Alcatraz, Ca. Sept. 2

Hi folks,  I didn't know what to expect and wasn't that excited about going to Alcatraz, but what an experience!  There is so much history there.  The island which is in San Francisco bay was known as the "Rock".  It was a maximum security federal penitentiary l934-63 that once held such notorious criminals as Al Capone, Machine Gun Kelly and Robert Stroud, the "Birdman of Alcatraz".  When we got off the boat, we walked up a hill that was like climbing 13 stories.  We then took a self-guided tour of the prison with ear phones and radio.  We went inside the cells, the dining hall and the outside recreation area.  The tour was done by former Alcatraz inmates, correctional officers and residents as they reminisce about life on Alcatraz.  It was like going back in time, it was so real.  It originally was a Fort but was never used for combat.  After the Fort closed, many tribes of Indians came over protesting occupation of their lands by Americans.  They lived there for 18 months.  It ultimately saved their tribes.  Rich is history, this island is a natural habitat for wildlife.  A beautiful view of the city, it is an island that we are so happy we were able to see and explore.  
Our friend, Sarah C. who is a ranger for the National Park Service told Ranger Owen S. that we were coming to the island and he showed us the "dungeon" which is not open to visitors.  That was fun.  By the way, Alcatraz belongs to the NPS.