A prison on an island, what could be more intriguing for a six year old? Especially after a cub scout sponsored visit to a local police station where all Lucas could ask was “Where is the jail?” To add to the mystery, Alcatraz was veiled in fog on this particular Thursday morning.

The black and white photos of former inmates, the treacherous 1 1/2 mile swim to escape, the stories of prison guards killed during the most violent escape attempt of 1946 termed The Battle of Alcatraz and the age and decay of the prison created an all too vivid experience for an imaginative and innocent six year old.

It’s easy to romanticize history and get lost in the beauty and intrigue of this island, the fog adding such perfect mystery.

Back in San Francisco we regain perspective.