Alcatraz and Fishermans Wharf

Thankfully we booked out trip to Alcatraz before we left Australia as they are sold out until August. The "Rock" looks very close to the mainland but you can see how fast the current is going The ferry trip out takes about 20 mins and they give you a brief history on the landing before you head off to explore at your own pace. The tour includes an audio tour which guides you throughout the buildings and give you heaps of background information on the daily life of an inmate and the escape attempts. The cells were 5' x 9' and aside from meals they were only allowed out for two hours a week and could have only one visitor per month. The inmates believed the fantastic view they had made it even worse. After a couple of hours we caught the ferry back to the mainland.

The afternoon was spent in and around Fisherman's Wharf. There were heaps of people there and there are lots of shops, bars, museums and other attractions there. We stared with lunch at Boudins which is a famous sourdough bakery that has been in operation since 1843. The bread lived up to its reputation. We then went to a few shops, tried to get a cable car ride but it was having mechanical problems then went and had a few drinks at a bar on Pier 39 which had great views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. It was a clear day about 21 C but at about 3 pm the fog rolled in from the ocean and within about 30 mins it was so thick that we couldn't see the bridge any more. It took about 2 hours to clear into a fine day again. Apparently this is normal for SF ! We watched a juggler show which was very good before heading off for dinner at a Hamburger Diner.

We then went on an open top double decker bus night tour. As it was only 13C it was freezing but very informative and we went to places that weren't on the day tour.

We left the hotel at 8 am and got back at 9 pm so it has been a long day.