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California's Gold with Huell Howser

Blue Angels

They're one of the most famous air squadrons in the world -- serving as positive role models and goodwill ambassadors not only for our Navy, but for our country. We're talking about the Blue Angels who, since first formed in 1946, have been demonstrating their flying skills and maneuvers to literally millions of spectators each year. And for over 30 years the Blue Angels have been a part of "California's Gold." Since 1967 the squadron has spent the winter at Naval Air Facility, El Centro, training pilots and new crew members. The good weather and open spaces make this a perfect place to practice and, over the years, squadron members have become a welcome part of the community in Imperial County during their three months of intensive preparation for the 70 air shows they fly each season. On this particular adventure host Huell Howser accepts an invitation to spend a couple of days with the Blue Angels and ends up not only watching them train, but actually gets to go up with them in an F/A18 Hornet for the ride of a lifetime. Huell also meets former Blue Angel pilots who talk about the "good old days," and visits with local citizens who talk about the pride the community of El Centro feels in having the squadron there each winter. All in all, it's a fast-paced, high- powered, high altitude adventure in search of "California's Gold."

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Season
In-N-Out Burger
57:39
Huell looks at the history of In-N-Out Burger.
Blue Angels
26:52
Huell Howser accepts an invitation to spend a couple of days with the Blue Angels and ends up not o
Cotton
24:13
Huell spends a day in Buttonwillow, which calls itself the “Cotton Capitol of California.”
Snow and Ice
27:41
Huell meets up with historian Tom Macaulay, who takes him to a frozen lake in the Sierra.
Vandenburg
26:17
Huell visits Vandenberg for a first-hand look at the over 98,000 acre base.
Mule Days
25:47
Citizens of Bishop, California, set aside an entire week to pay tribute to… the mule.
Santa Rosa Island
27:16
Huell visits Santa Rosa Island for the rich natural and human history.
San Juan Bautista
27:29
A century ago, San Juan Bautista was the hub of Northern California.
Firefall
27:20
Join Huell atop Glacier Point with Nic Fiore, last to start the annual Yosemite firefall.
Mare Island
27:38
Join Huell as he takes us on one of the last tours of Mare Island before the base closes.
Mt. Wilson
57:16
Founded in 1904, Mount Wilson Observatory quickly dominated astronomy worldwide.
Hearst Ranch
58:33
Join Huell as he gets a tour of the 80,000 acre Hearst Ranch.
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