This will be my first trip into the wilderness and I'm Gitty as can Be. One thing I do need to pick up is a head net for the bugs. Other then that I'm ready. Everything is in the truck waiting for 5 o'clock to come around and time for me to leave.

If you are headed through Ely you can get a head net at Piragis or some of the outfitters. With the warm weather predicted it might be a good idea to have one along. The mosquitos and black flies will be hatching and causing some issues for some. Have it in your day pack so you can put it on while portaging, you probably will not need it on the water.

I'll be putting in Saturday morning (Lake One)for a short trip. You are way more packed than I am. Paddles and life jackets are in the car, everything else is on the floor in my living room.

Hex

Skiuseme,

You got me beat too! I leave Saturday afternoon for the arduous 14 hour drive through the U.P. in the middle of the night...I have our dry food packed. Frozen meat is vac-packed and froze, but our clothes are in disarray...it's the boys' last week of school and getting them to do anything is tough right now. Still have to pick out clothing and then spray with Permethrin for the ticks...takes a few hours to dry.

I can see that this will be a "last minute" job even though I've worked hard not to let it be...oh well. Live and learn.

Have a safe and wonderful journey!

Dean

I am curious if the freezing weather on Monday night (I think it was monday) did any damage to the bug population. Hopefully it at least slowed them down a bit for you. -Adam

Adam,

Just spoke with the outfitter and he said, "the bugs haven't been too bad of late, but it is supposed to be near 90 on Sunday..."

He didn't think they'd be too horrible yet. But, told me to "definitely bring bug spray".

Dean

HELPPPPPPP!!!! I am a teacher of squirrely HS kids...

The only thing that is sustaining me right now is knowing that my canoe is on my truck in the parking lot right now waiting patiently to depart tomorrow...

At this point I would be totally thrilled about sitting in my underwear amongst the black flies and mosquitoes.

Please help!!!!