Park Mid-Section - Burkett Park to Cougar Overlook Loop

Leg 1 -  Burkett park > Burkett Trail > Potts Creek > Playground Trail > Bell's Point > Playground Trail (N) > Flintstone > 5 Points Junction > Flintstone (N) > Cougar Overlook     5.1 miles

Leg 2 -  Cougar Overlook > service road (WSW) > Trailhead to Trailhead (S) > Burkett Trail > Burkett Park     3.3 miles

Temp started at 54, ended at 85.  Damp at first but then clear and sunny with a light westerly breeze.

A leisurely hike along damp to muddy trails which eventually dried out as the day passed.  Heavy rain fell for brief periods of time a few days earlier and although it was brief, the vegetation appreciated the water.  More flowers are out as are the gnats.  VERY heavy swarms of gnats were along the damp trails and I had to wipe many of them off my sweatshirt, arms and face as I hiked through the clouds.  Fortunately, they eventually disappeared as the day warmed up and even though they were numerous, they seemed intent on breeding and not bothering to clog up my eyes, ears and nose.

Millipedes and red bugs are also making an appearance.  The agarita bushes have red berries on them and some of the prickly pear cactus blossoms are almost ready to open. 

I saw my first for the year Grey Fox as well as a pair of turkeys.  A small family of javelinas were spotted and photographed as well.

Unfortunately, a skunk had gotten into a stock tank filled with water and when it couldn't get out, had drowned.  I used a stick to remove his body - sad.  Too bad they don't have some type of wildlife ladder that could be put in the tanks to prevent this.

NOTES

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

Water, shade and info kiosk available at Bell's Point.

Water, shade and info kiosk available at 5 Points Junction.

Shade, info kiosk and a bicycle repair station available at Cougar Overlook.