Escape from Alcatraz

We decided on the evening Tour of Alcatraz, hoping to add more drama to the experience.  Securing our tickets online 3 months prior, there ended up being a group of around eight of us all travelling over together.   Being one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco the process of getting you over to the Island was meticulous.  Pick up your tickets here, line up there, take green screen picture just before you board. 

We were warned: eat before you go as the only consumable available on “the Rock” is water.

Once off the ferry we were broken into groups and marched up the hill, stopping at intervals and given instruction on what to expect.  Once in the main building you are given headsets, and just like a talking gps system, you are given directions as you moved around the prison.  The recorded guide moves you though, stopping at significant sections.  We were regaled by stories by inmates and prison guards and their life on the island.  Cells were on display, just as they would have been when inhabited. Descriptions of attempted and assumed failed escapes. 

Following the audio guide you could move through the prison at your own pace, and sometimes (like me), if you got your left and right mixed up you ended up a little lost.  Slowly, slowly our group became separated. 

As with most attractions, you are exited through the gift shop, and this is of course, where Garry found me. But where are Marie and Mal? Answer:  being held up even longer after deciding that there was a tshirt we just had to get.

“Where is everyone? … they wouldn’t leave without us”

Ok so decision had to be made … the next ferry leaves in 5 minutes and the next and final ferry leaves in 40 minutes.

“Quick, the ferry is about to leave, they are probably all on board…”

After a moment’s hesitation we started running down the hill, tripping on the uneven surface, straight on the gangway, up the stairs, panting and desperately searching for a familiar face.

“Where are Marie and Mal?” we asked, and as we pulled away from the dock they replied “they went back looking for you” ….

“DAMN!”