Dolphins and Other Toothed Whales
Dolphins have long been considered one of the most intelligent creatures on Earth. They are able to communicate with each other using a wide range of sounds, and they often
The December Departures From Alcatraz
Guest Blog Post – Michael Esslinger Two escapes, occurring on the same day a quarter century apart and both aided by dense fog, helped shape the lore of Alcatraz, the
California Sea Lion
DESCRIPTION: Adult male California sea lions are typically chocolate brown in color and are easily distinguished from females by the raised bump on their forehead called a sagittal crest. Males
Revisiting the Civil War Living History Day on Alcatraz Island
The Friends of Civil War Alcatraz (FOCWA) is a non-profit group that supports the interpretation of Civil War history on Alcatraz Island. In partnership with the National Park Service, the
Cruising The Bay In The Off-Season
Cruising San Francisco Bay during the off-season is an experience that encompasses mysterious weather, slower crowds and freedom to roam. So, what do the locals do to take advantage of
The History of Alcatraz as a National Park
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA), a unit of the National Park Service, was established by Congress in 1972 as part of a trend to make national park resources more
GGNRA is one of the Largest Urban Parks in the World
Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) is one of the largest urban national parks in the world. Established in 1972 to bring “parks to the people,” GGNRA’s nearly 76,000 acres
Experience The Many Moods Of Alcatraz Island
Designed for those that want to discover the deeper mysteries of Alcatraz Island, the National Park Service and Alcatraz Cruises feature a ranger-guided Behind The Scenes Tour, which is limited
Dog Days At The Parks
There’s no greater satisfaction than getting out to the parks with your four-legged bestie. With 37 distinct park sites, over 130 miles of trails, 1,200 historic structures and 80,000 acres
James “Whitey” Bulger Was No Ordinary Criminal
In the annals of organized crime, the story of James “Whitey” Bulger is the stuff of Hollywood. (More on that in a minute.) He started out as a bank robber