Is there a Yooper in the House?

“couple questions for ya:

some of us are going to pictured rocks june 24th-28th. whats the bug situation that time of year? tarp ok, or full-fledged tent?

also, im considering a porkies trip in mid-august. what can you tell me about that place, especially good topo maps with campsites? ive heard the bear problem isnt as bad as it once was. true? whats a good route for 3 or 4 days? i want to see all the best stuff and camp in the best places.

i dont ask for much, just the best, eh?”

“Hey Crash,

We'll be slightly east of you, doing a NCT section hike on the same weekend. I'll be driving UP on the evening of 26th.

Anyway,my contact at Tahquamenon Falls State Park, said....the black flies are not bad, but the Skeeters are.

Although, this area is away from the lakeshore, where as, you'll be right along the Lakeshore, which can be slightly cooler, and more windy as well, which might help a little with the Skeeters?

My take on the black files is, that they should just about be done hatching? I hope? They're the worst bugs to deal with,IMHO, anyway.

Have a good trip, your going to LUV Pix.Rox!
last edited: 6/21/09 12:40:18 PM”

“Tent unless you like being chewed up by skeeters. Plenty of the trail is inland enough that any shore breeze just doesn't help much. Be prepared for a few ticks through June, and be very prepared for raccoons at some of the campsites. Set your pack down for a second and chances are a raccoon will be there to check it out.

It's a beautiful area to hike - have fun!”

“black flies should be done by now, especially since the summer has been slow in coming.

sqeeters; depends.. to minimize their influence, camp in exposed areas like ridges, or lake shore... any little breeze makes a huge difference. but a few years ago i camped in a swampy area and they were bad during the day but in the evening there was not even one out.. weird.

bring a tent or some kind of a screen.. i'd bring a tarp if you have the room in the vehicle.. once you get there you could make the final choice.

use perfumeless soaps, shampoos, wipes, etc. to minimize being the target of those blood suckers.”

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“You'd be crazy to tarp it unless you plan to sleep zipped up and head-netted.

It's a crazy year for bugs in MI so far.”

“You can hike and sleep in one of these.

”

“DO WANT!”

“Please don't encourage him Roam. He'll be hiking in that net suit and boots, and nothing else. ;-)”

“Spring was late and long so expect black flies. Mosquitos are pretty bad; if I was eavesdropping correctly yesterday, Mountainrunner and Honeybunches had a tough time with them there this past weekend.

I have heard great things about the Thermacell if you want to pack the extra weight.

While I have no doubt you would look absolutely stunning in a mesh suit, check out The Original Bug Shirt instead: http://www.bugshirt.com/

Don't forget to talk to the rangers (or Tarabull) about road closings in that (Pic Rocks) area.

Keep your eyes open on the drive---Tarabull and I saw four wolves at 3 in the afternoon on the Seney stretch a few weeks ago!”

“thanks for the idea, stovie!

now, everyone please report to the scary mental images you cant get out of your head thread”

“My bear hunting buddies (I have no interest in hunting bear) tell me that Thermacell rocks.

Skeeters were bad in the Dacks this weekend, in my ears, eyes, nose and mouth, but they don't sting my and if they do, nothing happens. I'm immune to black flies too - one of the advantage to growing old out of doors.”