Kern-Kaweah and Kaweah Basins

The doorway to Josephine Lake above our camp near Cement Table Meadow.

In the Mouth of Cloud Canyon

Kern-Kaweah and Kaweah Basins via Colby Pass, September, 2000.

I headed up canyon with Dave back a ways behind. At first the walking is viewless and easy going among the Jeffrey pines, but after a time the trail reaches a glacier carved step and climbs steeply for a time before leveling off again for another spell. Two streams are passed, each an excellent excuse to stop to drink or soak feet, but instead we pushed on. One of the streams we had followed to the headwaters and camped next to two years back: Brewer Creek. Now I was at its very foot where it spread out into several channels and one very active segment. I have to believe these streams would make for interesting wet crossings early season.
The trail marched on, sometimes on sandy soil, sometimes on dirt, sometimes on wet bog, sometimes on grassy flats, and sometimes among flowers. After the two main streams were crossed, sometimes a small rivulet would be crossed, but with the river nearby water was never a problem. Generally it was just a pleasant to strenuous walk in the woods in a tree-lined canyon. I was looking forward to the high country with its wider views.

But not today. At this point the heat and the load was getting to us.

A typical section of trail once out of the heavier wooded area. The cut ahead is the drainage of Cunningham Creek.

We were beginning to see curious rock formations in the river area, the canyon walls were getting steeper and after a bit more walking the walls were seen to be near vertical granite faces in places. I got out the map and began looking for landmarks and possibly a marked campsite. I knew we were nearing Cement Table Meadow, and indeed I saw granite formations that looked like cement tables. We saw one campsite used by horse-packers but decided to move beyond that beat-out manure covered mess. Before Cunningham Creek and beneath the outlets below Josephine Lake we found a passable site with a minimum or horse droppings scattered about, so we set down our loads for the last time that day. A pack-less exportation beyond the camp did not yield any better sites, so we settled in for the evening.
The site did have its charm. There was a fair sized meadow next to camp, and the river offered a good beach for us so that we could strip off our sweaty clothes and get a good cool bath. Above us were the impressive faces, rocks and ledges of the walls below Josephine Lake. I knew there were good cross-country routes for any curious explorer who would like to thread their way through the river, bushes and granite to visit Josephine Lake and parts beyond. Had we the time I would have liked to make the journey myself. Maybe someday I will. Meanwhile, I spent a good part of the evening gazing upwards looking for the best route up that imposing face.
Evening came early as it always does in deep canyons, and after dinner and chores it was again time for a good book and stargazing until finally it was time to crawl into the sack and surrender to sleep.