I repeated last years hike with a different hiking buddy. The temps were moderate and cloud cover kept the sun at bay. We couldn't get near the butte itself as it was closed off due to nesting birds. I did notice some rerouting along Trail 327, Pott's Creek Trail, taking us off the gravel road. That was a nice addition.

After doing the south area trails a week after the north area trails, I like the hiking in the south area better. There are better views, more shade, heathier trees, less proximity to residential areas and no out/back on trails. On the downside there are a couple of roads involved and the initial hike up trail 33 is busy.