Western States Trail - Part 4

On election day, November 4, I again went up to do another section of the Western States Trail.  This time a shorter section from the western end of French Meadows Reservoir, or Duncan Canyon as the WS Aid Station is called, up to Robinson Flat.  Of course this required the 2 hour commute up there and then the same back for just 4 hours of running.  Still this might be the last time I have to navigate the long and winding road up to French Meadows.

The trail out from Duncan Canyon

I was on the trail just after 10.  It first wound gently up along the side of Duncan Canyon and then after a mile or so dropped down, gently to the bottom at Duncan Creek.  This was a most pleasant section - reasonable trails, good footing, no dust and gently ups and downs.  

Duncan Creek

At the bottom the trail crosses Duncan Creek which is still flowing and then starts it’s climb up for 3.5 miles towards Robinson Flat.  It didn’t seem too steep for the most part, though there were sections that made me stop to catch my breath.  On the whole it was a pretty trail through the trees up to the top and then along into the Robinson Flat campground.

Up the hill to Robinson Flat

The shorter run of 6 miles out and 6 back made it all quite enjoyable.  I didn’t have to worry about complete exhaustion or not making it back before dark.  Plus on the way back the first 3.5 miles were downhill where I could keep up a good pace.

What is that plane doing?

I was startled on the descent by this low flying plane, a military plane I believe that came swooping over the crest of the ridge and down the valley.  What on earth were they up to flying so low.

Nice Autumn Colors in Duncan Canyon

I was back at the car by 2:00 pm and whereas when I finished there the other day I was absolutely filthy with trail dust, this time I was quite clean and presentable.  That’s another section done but I am not sure I want to do more as from here on I would be in the deep canyons with some serious downhills and the corresponding uphills on the way out.