I have been neglectful of these pages but I will get up to date on some recent excursions.  It's been said the worst winter I spent was San Francisco in July.  While it was a bit chilly and overcast,  just enough sun peaked through for the sea lions to bask for the tourists on the wharf.  Upwind of course.  It was good enough for a trolley ride to Chinatown and, for me, a requisit trip to Ghirardelli Square for a much needed chocolate fix.

The highlight of the adventure was a trip out to Alcatraz, better known as The Rock.  For those of you not in the know (we learned these things almost too late so pay attention) Alcatraz is part of the National Park Service.  There are plenty of tours that will take you out to the island but only one is allowed to actually dock and let you tour the facility.

Don't be fooled by imitators and if you do nothing else, make your reservations early.  I will admit to being a bit jaded on the idea of the tour but it turned out it was one of the better ones I've been on.

Take the time to go through the line for the little headphones for the guided tour.  Well worth the effort and very well done.  It's narrated by actual inmates, guards and administrators who can still tell a story or two.

I had the opportunity to get thrown into solitary for what seemed like 10 minutes but I suspect the volunteer had strict instructions not to leave anyone in there for more than 10 seconds!  The darkest of dark and cured me of ever wanting to break the law... ever.  Overall, very well done, interesting and informative.

On certain times of the year you can even walk around the island but we were there during some bird love (aka migratory bird breeding season) and were unable to see most of the flora and fauna.  If you get the chance, cruise on out to The Rock...I may even have channeled Sean Connery once.  Did I mention the gift shop?!