Thursday, 20th December
We were up at 6 a.m. and left at 7.45 for San Francisco. We parked for $20 and got the ferry to Alcatraz at 9 a.m. It was only 10 min. We watched a movie on the history of Alcatraz made for Discovery Channel, then walked up to the prison in stages with a guide giving commentary. Chris was out in front with the guide leading the way.
We followed an audio tour of the prison which was very good and lasted about an hour.
We had lunch and a short walk along the cliff and caught the return ferry at 1.30 and had to wait half way for a container ship to pass.
We drove over the Bay Bridge (traffic in two levels, one in each direction). We had a tour around where Michael lived as a child (took a while to recognize one house) and his schools (one had been demolished). Had afternoon tea at seven 11 ($10 total, coffee – $1.70) and then looked through the San Jose mission and church ($10). Visited Gerry Solins who had a real Christmas tree as tall as the ceiling and she very kindly took us out for dinner to Chilli’s. Matthew’s meal was a good deal – salad (big), ribs with fries and a huge chocolate cake with chocolate coated ice-cream for $11. Came back to our motel over the San Mateo Bridge arriving at 9 p.m. Packed up as much as possible ready for another early start.
This is a Spanish Mission Church.