More San Fran!

Today was day the travelers were most excited for while in San Francisco. Alcatraz didnʼt disappoint and neither did their free time in the city nor the fireworks!!! This morning we took a drive to the wharf and then a short walk to the ferry. From there, our group waited a few minutes then skipped the long line and hopped on the Alcatraz ferry. The views of the Penitentiary and San Francisco from the ferry were spectacular. Once we got to the island we took part in the audio tour which took us through the halls, cells and facilities where the most famous criminals were locked behind bars. Travelers were able to walk inside the cells, dining hall, see the recreational area and even the cell where a few of the inmates took spoons and created a hole to escape "The Rock!" The coolest part of this mornings adventure was seeing prisoner of Alcatraz, Bill Baker!!! He was available to meet, greet and sign his book in the store after the tour. 
The travelers then had several hours to venture out into the city in groups of seven to ten. Today is the only day on the trip that they are able to use public transportation and from stories we have heard, they had a great time and spent a lot of their parents money!!!
We gathered in the hotel lobby to walk as a group to Chinatown for dinner where we enjoyed a family style dinner. A true Chinatown experience!!! After dinner we walked to a place to watch fireworks over the Bay. The travelers gathered on Pier 41 and awaited the fireworks display. Promptly at 9:30pm the first firework was heard as cries of excitement went up from the crowd! It was an amazing display of fireworks, somewhat hidden in the fog, and a perfect way to end a good American Independence Day! 
Josh