Well, I did it! I walked through the stories, history, myths and ghosts of Alcatraz. I felt like a kid in a candy store just sucking up every bit of information I could get my hands on. The ride over to the island was fun in itself. We rode on the top
level of a triple deck boat and got a great view of the whole island as we circled before docking. The place where prisoners set foot on the island is exactly where it always was and the breathtaking trek up to the cell house is just as it always was. I'm not one for concerning myself too much with thoughts of ghosts and spirits but man...when I went into an isolation cell for just a little minute...I got chills as I thought of the men and how this place must have broken spirits. Now I'm not saying they didn't deserve their punishment. I heard many stories of murder, rape, theft, tax evasion and many other things that make me angry and hostile. But I also heard stories of men who started their lives as brilliant young students who did good deeds simply because their mama said "Do good deeds". But just as so many young people do, they fell victim to the streets and the pressures to 'succeed' and be 'respected'. As I grow older the idea that everyone has complete control over their success and ability to steer clear of trouble seems to be a little more diluted. Anyway, where was I??? Oh yes...Rachel behind bars. I can now check Alcatraz off the list of things I want to do before I can't travel due to age and meanness. ha! After the freezing trip back to San Francisco, we walked back to Little Italy and at The Stinking Rose. Delish! and revolting! Tomorrow is the trip through Napa and Sonoma. We have reservations at one winery and the others we'll just hit as we see 'em.
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