We took a trip to a new salon today with plans to also take a boat to Alcatraz, see the Golden Gate Bridge and see some of San Francisco. We really like the open feel of this city and will no doubt return at some point. After lunch at a local tri tip legend we boarded a boat to Alcatraz. We debated taking the night time tour and maybe next time we will, this time the sun served us well.
Our visit to the “rock was guided by former guards and inmates and was the most real, unchanged, unmanaged sight we have seen thus far. The conditions at the Rock were clearly based on survival and control both of which were challenged several times by the country’s most famous and dangerous criminals. The escape featured in the movie was, as portrayed unreal in its complexity. Who knows if these men made it but to make it to the roof was incredible. We had the opportunity to go into the “hole” in the D block, the pictures might give an indication of the size and darkness but in less than 2 min’s, with the door open, was some of the most anxious moments we can remember. It is a rock as described, 1. 5 miles from the city, it is intense and utterly shocking to stand in.
The Golden Gate Bridge was also awesome. We have both seen suspension bridges and they are amazing, this one clearly takes the cake. We hope the pictures from the boat ride to Alcatraz, from the rock and on our trip over it give you an indication of its splendor. Reading about its construction is up to you, it is no doubt an impressive story, someone will have to tell us before we research it, why the Golden Gate bridge is red?
The city was simply comfortable, airy and warm, hope you like the pics.
Love you all,
8 comments:
Awesome pics. Very interesting. I loved the seals:) Here is the requested info:
The Golden Gate Bridge has always been painted orange vermilion, deemed "International Orange." It was painted that colour to blend in better with it's natural surroundings. It also makes it stand out for ships as well as protect the steel from rusting.
The confusion comes from the name, the term Golden Gate refers to the Golden Gate Strait which is the entrance to the San Francisco Bay from the Pacific Ocean.
It is generally accepted that the strait was named "Chrysopylae" or Golden Gate by Army Captain John C. Fremont, circa 1846. It is said it reminded him of a harbor in Istanbul named Chrysoceras or Golden Horn.
More information on the bridge can be found at: http://www.goldengatebridge.org/research/facts.html
--Cheryl
Oh my gosh is so beautiful! Thanks Cheryl for sharing the reason the Golden Gate bridge is not gold! I always wondered! :)
LOL Missy...thanks for staying long enough to get some pics for me!
Off to more winery pics! ;)
this one is for you Missy. (is that short bus in the picture waiting on Jess?)
Thanks Cheryl for the bridge info and the link. The seals you mentioned are sea lions and they were very cool to see up close, not so cool to smell however. Sorry, I should have pointed that out.
You are a funny man this week Freeman.
So, how does Amy like trying to herd the sea slugs, er, lions?
--Cheryl
Sadly, Amy coudn't come downtown or over to the Rock, she had a day of rest.
I'm a little terrified of the "ROCK" trip!!! I would love to go and visit though, because it'd be fun to say, "I've been there!" But okay, that cubbie hole people stayed in...and then you said your guides were former INMATES...you need to explain a little more...what where they in for? :) haha
Sorry to spook you Abby, LOL. It was a prerecorded audio tour with some past inmates talking about their experiences.
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