After marching through areas affected by fire, it was nice to get back to narrow trails with healthy vegetation. From the Kaibab plateau (8000 feet) we descended to about 6000 feet and left the ponderosa pine forest. We entered an area with pinon and juniper trees with sagebrush growing in between.

We saw a dust devil (like a dry mini tornado).

On the north rim, we saw several of these water collecting systems with a large rubber or metal (water impermeable) snow catcher that was up high and drained the water down into a reservoir, which ultimately fed cow troughs (or in our case, people troughs). Any water source that had metal or concrete side (as opposed to earthen sides) was considered a bonus.

One last night of cowboy camping (no tent).

More nice plants along the way.

Descending to the Utah state line

Ultimately we reached the State Line Campground to finish our 100 mile journey. My son, Matt, picked us up from this remote location and drive us 3 1/2 hours back to Flagstaff.

We had a final meal with Paula, Matt, El Tejano, Mr. Bean, and Hob (a veteran hiker who we met along the way). Then Hob went back to Connecticut, El Tejano to Houston, and Mr. Bean to Honolulu.

Looking forward to the Flagstaff to Grand Canyon stretch (next up).

Junco