Hey Everyone,

We just got back from a week in California. Corrie's cousin got married and we decided to visit some friends in the area and hit a couple parks while we were there, Alcatraz Island being one of them. I visited once about 15 years ago, but I didn't really appreciate where I was. This time we took a ranger tour and got to see some behind the scenes areas of the island.

The first of the areas was the original entrance and sign of the island, dating back to 1857.

Then we explored some of the courtyards and buildings. Apparently there is a volunteer botanical club that manages the grounds. The flowers and grounds were beautiful.

Alcatraz Island 3NPS / Jacob W. Frank Alcatraz IslandNPS / Jacob W. Frank Alcatraz Island 7NPS / Jacob W. Frank Alcatraz Island 8NPS / Jacob W. Frank Alcatraz Island 9NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Then we had the opportunity to head up into the lighthouse. The views of the bay were beautiful. 

Alcatraz Island 10NPS / Jacob W. Frank Alcatraz Island 11NPS / Jacob W. Frank

After the lighthouse we walked around the island checking out the views of the city and all the birds that roost on the island.

Alcatraz Island 12NPS / Jacob W. Frank Alcatraz Island 13NPS / Jacob W. Frank Alcatraz Island 14NPS / Jacob W. Frank Alcatraz Island 15NPS / Jacob W. Frank Alcatraz Island 16NPS / Jacob W. Frank

We headed back inside for the final tour of the jail. We got to also see some rooms of the facility that are used for temporary exhibit spaces. It would be an awesome place to play capture the flag at night.

Alcatraz Island 4
Alcatraz Island 18NPS / Jacob W. Frank

Every time we go to a new park, I'm always blown at all the interesting stories they tell. Alcatraz is no different. If you get the chance to go, I recommend!