I can’t believe it’s already been almost a year since we spent the day in San Francisco on Alcatraz Island for Fleet Week. Which also means it’s taken me this long to edit and share the pictures, but I suppose that’s par for the course. I’m the absolute worst when it comes to doing anything with my own personal family photos or trips; although, I haven’t met a photographer yet who isn’t.

I had been dying to go back to San Francisco for Fleet Week and I really wanted to go to Alcatraz Island to photograph the beauty of it so we decided to do it all together and make it a family trip. Usually October in San Francisco is the month with the best weather; calm, clear and not too hot or cold. It.Was.Freezing. It was so cold and SO windy that the Blue Angels almost didn’t perform. I had timed the trip such that the Blue Angels would by flying over us as we sailed from port to port. As luck would have it, they finally started flying just as we were getting off the boat and let me tell you, I have never run so fast up a giant incline hill with all my gear completely out of breath by the time I made it to the top of Alcatraz. I also quickly realized I didn’t bring the right lens but nonetheless, I photographed to my hearts desire and watched in complete awe as the jets roared passed us. It was exhilarating to say the least.

What happened to my family, you might wonder? I completely ditched them as I ran up the hill. When the Blue Angels were done flying I searched all over for them with no cell reception as they sat in plain sight in front of me watching me panic trying to find them. Apparently it was pretty amusing. Anyyyyyways. After they were done laughing at me, we headed on to the tour part of Alcatraz. I’m really glad the kids got to go at this age (12), I think they appreciated it more than younger kids would. After the tour we strolled around the island a bit, taking pictures and imagining what life was like for so many that spent their lives here. It’s truly an incredible place with so much history and ironically, beauty. If you ever get the chance to go, I would highly recommend it.

After the ferry ride from Alcatraz to San Francisco, we hiked it back down the Embarcadero, past the Ferry Building and onto Bart. An exhausting, exhilarating, educational and windy San Francisco day that was one for the books. Thankful for days like these and memories like this.

*After a frustrating half hour of trying to get one good closer-ish shot of the blue angels (since I had brought the wrong lens), I gave up and started heading back to find my family. As I was walking towards the other side of the Island I see these jets coming towards me and quickly got my camera in place just in the nick of time to snap this shot. It never fails that the best shot is always the last shot. Always be ready for the unexpected last shot. It was soooo windy!!!Did I mention it was really windy??Michael wanted his look back moment too. 🙂