Kevin's Occasional Pods

Stopping the Slickens: The Rise and Fall of Hydraulic Mining in California

SUMMARY:  As gold disappeared from Sierra streams during the California Gold Rush, miners turned to more involved technologies to extract the gold still hidden in the hills.  One method – new and unique to California – was hydraulic mining, the washing away of entire hillsides to free traces of gold and the flushing of the resulting waste into the state’s streams and rivers.  This episode describes the rise of “hydraulicking,” its fall – triggered by the famous Sawyer Decision – and its legacy. TIME AND PLACE:  Mainly 1848-1884, with some action in following decades. SOURCES:  See website. CONTACT:  Visit kevinsoccaisonalpods.com, email kevin@kevinsoccasionalpods.com [kevin@kevinsoccasionalpods.com] or kevinsoccasionalpods@gmail.com [kevinsoccasionalpods@gmail.com], or try @kevinspods.bsky.social.

The Quest for Nova Albion, Francis Drake's West Coast Landfall

SUMMARY:  After scouting the West Coast of North America in 1579, Francis Drake desperately needed to find a sheltered bay to repair the Golden Hind before he started across the Pacific Ocean back to England.  Though the fact of his landfall on the West Coast – often cited as Nova Albion – is well established, the exact location of his landing is not so clearly documented.  Listen for a review of current research and conflicting opinions, and a description of artifacts that may – or may not – point to Nova Albion.  TIME AND PLACE:  June-July 1579, West Coast of North America  SOURCES:  See website (below).  CONTACT:  Visit kevinsoccasionalpods.com, or email kevin@kevinsoccasionalpods.com.