Alcatraz Visit

The fog was still hanging around, as visible here shrouding the Trans America Building (far left) and Coit Tower to the right.

The Sea Princess cruise ship was docked several piers away from the Alcatraz Ferry wharf. Here the other ferry on the Alcatraz service is passing by its stern.

Our destination - Alcatraz shrouded in fog. It appears the locals are content to sail around in the fog.

The blue sky looks promising. There was some breeze moving the fog around, so it was likely going to dissipate soon.

The city is disappearing behind us in the fog. Barely visible on the left is the bridge to Oakland.

The island is coming closer. The landing area is to the right, and the lighthouse is just visible. It doesn't appear that the lighthouse is operational any more. At least, it wasn't working at this time, and that would seem to be a good reason to be operational.

Getting closer now - this is the cell block used when Alcatraz was a prison. The lighthouse is more visible than above. But still not flashing its location.

Nearing the wharf, with the guard tower clearly visible. The building is identified as Building 64 which served as the Penitentiary Apartment House during the prison years (1934 - 1963), and before that as Military Guard Barracks (1906 - 1933).

The end of the line for this voyage as people leave the boat and wait on the dock to listen to an introductory talk by a park ranger. This is in front of building 64.

The two signs are from 2 different periods of "occupation". The official sign from the penitentiary period, with the red "Indians Welcome" sign from the occupation of 1969 - 1971 by Indians of All Tribes.

Video

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Visit to Alcatraz Island

A trip to Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay, a former prison (1934 - 1963), and before that a military base (1850 - 1934). It was occupied by Native Americans (1964, and 1969 - 1971) and is now under the care of US National Parks Service.