Flies

[stormy]

The end of the month a bunch of us are hiking Tucks. How were the black flies this past weekend? Is black fly season over yet?

[SkiStooge]

Black flies are a good source of protein and besides that, they are FREE! Always a good idea to carry good bug spray. I use Bens which is 98% Deet. Always expect my skin to fall off or something but I don't get bit a lot. Thankfully, blackfly seaon is short. There HAS been enough moisture for them to be out. Remember, blackflies prefer running water to breed as opposed to mosquitoes which need still, nearly stagnant water. Avoiding streams, etc, helps a bit. (Hard to change a LOT of routes to get in to Tucks, though!) Buy a headnet and stuff it in the bottom of your pack. Weighs like 1/4 of an ounce and is worth it when they do hit. Makes ya look dumb but you can laugh at all the heroes with the bite-swollen faces. Have fun, be safe. Al