California's Gold Season 20, Episode 7: Hearst Castle Landscape

Land Sailing

Point Fermin Lighthouse Lens

There is a reason that those old lighthouses could send a beam of light for many miles out to see. Most lighthouses used a Fresnel lens, which looks like a beehive made of glass. These lenses are works of art and the one that graced the tower at Point Fermin Lighthouse is no exception. In this adventure, Huell learns the history of the lens, which was removed from Point Fermin and changed hands many times. This story has a happy ending, as the lens comes home Point Fermin once and for all

29 min

Water Car

Imagine sitting by the lake on a hot day and watching as a car drives into the water and motors away. Well that’s just what piqued Huell’s interest. Terry Tates parents bought their Amphibious Car in the early 60s and have passed it on to Terry. Huell goes to lake Castaic and gets the ride of his life.

27 min

Tall Ship Californian

Huell sails aboard the state’s official tall ship, Californian to see just how hard it was for our early settlers to get here. He also enjoys some sea shanties. Follow the link below for info on how you can ride the Tall Ship yourself!

28 min

Golden Gate Replicas

Huell visits two replicas of the Golden Gate Bridge: the walkway to the Point Bonita Lighthouse, and the Guy West Footbridge at Cal State University Sacramento.

27 min

Golden Knights

Huell has the adventure of a lifetime, skydiving with the world-famous U.S. Army Golden Knights.

28 min

Capitol Steps

Huell goes straight to the TOP! Finished in 1874, California’s Capitol Building is a stunning neoclassical gem. With all great buildings of this size, there are lots of steps. Some steps are very obvious, like the set that leads up to the front entrance, but this building has lots of “step” stories and even a few that are very scary to climb.

29 min

Neptune Pool

Huell gets a behind the scenes tour and takes the “swim of a lifetime” in the Neptune Pool at Hearst Castle, which is arguably one of the most spectacular pools in the world and the highlight of any tour. It is fed by mountain water and is surrounded by ancient Roman style columns and statues. Designed by architect Julia Morgan, the Neptune Pool was started in 1924 and was finally completed after several redesigns and re-buildings in 1936.

28 min

Chiriaco Summit

Situated 30 miles east of Indio, this popular stop for travelers and truckers who want to gas up, get a home cooked meal or browse for nic nacs is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Huell spends the day with the people who live and work in this desert outpost as they enjoy this milestone.

29 min

Jojoba

Huell visits, with Larry and Donna Charpied, their 10-acre jojoba farm located in the Eagle Mountain/Desert Center of Eastern Riverside County, in the shadow of Joshua Tree National Park Wilderness. Huell learns about the many uses for this desert wonder plant.

29 min

Lopez-Hill House

J.J. Lopez, the longtime manager of the Tejon Ranch who helped shape Kern County’s history, built his Victorian-style home in Bakersfield in 1909. In the 1960s, the home was occupied by Arlin and Lavern Hill, who migrated from Oklahoma after the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl. Now, this long-overlooked California landmark has finally been renovated and preserved thanks to local fundraising efforts. Huell meets the descendants of the Lopez and Hill families, who share their story of how their house was moved to its permanent location at the Kern County Museum in Bakersfield.

29 min