The three disappeared from their cells on 11 | | | | Francisco did not feel like a big city as there was no |
| June 1962 in one of the most intricate escapes ever | | | | major traffic to be seen, and for UK tourists the prices |
| devised. | | | | are a bargain. We were paying in dollars what would |
| The prisoners chiseled away the moisture-damaged | | | | have cost us pounds in the UK. Everytime we |
| concrete from around an air vent leading to this | | | | commented on the prices, the shop assistant instantly |
| corridor, using tools such as a metal spoon soldered | | | | seemed to guess we were from England! |
| with silver from a dime and an electric drill improvised | | | | I would highly recommend the city. Yes you could do |
| from a stolen vacuum cleaner motor. The noise was | | | | the sites in 3 days, but you will miss out a lot by not |
| disguised by accordions played during music hour, and | | | | taking the time to stroll around some of the more |
| their progress was concealed by false walls which, in | | | | ignored areas or just spend time shopping or enjoying |
| the dark recesses of the cells, fooled the guards. | | | | a coffee sat out in the sunshine, watching the people. |
| The escape route then led up through a fan vent; the | | | | We will definately return. You could certainly leave |
| fan and motor had been removed and replaced with a | | | | your heart here. |
| steel grille, leaving a shaft large enough for a prisoner | | | | |