South Shore Playground parking area to Armadillo Ridge

Out       Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Horny Toad > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > Roller Coaster > West Potts Creek > Armadillo (East) > East Potts Creek > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park       7.0 miles

Return   Burkett Park > Winding Snake >Chaparral > Playground parking area        3.1 miles

Temps in the low 90's, partly cloudy, steady 10-15 mph southerly breeze.

Checked O.C. Fisher lake prior to the hike and although it is only 14.7% full, it is looking a lot better than it did six months ago when it was near empty.  Still need LOTS more rain!!!

The trails are getting rougher because the recent rains have washed more of the topsoil off them exposing the rock underneath.  Additionally, the rains have spurred the vegetation to grow which covers parts of the trails.  A few places have been mowed by the park personnel but there is a lot more to do.

Saw one large horned toad, lots of lizards and birds.  One bird spotted was a Yellow Billed Cuckoo (photo attached) which I seem to see once every other year. 

Also, lots of people were using the park today.  Among them was a father & his daughter who were hiking with no clue where they were or where they were going - of course, they had one 16 oz bottle of water between them and were not dressed in clothes appropriate for hiking.  Gave them some more water and tried to guide them onto some easy trails.  Whether they listened or not I have no idea.

NOTES

Water, shade, info kiosk and toilets available at Playground parking area.

Water, shade, info kiosk and dry toilets available at Burkett Park.