The Cutting Edge -- Getting to (and From) Alcatraz

            Our guide, Wendy, a National Park Service Ranger, pointed out the hole chipped in the concrete back wall of the cell as she explained how prisoners John and Clarence Anglin and Frank Morris managed to escape from Alcatraz in 1962. It turns out theirs was the only attempt that might have been successful during the three decades Alcatraz served as a maximum security Federal prison. “Might,” because though they managed to get off the island, no trace of them (dead, or alive) has ever been found. One other prisoner did manage to swim to the mainland that same year, but he was so exhausted he collapsed on the rocks and was promptly re-arrested. 

           Alcatraz view and Hornblower Hybrid with wind turbines

Perhaps these attempted escapes contributed to the decision by Attorney General Robert Kennedy the following year to close the country’s most notorious prison. But the main reason was the enormous expense of maintaining the facility.  Everything came (and still comes) to the island by boat–food, water, fuel, not to mention transporting guards, prisoners, maintenance workers–and now, rangers and visitors–to this rock.

            Up the road up from the dock we passed through the sally port, part of the 1857 Guardhouse, oldest structure on the island from its days as a military fortification, walked by the burned out shell of the officers’ club and the power station before entering the New Industries Building. Here we viewed displays of oversize period photos in the cavernous space where federal prisoners once made furniture, gloves and Army uniforms. After viewing the restored gardens we passed the lighthouse and entered the main cellhouse. We highly recommend the audio tour of this place partly narrated by former guards and prisoners, complete with convincing sound effects.

            Since 1972 Alcatraz has been part of Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The Park Service has sought ways to reduce costs, including installing a 307-kilowatt solar photovoltaic array on the cell block roof in 2011. Alcatraz Cruises operates the island’s ferry service, and introduced the innovative, hybrid catamaran ferry, Hornblower Hybrid in late 2008. The spinning vertical wind turbines atop the pilot house give the ship a perhaps slightly comical appearance while advertising it’s serious purpose.

            Inside the cellhouse and a not so nice typical Alcatraz cell                                     

         The turbines, together with photovoltaic panels on the roof, supply electricity to power the efficient, LED lighting system and instrumentation. But the real innovation is the hybrid propulsion system–the first of its kind. Banks of batteries power electric motors that turn the shafts propelling the vessel. This hybrid conserves substantial fuel and reduces emissions significantly. Hornblower Cruises, parent company of Alcatraz Cruises, is developing larger, more advanced hybrid vessels for it’s fleet, based upon their experience with this ship.

            Alcatraz seems to have inspired innovation throughout its colorful history, from the escapees who fashioned tools from kitchen utensils and an inflatable raft from raincoats, to the Park Service’s solar project, to Alcatraz Cruises’ hybrid vessel.  A visit to the notorious island in San Francisco Bay is sure to inspire some insights of your own.

 © By Janet and Stuart Wilson

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For more about Alcatraz Island: www.nps.gov/alca

For transportation to Alcatraz, or more about Hornblower Hybrid: www.alcatrazcruises.com

Plan ahead; the ferries are often sold out several weeks in advance.