California's Gold

Season 7

1996 · 12 episodes · 5h 36m in all

Episodes

1. 1

   1. Lighthouse

   7 Jan 1996 · 28 min

   Huell is airlifted eight miles off the Crescent City coast to explore the century-old, wave-washed architectural marvel of the St. George Reef Lighthouse. [Production Code 701]

2. 2

   2. California Pools

   1 Feb 1996 · 28 min

   Huell explores the historic culture of California swimming pools, profiling everything from backyard oases to massive public and legendary estate structures. [Production Code 702]

3. 3

   3. California Firsts

   11 Feb 1996 · 28 min

   Huell investigates major historic milestones, uncovering the true story of California's first gold discovery, its initial oil drilling site, and early innovations in electricity. [Production Code 703]

4. 4

   4. Mare Island

   1 Apr 1996 · 28 min

   Huell takes a historic look at the West Coast's first naval shipyard at Mare Island just prior to its base closure, touring its old dry docks and naval chapel. [Production Code 704]

5. 5

   5. Suisun Bay

   1 May 1996 · 28 min

   Huell tours the massive, historic "Mothball Fleet" anchored in Suisun Bay, climbing aboard iconic national defense reserve vessels chained together on the water. [Production Code 705]

6. 6

   6. Firefall

   1 Jun 1996 · 28 min

   Huell uncovers the history of Yosemite's lost "Firefall" tradition, meeting with the last person to push the glowing embers off the edge of Glacier Point. [Production Code 706]

7. 7

   7. Neat Houses

   2 Jul 1996 · 28 min

   Huell examines contrast in living spaces, touring the historic Governor's Mansion in Sacramento before hiking high into the Sierra foothills to visit a hermit's cabin. [Production Code 707]

8. 8

   8. Dry Lake Bed

   1 Aug 1996 · 28 min

   Huell visits Rogers Dry Lake in the Mojave Desert to stand on the massive natural landing strips used by Edwards Air Force Base and historic hot-rod racers. [Production Code 708]

9. 9

   9. Camels And Bison

   1 Sept 1996 · 28 min

   Huell tracks unusual non-native species histories, searching for the descendants of silent-film buffalo on Catalina and reviewing the Army's 1850s desert camel experiment. [Production Code 709]

10. 10

    10. San Juan Bautista

    1 Oct 1996 · 28 min

    Huell explores the well-preserved early California flavor of San Juan Bautista, featuring a tour of its historic mission and the state's last remaining Spanish plaza. [Production Code 710]

11. 11

    11. Santa Rosa Island

    3 Nov 1996 · 28 min

    Huell embeds with modern cowboys on a historic Channel Islands cattle ranch, joining a traditional cattle drive that ends on a unique coastal cattle boat. [Production Code 711]

12. 12

    12. Japanese Garden

    1 Dec 1996 · 28 min

    Huell walks the tranquil footpaths and bridges of the historic Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, learning its heritage from descendants of its original caretakers. [Production Code 712]