An Admirable April Adventure: Alcatraz/CGT 80th

On Saturday, 13 April, we headed up the 280 again to San Francisco. This day we visited Alcatraz. I can't even count the number of times I have been to San Francisco, but never before have I visited "the Rock." It was a perfectly beautiful day and we had a splendid time. the fort that became a prison was fascinating and well worth a visit. We returned to the Embarcadero early afternoon and ate a passable and very noisy lunch at Bubba Gump's on Pier 39. After lunch as we returned to the car, the kids broke off and hiked Telegraph Hill to Coit Tower. The old folks and Clara drove the car and met them at the top. It is a beautiful spot but with limited views because the trees have become so tall and dense. We dropped down into North Beach (the Italian district) and found the great Gelateria Naia on Columbus Avenue. By the time we finished, it was getting late and we traveled through the heart of The City toward the freeway for the journey back to Palo Alto. We changed and headed to Colette's birthday party. The party was a smashing success and made her VERY happy.

Clara was appalled by the fashion statement made

by  her father wearing her Lalaloopsy backpack

Well, maybe not that appalled

Ferrying to Alcatraz

"The Rock," not to be confused with the LTM of my day

Some of this dates back to Civil-War times

Walking the cell blocks

Grim!

So near yet so far

Grammy and Louisianna

Escape from Alcatraz

A small repast

Life for the guards' families included ammenities

like this garden

Happy together

A bright spot of color and life

The troops climbed to the top of Telegraph Hill; we 

drove and picked them up

One of the few views from amongst the mature growth

Delicious gelato

The family

The HDT family

The HDT Taylor boys

Another great day with one more to go. That's all for now.

OXO

D.