The Alcatraz Investigation
O.K. to be perfectly honest I was not really that excited to investigate Alcatraz. I have wanted to go there and do the tour, but never made it, as it was not a priority on any of the two previous trips to San Francisco. On one with my mom back in 2000, we just shopped, ate, spa’d and went on fantastic wine tours and drank! Then one with Matt when we celebrated the wrap of the first season; we just went to the Muir Woods (OMG SO PRETTY!), Japantown and Japantown, LOL…our FAVORITE place in San Francisco. Any day off, Matt & I went and ate at Japantown! We LOVE IT!
So, I was very happy to go back to San Francisco, but had to kind of get myself excited to do Alcatraz. I asked if I could sleep over, but I was not allowed. That was a bummer.
What did I know about The Rock? Well, that it is called The Rock, that it was a prison, and old one. That two men tried to escape and were eaten by sharks (horrifying!)
The Walk: TALK ABOUT COLD! Matt & I had to stand outside on the boat ride over for filming. I thought that we were going to freeze to death, so that is what I am thinking in those shots!
Arriving at the Island, the first thing I got was men and women partying. Confusion sets in. This is a PRISION…WTF?
I walk and walk and walk and walk and there are SO many layers and layers and some dead, one in particular who at the time I felt I could have taken home with me; later on I would be horrified at myself for being so naïve.
The problem was: THIS IS A JAIL, JAIL, BARS, MEN were here, MEN, Bars, Violence, Black sheets covering up important information, cracks all over. I became focused, obsessed with what it was, had been, is…I was seeking out information in any way I could, screaming at myself to just be and let it flow, instead of thinking to myself “Well of COURSE I am going to get that there were violent men here, and fights and blah, blah, blah!”
It was very frustrating and yet, it was interesting to see at the same time during the reveal that I got SO much, so clearly. Now was that because I did not know much of anything about Alcatraz, so even though there were some distractions, it was not overwhelming me and I could still connect?
I guess we will all find that out at the next Special location, which I know about inside and out, because it has haunted me since I was a very little girl!
Amy, I wish I could do that Invetigation. The cost is so high that its impossible for me and my Investigation group to do. I have been on tours there but nothing ever happened and I took many pictures hoping to capture something but nothing showed up. I watch your show and I love your investigations that you do. I have learned a lot by watching you. I watched this one too and how the bird man was staying close to you. Keep up the great work and keeping it real!
Hugs, Myrna
Wish there was more shows to a season and specials more often—original and very interesting content. Love the blog page follow up as well. International, historic sites like the roman coliseum…??
I have to say I was disappointed that you chose Alcatraz (and Bordon home). I lived in SF for awhile and went there more than I wanted. I think the place is overrated. I was surprised that I did not feel anything menacing- not that I have your gift- but I also didn't feel compelled to hang at the bird man's cell or others like that. I found the cafeteria to be more interesting and the outside pen even more so. I think the yard was just the atmosphere itself. Did you pick up anything in the yard? I like your show. Wish there were more episodes.