Alcatraz is one of those things that was natural and then it was man-made and then it is starting the swing toward natural again. With out a doubt all of the pictures we took while in San Fransisco; most were of Alcatraz. It could be the solitary nature of the island appealed to us, or maybe it was the simple architecture & the history, or perhaps there was something just artistic about an old place slowly growing old while the gleaming hustle and bustle of a slick modern San Fransisco was just a mile away, a ferry ride away, and a world away.

What ever the reason Kimmy and I found fascination in Alcatraz. She became obsessed with the water tower and the plant life. My obsession drifted toward the burned out social club, the burned out warden’s house and the light house.  I honestly could have spent an entire 8 hour day there and I often cursed my lack of camera, the plethora of tourists, and occasionally the Park Service for not having the entire island available (some of the island had been torn down, some was undergoing restoration and a part I am convinced they had no clue what to do with it.  Despite my lack of a truly awesome camera I managed to snap a few good pictures, luckily the place was photogenic.   Unlike some other things (one of which could have used a really good shave).

But if you are ever in San Fransisco; before you leave your heart there I recommend that you take a trip to Alcatraz. Plan on spending 3 hours there; take the audio tour and remember, when you get off the boat and everyone goes right … go left, assuming it isn’t nesting season for the sea gulls. But most important take your camera, snap a lot of pictures and be prepared for the island’s rugged and crumbling beauty to grow on you.