Ellis Island of the West

Angel Island is bit unassuming, and much less famous, than its nearby sister Alcatraz, but no less interesting. For many years, the speck of land in the San Francisco Bay served as the point of entry for millions of immigrants coming to the U.S. – mostly from Russia, Latin America and Asia, especially China.

While today Angel Island is mostly enjoyed by hikers, bikers, and nature-seekers as a National Park, remnants of its history are still visible at the former Immigration Station.

You can even walk through the remains of the barracks which used to house personnel and immigrants. In World War II, Angel Island also served as a detainment center for prisoners of war.

For non-history buffs, though, the main attraction are clearly the many views of other parts of the Bay Area. Above, Treasure Island and the East Bay. Below, Tiburon.

And seeing San Francisco’s skyline from Angel Island is certainly worth the ferry ride across the Bay, not just during Fleet Week.

After a long walk, you can chill out in the picnic area right next to the ferry landing...

...or let your feet take a cool bath in the Bay.

Blue Angels, Golden Gate

They’re considered to be the highlight of San Francisco’s Fleet Week air show: the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron. And while I’m not a big fan of military displays, the pilots’ precision and command of their planes certainly demand respect. On top of that, it’s a very photogenic show - if, naturally, rather risky. 23 pilots have lost their lives in 54 accidents since 1946.

 Four of the Fab Six flying in formation...

...before one of many break-ups.

“Fat Albert”, the C130 Hercules transport plane that announces the Angels’ arrival at the beginning of each show. Here on approach and over the San Francisco Bay.

Patriots Day

Fleet Week Saturday, observed from the deck of museum ship “Balclutha”, yielded a few nice views of the Patriots, an aircrobatics team from California, performing stunts high up in the sky...

...and right above the waterline, zipping past Alcatraz trailed by a cloud of smoke.

Boeing 747 captains typically are required to fly a little higher, too, but with United Airlines forking over sponsor money, Fleet Week organizers made an exception. Much appreciated.

Quadrupledecker

The Blue Angels are in town, and it’s getting loud for Fleet Week weekend. You can either grab earplugs – or your camera and head out the door to enjoy the spectacle.

Here are four of the fab six performing one of their stunts over Alcatraz, flying in close formation.

Seen in direct sunlight, they almost seem to crack the sound barrier right before your eyes.

Still, there are others to whom flying comes a bit more naturally...