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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
Sidecars
26:04
Huell visits the 31st Griffith Park Sidecar Rally.
Masonic Cave
27:36
Huell’s off to Amador county and the town of Volcano.
Scotty's Castle
28:17
Huell travels to Death Valley to learn about Walter Scott and the castle named after him.
Desert Tower
27:50
Join Huell as he climbs to the top of The Desert View Tower in the Imperial Valley.
San Luis Obispo Train
27:42
Join Huell in the centennial celebration of the arrival of the first steam train to SLO.
Devil's Jaw
25:40
Watch Huell as he embarks on a journey to the most dangerous spot on the California coast
John Muir Special
54:07
Huell meets and speaks to famed naturalist and Sierra Club founder "John Muir" reenacted.
Delta Encounters
53:31
Huell’s embarks on a Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta cruise aboard Tule Queen.
Half Dome
51:55
Huell has the adventure of a lifetime when he climbs Yosemite’s formidable Half Dome.
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