Alcatraz

Yes, I have been sadly neglectful of my blog, but I am making a renewed commitment to post at least once a week about this magical city called San Francisco. Already, I have about 10 different postings of information and restaurant recommendations that I want to describe in detail.

I will begin by posting about Alcatraz. Honestly, I did not really want to go to Alcatraz. Touring an old prison, and a maximum security prison like Alcatraz, was not high on my list of things to do. I thought it would be highly depressing, but was I in for a surprise. Just a short ferry ride away from the Embarcadero, you will come to Alcatraz and see some of the most amazing views of the bay and the city. The wildlife is all around you there, and even the prison doesn't seem so horrible. The tour is all done by audio cassette, and do walk through the inmates courtyard and into the gardens. I know this sounds warped, but touring the old prison was enjoyable and relaxing. I definitely recommend that you tour the Alcatraz prison the next time you are in San Francisco. Check out the pictures below:


This is what is left of the warden's mansion.


These were some of the residences for the guards and their family. The children of the guards actually grew up on Alcatraz and have their own story to tell about it.


The cells were a little depressing, but it was interesting to see some of the crafts, knitting, and painting projects that the inmates did to pass the time.


This is the school that the children of the guards attended. How did that looked on a college application?

St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival

If you find yourself around the San Francisco area this weekend, consider dropping in at the St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival.

Put on your green and come pay tribute to a great country and a timeless legend. Erin Go Braugh!

Muir Woods and Stinson Beach

Just North of San Francisco lies one of the few old-growth red wood forests left on the planet. The giant redwoods and sycamores in Muir Woods are awe inspiring.

"The tallest coastal redwood at Muir Woods is about 258 feet, approximately the height of a six-foot person stacked head to toe 45 times. Further north, these trees can reach heights up to 379 feet, 74 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty. The average age of the coastal redwoods at Muir Woods is between 600 to 800 years, with the oldest being at least 1200 years old. This is still young for redwoods as they can live up to 2200 years."
- (http://www.nps.gov/muwo/index.htm)

After spending time wandering through the forest, my friends and I then took a drive along the coast to Stinson Beach. The pictures below are of the woods and the beach. Enjoy!

Stinson Beach, Feb. 2010 C" height="379" width="500">





Stinson Beach, Feb. 2010 B" height="375" width="500">







Stinson Beach, Feb. 2010 A" height="353" width="500">