Originally posted by waterfall In Minnesota we have small black,biting flies that hatch in June. We call them "No-see-ums" because suddenly a sharp pain erupts from a bare foot or leg with no visible bug to swat.
We used to do a little trip at the school where I taught called the Grand Portage for short. An old route the Hudson's Bay Company pioneered from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg; 750 - 800 miles, 32 portages including the Grand which was around 8 1/2 miles. 250 lb. freighter canoes. Throughout, you're assaulted by mosquitoes, deer flies, horse flies, stable flies (nuisancy l'il devils look like house flies but savor sweat and blood). And of course, no-see-ums which even invade your sleeping bag. After one particularly tough portage in sweltering heat, surrounded by clouds of insects, my co-leader got this silly smile on his face so I asked him what was up. He looked at me and mumbled "Thank (religious entity deleted) spiders can't fly!"
Always remembered that line when things got tough. Like when we ran out of bacon and cheese.