On our last day we were able to see Alcatraz. It is so popular that you cannot show up on the day of and get tickets. You have to be there in person at least 2 days before to get them. Ever since watching "Escape from Alcatraz" with my dad years ago, I have always wanted to tour the prison, so I was super excited.
The outside of the prison
The prison yard. It is actually quite small. The prisoners were only allowed outside for a short time each day.
If you stand on the top of the steps this is the view of San Francisco that you'll see. On a sunny day I'm sure it was tough for the prisoners to be so close, yet so far away.
Marshall coming out of solitary confinement. They would actually shut them in complete darkness for days at a time. Drove them literally mad. It was raining that day, so we bought ponchos to stay dry.
one method used for an attempted escape.
Control tower.
Kitchen. The knives were outlined so they would know immediately if one was missing. The most dangerous place for the prison guards, they were lucky to never have any problems in the kitchen.
A hole dug through the grate allowed 3 men to escape.
On a lighter note, as we headed back home we stopped in Vacaville to see Marshall's sister Meah and her husband. They took us out for ice cream. As you can see, we indulged. So yummy.
The Jelly Belly factory is in Vacaville, and Meah and Eric stopped at the outlet store and bought some treats for the kids. A Jelly Belly Apples to Apples game, which kept the kids entertained on the long drive home,
and a box of Jelly Belly's to eat. If you want to be entertained, buy a box and have everyone try each flavor. Some are really good and some are disgusting. Only Scott liked the popcorn flavor. It was funny watching Marshall's face every time he got one. Priceless.
