South Shore Playground parking area to Isabel Harte Loop

ROUTE   Playground parking area > Tasajilla Flats > Horny Toad > Nature Loop > park road to Isabel Harte > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Playground parking area       5.0 miles

Temps in lower 70's, sunny and a steady breeze.

Pleasant hike on a gorgeous day.  Due to an upcoming race at the park, some of the trails have been groomed and some have not.  The long, straight stretch of Nature Loop and all of Red Dam Loop haven't been groomed and need to be.  Otherwise, the trails are easy to see and somewhat easy to traverse - caution is always advised due to loose rocks/soil on the trails.

A couple of things of interest - saw a large gathering of migrating seagulls swirling in the air about O.C. Fisher (photo attached) and watched a Tarantula Hawk fly and drag a paralyzed tarantula along the park road going to Isabel Harte.  It left the tarantula in the road when we approached; we verified it was a paralyzed tarantula and walked away.  We watched and eventually, the Tarantula Hawk returned to it's prey.  Nothing we could do to help the tarantula since it was already paralyzed and would eventually die reagrdless if the hunter returned or not.  Life isn't always fair or pretty.

NOTES

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

IMPORTANT - As mentioned in earlier logs, the park's maps have been updated BUT they don't match all the trail signage or the maps in the info kiosk.  Notable exclusion is the absence of "Armadillo Trail" on the new maps but the trail signage still lists it.  Pay attention to where you're at and trust the park map.