Day Seven

Day Seven Pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/dumcyouthgroup/DaySeven02

Today we left the hotel in Concord for San Francisco. We arrived at Fisherman's Wharf for our Alcatraz Tour. We had to break into two groups in order to get on the island. There is a tour company that runs the boats to and from the Rock (as they call it). The boats were nice and roomy inside. Although, some of us were a little unprepared for the cold San Fran weather. We got by because the youth loaned blankets and sweatshirts to others.

Once we got on Alcatraz we had to make the trek to the jail house. The road was steep but walkable. Although the way, you could read about the other buildings on the island. Once at the top, you got to walk and around and read about how inmates entered the island. Then, there was about a 50 minute audio tour that was produced very well. The audio tour was on a digital mp3 player and took you through the whole history of prison. At some points it was a little creepy walking into the cells and thinking that men spent their lives in there. On the audio tour you learn that guard's families lived on the island. In the gift shop you are able to buy a piece of the prison and support the restoration.

We all met back at pier 39 and everyone had free time for a few hours. It has been about 17 or 18 years since I have been to San Fran and the surround area. Fishermen's Wharf has changed into a very touristy area with shops. We loaded up for Los Altos, CA for our evening concert. The youth did a great job and the congregation enjoyed the music.