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Old 12 March 2013, 08:09 AM   #1
Watchdog
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Alcatraz

Always wanted to go and did this last weekend. Incredible experience.

Always loved the Don Simpson movie but hadn't seen it in years. Watching it now and the movie setting looks just like the real thing.

Going to check now and see if it was filmed on the Rock.
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Old 12 March 2013, 08:42 AM   #2
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On my life's bucket list... someday!
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Old 12 March 2013, 09:16 AM   #3
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Been to SF, but not to Alcatraz... One of these days.
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Old 12 March 2013, 09:38 AM   #4
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I did the tour there once, they picked one volunteer from the group, and locked them into a cell and everyone walked away, but for only about a minute. The guy they locked up said he had a very weird feeling being locked up even though it was so short of a time.
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Old 12 March 2013, 10:13 AM   #5
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Been to sf but didn't get out there. A regret. But I was told there was no beer there so I didn't take the trip.
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Old 12 March 2013, 11:35 AM   #6
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There was no beer, but it is a very interesting tour. It would be even better if you could explore some of the closed off areas, but it is getting old. If you ever visit SF, I definitely recommend it.
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Old 12 March 2013, 11:47 AM   #7
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On my life's bucket list... someday!
x2

OP: How far in advance did you make your reservations?
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Old 12 March 2013, 12:15 PM   #8
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On my life's bucket list... someday!
You'll love it.
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Old 12 March 2013, 03:17 PM   #9
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Would like to visit
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Old 12 March 2013, 04:37 PM   #10
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I loved the big sign in the main dining room.
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Old 13 March 2013, 02:34 AM   #11
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It is a great tour. I wish they would try to preserve it a little better. A lot of the buildings etc are in pretty bad shape.
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Old 13 March 2013, 05:12 AM   #12
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been to SF, but didn't make it to Alcatraz, definitely will hit it next time

beautiful city
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Old 13 March 2013, 05:58 AM   #13
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Would love to go to SF and Alcatraz, Did a school project about Alcatraz when i was a kid.
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Old 13 March 2013, 07:54 AM   #14
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Was over there about 10 years ago and was an amazing place to visit.... I remember the exercise yard being incredibly windy ..... And apparently very often that way....

Strangely enough, after driving to Yosemite the following day and staying in a little guest house type cabin on stilts, Clint Eastwood's version of the film was on TV....
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Old 13 March 2013, 11:19 AM   #15
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I got a chance to visit the island last summer. From my understanding, more and more of the island is being closed to tourist as time goes on. Don't procrastinate too long; it's well worth the visit.
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Old 13 March 2013, 12:25 PM   #16
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Was there quite a few years ago and did the taped walking tour. Was very cool and glad I did.
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Old 13 March 2013, 02:47 PM   #17
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The audio tour is quite amazing / captivating. By far, one of the best "tourist" / non-tourist things to do in San Francisco.

Unfortunately, you need to go through Fisherman's Wharf - a cheezy strip of T-shirt shops and bad restaurants...go fast. Then, explore the neighborhoods to see the REAL San Francisco.
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Old 14 March 2013, 03:45 AM   #18
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It would be even better if you could explore some of the closed off areas.
Been to Alcatraz twice and it was quite interesting. Though I agree with you, I have always left wanting more and wish the closed off areas are/were available for exploration.
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Old 14 March 2013, 05:51 AM   #19
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Night tour of Alcatraz is the way to go... Very spookey...
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Old 14 March 2013, 06:36 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bayerische View Post
Been to SF, but not to Alcatraz... One of these days.
Definitely worth it. I know you'll enjoy it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tri-Tip View Post
I did the tour there once, they picked one volunteer from the group, and locked them into a cell and everyone walked away, but for only about a minute. The guy they locked up said he had a very weird feeling being locked up even though it was so short of a time.
No doubt. I went into the cells in D block, reserved for the worst, stayed there a couple minutes and that was way more than enough.
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Old 14 March 2013, 06:37 AM   #21
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Been to sf but didn't get out there. A regret. But I was told there was no beer there so I didn't take the trip.
Sort of true. On the way to the island on the boat there is no alcohol served. However, on the boat trip back you can purchase beer and wine.

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Old 14 March 2013, 06:38 AM   #22
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Originally Posted by seand442 View Post
There was no beer, but it is a very interesting tour. It would be even better if you could explore some of the closed off areas, but it is getting old. If you ever visit SF, I definitely recommend it.
Yeah, I heard that some of the closed off areas are pretty cool. It is definitely getting old and looks pretty run down in areas.

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x2

OP: How far in advance did you make your reservations?
I don't know since my dad booked it; however, I will tell you there were dozens and dozens (maybe more) people trying to get in on the tour but ALL the tickets were sold out for the weekend.
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Old 14 March 2013, 06:41 AM   #23
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Would like to visit
Please do it. It is worth it.

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Originally Posted by MonBK View Post
I loved the big sign in the main dining room.
Which one?

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Originally Posted by mtrunner View Post
It is a great tour. I wish they would try to preserve it a little better. A lot of the buildings etc are in pretty bad shape.
I thought the same thing about preservation. It looked decrepit.
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Old 14 March 2013, 06:42 AM   #24
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been to SF, but didn't make it to Alcatraz, definitely will hit it next time

beautiful city
I really enjoyed the city; however, it parts it is VERY dense.

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Would love to go to SF and Alcatraz, Did a school project about Alcatraz when i was a kid.
It was the movie with Eastwood that really sparked my interest, I think.
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Old 14 March 2013, 06:44 AM   #25
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Originally Posted by DiamondJack View Post
Was over there about 10 years ago and was an amazing place to visit.... I remember the exercise yard being incredibly windy ..... And apparently very often that way....

Strangely enough, after driving to Yosemite the following day and staying in a little guest house type cabin on stilts, Clint Eastwood's version of the film was on TV....
Gorgeous blue skies while we were there, but still very cold city with the wind.

Quote:
Originally Posted by donas View Post
I got a chance to visit the island last summer. From my understanding, more and more of the island is being closed to tourist as time goes on. Don't procrastinate too long; it's well worth the visit.
Agree

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Originally Posted by DoxaDavid View Post
Was there quite a few years ago and did the taped walking tour. Was very cool and glad I did.
Great tour. Pretty cool that the voice on the tape, if I remember correctly, is a former Alcatraz guard.
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Old 14 March 2013, 06:46 AM   #26
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Originally Posted by Speed View Post
The audio tour is quite amazing / captivating. By far, one of the best "tourist" / non-tourist things to do in San Francisco.

Unfortunately, you need to go through Fisherman's Wharf - a cheezy strip of T-shirt shops and bad restaurants...go fast. Then, explore the neighborhoods to see the REAL San Francisco.
Agree about the cheeze factor; however, we had pretty good Dungeoness crab at the Crab House (I think that was the name)

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Originally Posted by A.J.R. View Post
Been to Alcatraz twice and it was quite interesting. Though I agree with you, I have always left wanting more and wish the closed off areas are/were available for exploration.
Yep

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Originally Posted by descartes View Post
Night tour of Alcatraz is the way to go... Very spookey...
I bet it was VERY spooky.
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Old 14 March 2013, 06:50 AM   #27
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Nothing like being there at night when it is really quiet and dark... and then hearing those cell doors slam closed. Gives you a sense of how the prisoners might have felt.
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Old 14 March 2013, 06:57 AM   #28
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[QUOTE=kingkongkelley;4019094

Which one?

QUOTE]


It was a long, probably 15'-20' sign that said: Take all you want - but eat all you take

I looked for the picture I took of it but can't seem to find it.
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Old 14 March 2013, 07:53 AM   #29
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Nothing like being there at night when it is really quiet and dark... and then hearing those cell doors slam closed. Gives you a sense of how the prisoners might have felt.
How far in advance did you book for the night tour?
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Old 14 March 2013, 08:21 AM   #30
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Nothing like being there at night when it is really quiet and dark... and then hearing those cell doors slam closed. Gives you a sense of how the prisoners might have felt.
No doubt. They were in their cells, I believe I read, by about five or so (just after work and supper). Long time in a tiny cell.
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