Gold Basin, Arizona is one of the world's most famous meteorite strewnfields. For a decade Geoff and Steve have dreamed of exploring the nearly inaccessible northern end of the zone. To reach it, the Meteorite Men must take to the sea - well, Lake Mead - and follow a secret treasure map bequeathed to them by their late friend and mentor, Professor Jim Kriegh, discoverer of the Gold Basin meteorite. The National Park Service pitch in and grant a special permit to hunt in the Federal preserve which is off-limits to the public. The reserve is, however, home to the mojave green rattlesnake with its deadly neurotoxin, so the guys must be accompanied by a park ranger survival expert. Later, Dr. Laurence Garvie at ASU's Center for Meteorite Studies is amazed by something that Steve and Geoff have found.
TRIVIA
The original plan for this expedition was to cross Lake Mead in the Hydtratrek, as Geoff was smitten with the idea of a "D-Day style amphibious landing" at Burro Bay, but the Park Sevice would not allow the vehicle's use. A second ambitious plan would have dropped the guys on the north shore by helicopter, but that was ruled out as too dangerous. Show producer Sonya Gay Bourn saved the day by negotiating the use of the giant houseboat, seen in the episode. When Geoff heard this news, he instructed his assistant go find an Army-Navy store and get him a captain's hat [pictured]. Geoff humorously quoted Rock Hudson from the film "Ice Station Zebra" and said to all present: "This ship operates on a first-name basis. And my first name is Captain!"
All of the meteorites found during this episode remain the property of the Nationa Park Service, but were presented on long-term loan to the Oscar Monnig Meteorite Gallery at TCU in Fort Worth, Texas.
26 сен 2024
