When we left Arizona, it was with a canoe on the
rack, specifically so that the grandson and I could do an overnight canoe trip.
Thursday and Friday were supposed to be the days. We took the trailer to the South Rolly Lake
campground in the Nancy Lakes State Recreation Area where BJ and Turk would
stay while we did the Lynx Lake circuit. The fact that the grandson had on a
mosquito head net before we left the trailer was an indication of things to
come.
We launched and headed out to do the circuit in a
clockwise direction. About 8 miles total, 14 lakes and 14 portages with four
designated campsites scattered around the circuit. Mosquitoes were a cloud at
the launch but we persevered.
We checked out a beaver lodge
and arrived at the next portage where the welcoming
committee met us with rev’d up wings.
A pair of loons sang to us on one lake.
At the third portage, after talking with a party headed the opposite
direction who reported even worse mosquitoes at the campsites, we decided to change plans and set up camp in a different location
than original anticipated,
We did get in a tent night, and more paddling and time together so it wasn't a total write-off.
Are the mosquitoes bad all over, or just where you were going to camp?
ReplyDeleteMarsha
It's a bumper crop year for them anywhere there is moisture and vegetation. Fewer in the campground when the sun comes out, but they were going to be an issue on the portages and in camp.
DeleteQuality time together is the real pay off....not the miles completed. Glad that it worked out OK.
ReplyDeleteWe are spending more time in grocery parking lots....and it's partly because of the little critters. No water or woods, no mosquitoes....at least so far!
We're boondocking tonight at Gulkana Bridge - Mile 122 of the Richardson - headed to Fairbanks. Lots of wind keeping the critters at bay. Connectivity too poor for a blog post.
DeleteNothing but lots of rain here in Seward....cold and not having much fun. Psyching myself up to do a post.
ReplyDeleteIn Delta Junction right now with more blue sky, 70's, and a tailwind!
DeleteYears ago we camped at Wonder Lake, near Denali. A thick cloud of mosquitoes would rise up from the tundra with every step you took. Headnets were mandatory; cooking was a challenge. It was impossible to keep the little buggers out of the food. They dive bombed the pancakes on our little backpacking stove and would get stuck!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a like extra protein in the pancakes. I love paddling but there are lots of places to paddle where you don't have to deal with the critters to the extent that you do in the tundra. I didn't post the picture of them on my truck at one stop on the haul road.
Delete