Alcatraz — the surprising rock.
— Doug McConnell
If you don’t mind being incarcerated for a little while, take a look at our story on the movie history of Alcatraz. Alcatraz gets about a million visitors a year…..and people go there for all kinds of reasons. It’s one of my favorite places in the San Francisco Bay Area. It has an absolutely and literally unique ecosystem, a layered and complex history (the Federal Penitentiary years were only a part of the story) and views to die for (few actually did.) I’m ready to talk about The Rock any time you are. And go to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Golden Gate National Park Conservancy for more information.
Acatraz Sunrise by Jason Weisberger
October 25th, 2007 at 8:58 am
Dear Doug,
I love that you are doing a blog and will be a regular reader.
This photo of Alcatraz sunset reminds me of the fabulour view you can get by going out to the “wave organ” on the breakwater just beyond the Yacht Club in the Marina. That funky place is one of my favorite places to take a coffee and watch how San Francisco and the Bay is transformed as the sun sets. You might want to visit soon?
October 25th, 2007 at 10:51 am
Last time I visited Alcatraz with friends from out of town, we took the night tour. If you go, talk to the rangers at the beginning, and ask if they’ll be leading any small groups after the main tour – they don’t always do it, but they love to, I think. It gives them a chance to demonstrate what they know and love about the place. We got to see some of the prison complex that is normally off-limits. We were able to climb around and explore the gun galleries where the guards patrolled above the tiers, a movie theater, and other places not accessible during the day. It can be spooky (not for little kids), but it’s thrilling. It’s a plus if the moon is full, and it can be FREEZING, so bring warm clothes. Enjoy!
October 25th, 2007 at 11:00 am
Love that photo of Alcatraz Jason! Please keep sharing your great photos with us!!
October 25th, 2007 at 12:58 pm
I love the pictures, too, Jason. Many thanks. And Audry and Jon, thanks for the suggestions and advice. I agree with them all. I’ve spent many days and nights on the Rock shooting television stories and specials…..and the place has many moods. One of my favorite aspects is its absolutely unique natural environment. Its an important bird colony and its hugely varied plant life is virtually all exotic…growing on soil carted in from Angel Island and elsewhere. No place quite like it in the world.