Following in the footsteps of William Brewer

[Richardtr6]

To all our fellow backpackers,
A few years ago I came across the journals of William Brewer and accounts of Clarence King who as part of the Whitney Survey were the first explorers in 1864 of what we now call Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks. As scientists, they were also the first to discover and measure the height of Mt Whitney, realizing that it was the highest mountain in the United States (at that time). Their accounts are very compelling and although their equipment (no tents, no maps, no packaged meals etc) and their world view were very different, their spirit of adventure and reactions of the wonders they saw is identical to we backpackers experience today.

Inspired by their writings, my hiking buddy Elvis and I set out last summer to as closely as possible follow their path, as written in their notes, climb the same mountains and relive their experience 158 years later.

Since then we have been compiling our videos and photos into a six part historical documentary retelling the tale of these lesser known American pioneers.

Parts 1 and 2 of our 6 part documentary have just recently been released on YouTube. The remainder will be published over the coming months...

Please enjoy

https://youtu.be/DLh856AkARs

Richard Cliff and Elvis Fu

[narc1370]

Richard,
I subscribed to your channel a year or two ago and thoroughly enjoy your videos as both inspiration for future trips as well as memories of past trips. I’ve followed the first two episodes of retracing the expedition and look forward to future episodes. I have had a copy of that book for some time now, and just never got around to reading it. Your videos reminded me I need to crack if open! Happy Trails!

[balzaccom]

Goopd fun. You seem to have left the mules behind...grin.

And did you meet the pig farmer and his daughter?

[Lumbergh21]

Enjoyable two videos, so far. I am looking forward to the rest of the story.

[TehipiteTom]

Thanks for posting this. Interesting and very well-done videos!

Particularly interesting to me since I've been fascinated with Brewer's travels since I first read Up and Down California, maybe 25 years ago. From 2010-2014 I did a blog to mark the sesquicentennial of the Brewer Survey, posting excerpts from his letters in real time + 150 years, accompanied by present-day photos (my own if possible, borrowed with permission otherwise) of the places he described. The portion you're following starts more or less here.

[Mike M.]

From 2010-2014 I did a blog to mark the sesquicentennial of the Brewer Survey, posting excerpts from his letters in real time + 150 years, accompanied by present-day photos (my own if possible, borrowed with permission otherwise) of the places he described.

Fascinating!

Mike M.

[dougieb]

Very cool work Richard and Elvis. For those interested in the history of brewer and others who did many of the notable (recorded) first ascents in the Sierra there is an excellent book I'd also recommend called Early Days in the Range of Light by Dan Arnold. It is a great read that tells the story of the people and the climbs, while the author - an accomplished climber himself - follows in their footsteps and writes about his own experiences.

https://www.counterpointpress.com/booka ... el-arnold/

[Harlen]

Thanks dougieb:

... For those interested in the history of brewer and others who did many of the notable (recorded) first ascents in the Sierra there is an excellent book I'd also recommend called Early Days in the Range of Light by Dan Arnold. It is a great read that tells the story of the people and the climbs, while the author - an accomplished climber himself - follows in their footsteps and writes about his own experiences.

I am just now re-reading this book. I like it too.

[Richardtr6]

Thanks for posting this. Interesting and very well-done videos!

Particularly interesting to me since I've been fascinated with Brewer's travels since I first read Up and Down California, maybe 25 years ago. From 2010-2014 I did a blog to mark the sesquicentennial of the Brewer Survey, posting excerpts from his letters in real time + 150 years, accompanied by present-day photos (my own if possible, borrowed with permission otherwise) of the places he described. The portion you're following starts more or less here.

I found your site invaluable not only in planning out trip but putting the whole expedition into context. I love the way you connected the maps with the camp locations to the text.You must have invested a lot of time to get all of the campsites correct. I will add your link to the videos.

[Richardtr6]

Enjoyable two videos, so far. I am looking forward to the rest of the story.

Thanks!
These videos take quite a while to assemble with all of the historical commentary maps and photos. Please be patient