Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
On Friday night we went on a night tour to Alcatraz. I can tell you it sure was spooky as we sailed up to it on the tour boat. The boat circled the island before landing at the dock so we got to see the prison from every angle. We went straight up to the cell block and while we were waiting for our audio headsets we saw where the prisoners would get their issued uniform. The tour took us through all the cell blocks which included Block D where the toughest, roughest, meanest criminals were kept. The cells in Block D had two doors, the normal jail door and another solid metal one where once closed the cell was completely pitch black! I certainly wouldn't want to stay in there for 20 years or more. All the cells were 5 by 9 foot rectangles and the inmates only got exercise 1-2 times a week! Not great for anyone who was claustrophobic. The only other time the inmates were let out their cells were mealtimes and once a week for a cold shower. On the tour we heard the voices of some of the people who watched over the inmates and they said that dinner was the most dangerous part of the day. 2-3 hundred criminals all armed with a knife, a fork and a spoon! We saw the hospital and some of the equipment they used, I wouldn't want to be treated by a doctor there. Also we found out about the most famous escape made. Four men smuggled spoons from dinner into their cells and used them to dig through the concrete air-vent. They made dummy heads to fool the guard at head count. They also, out of borrowed raincoats, made a raft and life jackets as the current in the water was far to dangerous to swim. Only three could fit through their holes so left the other behind. They made it out but no one knows wether they made it to shore as the coast guard found a life jacket and oar floating in the sea but no bodies. It was all very interesting but not interesting enough to stay the night that's for sure!
Posted by Phoebe
- comments
Reuben Falla hello hope your having a lovely time in America hopefully you get out of prison soon from Reuben
Mr Curtis It sounds like you are having a great time, Phoebe. What a super adventure you are having. I have read a lot about Alcatraz but never been there. The class are enjoying looking at your travel blog. Keep up the good work. From Mr Curtis
Joshua Mallett You are having a wonderful time i see going to a califonia prison.
Jim Hi Poor Pheobe, good thing the judge said you're innocent. Hope your having a awesome time in the USA. From Jim:-)