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[pct-l] Wasps and critters

Diane asked:

- So, speaking of mosquitos... I assume you wear some kind of nylon bug
gear with a head net. But what about wasps?...And what about critters?

I do wear a head net when needed.  In my experience the bugs are either
hardly noticeable or so bad that one could barely take three strides
before passing out from blood loss.  I should clarify that most of my
time outdoors was up north (I just moved down from Eagle River, AK to
Washougal, WA a bit ago.) so I can't speak on how the bugs are in the NW,
but I'm looking forward to finding out.  About wasps - I've never had any
problem with them.  I'm not sure what I would do.  Maybe, sacrifice a
Sour Patch Kid to the Wind Gods in the hope they turn the breeze up a
notch to keep both the skeeters and the wasps grounded.  Nothing better
than a stiff breeze.  The only critter problem I've had was rodents of
various types getting in my stuff while I took a day hike leaving most of
my gear cached back at camp.  They'll show up most anytime, but if I'm
not there to shoo them away they'll cause more trouble.  Bears are a
different story.  You don't want a bear in your stuff whether your there
or not, so I tree my food, prepare and cook food, wash utensils and cook
ware and use the "privy" well away from were I'm sleeping.  I've had more
than my share of bear encounters (and by that I mean "Man that bear
stinks." not "Hey, give me the binos I think there's a bear on that ridge
line.") most solo.  Every one of them knew I was there before I knew they
were there, but not a one wanted anything to do with me once I started my
dance and noise making routine.  I'm not a good dancer.

Peace and Lumpy Ground,
Dave

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