I am lucky enough to have my parents visiting at the moment; here for a few days before heading down to San Diego, and taking a leisurely drive up the coast. While the first Saturday was a wash-out, the sun came out to play on Sunday, and we counted ourselves lucky to have such a pleasant day to visit one of the most famous tourist destinations in America; Alcatraz.
It certainly is a tourist trap, but the constricted numbers (book ahead in the summer, folks) and unbelievable location make it a must-see attraction. The audio tour – usual a gimmick – adds tremendous depth and atmosphere to the experience … very much recommended, and even better followed-up with hot clam chowder.
STOPMum, in the spotlightBeautiful decay on the old buildings; it's just a shame so many of them were being left to rot. Sea air, concrete, and steel are not a good mix.Jail birdsThe audio tour exceeded my expectations … I am looking forward to going back to do the tour at night next time I have visitors.What must it have been like, to look out and see this? Apparently, if the wind was right, you could hear the sounds of party revellers in San Francisco wafted across on the breeze.Thoughtful momentsThe sun was pouring in through the windows; I am glad we went on Sunday, instead of the rather wetter and colder Saturday.AtmosphericsLooking across at my adopted homeZebra doorsThere are swimming races each year, but the of legends inmates not being able to swim across alive stand.Original signage, combined with the 1969 Indian protester signs, during the Nixon era.Bird on the breezeI wonder as well how long the piers are going to last – the concrete pillars not looking too strong at the moment.Shutters, and back on dry land we are.
The pleasures of living in California … while it is a bit of an effort to get up to the slopes, it’s worth it. This time, it’s Squaw; a much larger, almost European resort, and host to the 1960 Winter Olympics. Super amazing (if cold) conditions were marred only by having ski boots that were a size too big … something to add to the shopping list.
Gregg, ruggedly eating a chocolate barSerious weather this time!Nicole, rocking the boardTeam Squaw!Great posse to get lost in the mountains withSadly, a ridiculous 10 hour drive back … we think as a result of a jack-knifed truck. The car did really amazingly well all weekend, outperforming a few 4×4 show-offs on the way.
Ken was in town to take care of activities at the hand-built bike show over in Sacramento, and managed to set aside some good time to hang out at the house, and with the Sitzer clan. Good times.
Hannah and Mia fully mature in the back of the car.Ken's ride; the ridiculous Dodge Charger / cop car. It made satisfying 'whaaarrrrr' sounds while pretending to accelerate.Classic Alameda Flea Market Chaos … I came away with a couple of lamp bases, a vase, some egg cups (thanks to Hannah), and basically none of the stuff that I originally went to purchase.Flea market purgatory (these are Ken's pics, by the way … I rather like this one)Instagram – "Feets"Adjusting the stereo?Feeling a little more energetic on the way home.
