alcatraz, san francisco

the night tour of alcatraz is amazing. the island is now a national park, which means you can't take anything from the island, not even a pebble.  the ferry leaves the mainland and does a short circuit around the bay area, first giving you a great view of alcatraz.  the building on the left is where the prisoners "worked". the main building at the top was the cell block.  without any running water, they had to make do with the water tower seen on the left.

as the ferry goes around, you are treated with great views of the golden gate bridge as the sun sets. what an amazing view.

we were unlucky to have unseasonally wet weather during the week. although it was dark, some great views were still available from the alcatraz. prisoners were able to hear the fun and nightlife of the mainland on calm days. apparently it was a treat to be in the cell closest to the mainland on new years eve as you could hear the cheers and parties sweep across the water.  in accordance with the following order of the US president the flag was flying at half mast on the evening we were at alcatraz as a mark of respect for the death of the last surviving US WW1 veteran.

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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As a mark of respect for the memory of Army Corporal Frank W. Buckles, the last surviving American veteran of World War I, and in remembrance of the generation of American veterans of World War I, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that, on the day of his interment, the flag of the United States shall be flown at half‑staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on such day. I further direct that the flag shall be flown at half‑staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty‑eighth day of February, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA