When we woke up on day 2, we immediately realized someone had forgotten to turn on the San Fransisco furnace. I'm pretty sure Billings was warmer on this day. I put on every coat, sweater, vest, and long sleeved turtleneck I brought.
I just wanted to point that out so that you'd know my bulky form isn't because
I am overindulging in ice cream. Yep. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I had to encourage Stan and Megan to wear a coat today, but ultimately they were glad I did.
Megan, recently having survived the first half of a Rexburg winter, is certifiably cold-blooded
Did you notice the jeweled jaguar necklace Megan snagged in Chinatown?
Nothing says "Christmas" quite like San Fransisco Santa.
While we were out looking for hot chocolate and breakfast, we came across this Crepe restaurant.
Despite these dour expressions, it was delicious. Poor Stan and Megan are just thinking about having to go out in the freezing outdoors again with their whiny cold-challenged wife and mom.
Even the harbor seals were barking about the temperature.
After our land transportation debacle of yesterday, we decided to try the sea.
Yes, we're headed to Megan's home away from home, Alcatraz.
The tour folks were kind enough to provide this sunny, warm, ever so slightly fake backdrop for a photo opportunity.
Alcatraz is an interesting mixture of decrepit
and delightful. There are no plants indigenous to Alcatraz. Everything that grows here was brought in at some point. The island is home to lots of birds, including the hummingbirds we spotted several times.
It has hardly changed since it was first built as a military prison in 1861.
Megan, looking for a warm spot.
Only 3 men were believed to ever have escaped Alcatraz. They are famous for putting dummies in their beds and tunneling through the vent. They were never found, but are believed by some to have escaped to South America. The movie Escape From Alcatraz tells this story.
Megan demonstrated how difficult it is to leave Alcatraz--she was planning on going up and over the rock,
but nearly fell 1 foot to her death instead. It was a scary moment.
Alcatraz was used as a regular prison between 1934-1963.
Alcatraz housed such famous prisoners as Al Capone, the Birdman of Alcatraz,
and hardened criminal Megan "Don't Mess With Me" Jones.
The cells are 9' by 5', and contain everything a prisoner needs. There are 3 levels of cells, and they are all alike.
NO MEGAN! DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!
oh my. traveling with megan is so embarrassing.
The island was also home to around 200 hundred women and children, families of the guards and staff. They had beautiful gardens, cared for by both the families and the inmates. There was a school on the island. The day we were there, a woman who had grown up on the island was signing a book she'd written about her experiences.
It was a fun excursion, more than making up for our disappointing first day. After a full day of exploration, we headed back to San Fransisco.
We watched some street shows, including this English fella. Megan really, really, really wanted to bring him home with us--something about his "adorable accent". Sorry Megs, I can't get past his creepy flexibility.
Next up: An unforgettable adventure on wheels
Don't forget Clint Eastwood. He was a prisoner there too. In fact, he was one of the escapees. Hollywood, you say? No, that's further south (where you don't need a coat). I think that crepe place looks like a winner. Maybe you should open one in Billings.
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