DAY 2 - TUESDAY

We had a very early start on our first full day of tour.  Our modes of transportation for today were the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), a trolley, and our feet.  We were scheduled to depart Alcatraz at 9:10 a.m. and had to arrive at the pier by 8:25 a.m. for the pre-boarding briefing.  This meant we had to be at the BART station at the airport a little after 7:00 a.m.  When the BART employee (who had helped me buy the tickets) found out we were a choir, she wanted to hear us sing.  So the kids broke out into a little “California Dreamin’.”

 

If you can't see the video below, click here.
 

  

After an easy subway ride and brisk morning walk from the station, we were at Pier 33 in time for our departure.

 

 

 

We were very fortunate that one of our chaperones, Karen Woods, knew someone who was a ranger at Alcatraz.  He met us as we boarded our boat.  When we arrived on “The Rock,” Ranger John gave us our instructions and we climbed up the hill to begin the audio tour.  The audio tour was great as it told the history of Alcatraz, complete with narration of former guards and inmates. 

 

 



 

After the audio tour, Ranger John gave us a “behind the scenes” tour of Alcatraz.  Not everyone gets this VIP tour (although John told us he gave the Obama children the same tour).  We even got to climb to the top of the lighthouse, climbing the inside spiral staircase to the top, where the wind was howling.  It was a beautiful view from up top, but you sure wanted to hold on to something!

 

 

 

 

Elliot makes it to the top of the lighthouse!!

 

 

 

Lesley's happy she made it to the top too!!

 

 

 



  

Some of the "behind the scenes" pictures.  John operated the cell doors which had an elaborate system to open and close.  When he closed all of the doors at the same time, it made a very loud slamming noise, which is probably where we get the term "slammer" for jail!

If you can't see the video below, click here.

 

A view from the second floor...

John explaining how the guards would open and close the cell doors.

Everyone in the cell!!!

John tells us about the mental room (notice the tile walls for easy cleaning!).

 

There was even a former inmate in the gift shop signing copies of his book!

 

 

 

Upon return to the mainland, we headed for lunch but first stopped at Pier 39 to see the sea lions laying on the docks.

 

 

 

Lunch was at Boudin, and many got a sourdough bread bowl filled with clam chowder or tomato soup.  Boudin is also a bakery, so the smell of freshly baked bread wafted in the air.

 

 

Fisherman’s Wharf was our destination after lunch.  No trip to San Francisco would be complete without a visit to Ghiradelli Square and the chocolate store where everyone is greeted at the door with a free piece of chocolate.  YUM!

 

 

It was now time to head in the direction of Raphael House (our concert venue).  The plan to ride the trolley to Raphael House fell through as the trolleys were running slow and the line of people was barely moving.  So, we walked the 1.5 miles to Raphael House, which included a steep walk up Hyde Street (did I mention it was STEEP??!!).  The payoff was that we were able to stop at Lombard Street to admire the view and also watch the cars drive down the hill. 

 

  

We arrived at Raphael House around 6:00 and changed into our shirts for the 6:30 concert.  

 

 

The mission of Raphael House is to help at-risk families achieve stable housing and financial independence while strengthening family bonds and personal dignity.  I was told the morning of the concert that the piano they had was not able to be moved into the room where the concert would be held.  Well, the show must go on!  We figured out what songs would work without piano accompaniment and gave a mini concert for the residents.  They were an appreciative audience and thanked us for singing for them.

 

 

 

 

By now it was dinner time and that meant Chinatown!  To get to Chinatown we hopped on a trolley (clang! clang!) and had a short walk. 

 

 

 

After walking around we found a nice restaurant that was able to accommodate all 18 of us.

 

 

With our bellies full, we walked our last hike of the day to the Embarcadero Station by the light of a full moon to take the BART back to the airport.  The hotel shuttle would pick us up and we were back at our hotel a little after 11:00 p.m.  What a long (but very fun) day!  Can you say EXHAUSTED??!! 

 

  

It was lights out as our bus was picking us up at 8:00 a.m. the next day.  Thanks for your prayers.  Everyone is doing well and staying healthy and well fed.