South Shore Trail Loop

Leg 1 -  Burkett Park > Winding Snake > Chaparral > Red Dam Loop > Chaparral > Talley Valley                 3.4 miles

Leg 2 -  Talley Valley > Horny Toad > Nature Loop > Lanky Lackey > WS to LL COnnector > Burkett Park    3.4 miles

Temps started at 71, ended at 86.  Sunny with no wind, some humidity.

A pleasant hike this morning along easy to see and traverse trails. The only portion of today's route that needs some attention is located on the Talley Valley trail; the vegetation needs to be groomed but the trail is easy to see and hike on.

Not much animal activity this morning although I saw a couple of Loggerhead Shrikes at different places on the trails (first in some time), a rather large hawk sitting in a tree a distance away (unknown what type) and at the end of our hike, a Red-tailed Hawk sitting in a tree at Burkett Park . 

Also spotted was a good sized Horned Toad, numerous dragonflies and some small birds.  While on Red Dam Loop, there is a patch where large numbers of thistle and sunflower plants are in bloom.  The buzzing of bees was very loud but I didn't see too many flying around.  Caution is advised when going through this area.

Not a lot more to say except the hike was good!

NOTES

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