Brewer Basin in Kings Canyon

The outlet of Big Brewer Lake. For some reason I found this step-like outlet to be fascinating

An Unexpected Visit

Following the stream we came on a wide grassy tree covered ramp running parallel to the stream. The ramp ends with an overlook of the Brewer drainage as it plunges a talus covered way to a meadow below. To the right of this viewpoint is a gentile granite and grass ridge that leads to another defile ending in a meadow that presents the cross-country traveler with an easy way downward. Nearly the whole drainage is remarkably easy class 1 cross-country, with similarly easy routes to the Avalanche Pass trail. More on that later.

Not wanting to go any lower that day, we decided to head back to camp, while exploring many of the pools, cascades and falls along Brewer Creek. Later, while resting, relaxing and reading in this remote paradise, a place Phil Arnot said on his several visits to the area he saw maybe a total of 5 other people, we were astounded to see five people, four of them in their 60s, walk up from below! After making our acquaintance and directing them to the known available campsites, we found out this was their second visit to the area, some of them having done the same route as ours. Two of them were medical people who gave something to Dave to help him sleep and stop the pain in one hip that was keeping him awake at night. It worked I am sure because after taking the pill that evening he was out like a rock for the entire night. We also learned they were planning to climb Mt. Brewer the next day, which was our plan as well..