Excerpted from our Winter 2002 newsletter....

 After many months of missed opportunities due to conflicting schedules, inclement weather and terrorist attacks, Huell Howser finally made it to Buck Rock Lookout on a perfect fall day in late September, 2001.  Huell is the host and producer of the popular PBS series "California's Gold".  This half-hour feature program is now in its 12th season and is seen regularly on all 13 PBS affiliates throughout California.  "I like my stories to reveal the wonders of the human spirit," Howser explains.  "Our stories set out to reveal the richness of life in California, including its history, people, culture and natural wonders." 

   As a novice to the world of celebrity and public exposure, I was nervous about being in front of a television camera.  However, my fears dissolved when I saw the expression on the faces of Huell and his cameraman Troy as we rounded the last bend to see the first close up view of the lookout.  Awed by the sight, Huell leaped from the truck and I realized then that it was Buck Rock, not me that would be the star of this show. 

   Huell's enthusiasm carried us quickly to the top of the lookout, when Lea Dotters was waiting in the wings.  Lea, who has the distinction of being the first female fire lookout at Buck Rock, regaled Huell with stories of her 1944 experiences while demonstrating the craft of fire finding.  Hume Lake District Ranger John Exline entered the scene and described his longtime interest in Buck Rock. 

   The rest of the day was a blur and soon we were wrapping up the shoot with a farewell scene outside on the catwalk.  Once the microphone and cameras were put away, we tromped down the stairs to the table below and enjoyed a casual picnic lunch in the shadow of Buck Rock. 
                   --- Written by Kathryn Ball