Cabin Loop East, Days 4-5

Our fourth day, Sunday, was the easiest. We crossed seveal small draws in the morning, then hiked gradually downhill for three miles on Houston Trail until we came back to our starting point, Pinchot Cabin, for the night. On the Houston Trail, there is a large fenced-off area where the State is protecting a riparian area. It was an amazing place with Houston Creek, large green fields, and fern forests on the side we were hiking on. We saw several cavelike springs along the way. That night it started to rain early, but stopped late at night. Sunday morning it rained constantly from 6 am until about 10 am.

A large cache of shell fossils

Aelin found a large turkey feather and an Arizona Bluejay feather

Ready to Roll!

The morning hike was through several draws that were

populated by maple tree stands

Poser!

On the Houston Trail going north to Pinchot Cabin,

before the riparian areas

Aelin found a Fairy Ring!

Entering the protected Riparian areas

Indian Paintbrush

More riparian area

A spring from a cave

Buttercups, I think

Mullein

A cabin fireplace

A cabin in the woods

The last mile down to Pinchot cabin

Our last camp

Hiking along the riparian area on Houston Trail

More riparian area on Houston Trail

Thunderstorm Monday morning

More rain Monday morning

Getting ready to leave