[pct-l] blisters V.S. bugs

[CMountainDave@aol.com]

I think I know the real reason hikers stop writing about blisters in their 
journals. The PCters are about to encounter a couple of things that will 
preoccupy their minds for the next 1000 miles. The blisters by now have 
become so commonplace that there's no longer any point of pondering on them . 
The  first new novelty that is about to preoccupy them is the hordes of bugs 
that will literally try to eat them alive. Itching is about to replace 
bitching about blisters! Additionally, they"re about to get so exhausted by 
those never ending Sierra ups and downs that fantasizing about food will 
block out any pain messages coming from their feet.
  Since I seem to have stirred up the hornet's nest by instigating a 
discussion about footware, lets see if I can go two for two. Why do people 
insist on wearing shorts in bug country? Is it because shorts are a few 
ounces lighter than pants? Do they prefer itching over believing they'll 
overheat if they wear pants? Is it a Jardinian fashion thing? What? I guess 
it just bugs me.  I"ve penned a new moniker for these unfortunate scratchers. 
 Forest Bumpskins. And  what about Skin So Soft. Surely there must be some 
detrimental rancor or snide remarks towards this product. Does it really make 
skin soft so that bug stingers can penetrate more easily? What attracts bugs? 
Which ones are edible? Any bug torture suggestions? Will DEET kill you? Is it 
unethical to use crop dusters in Wilderness areas? Which bugs are your 
"favorites"?  Is it really a Bug's world? Is killing them intentionally 
really a Buddhist sin? What's the worst bug area on the face of the Planet?  
Do PCT bugs rock over their wimpy AT cousins? I'm not even going to get into 
tents V.S. tarps! On and on and on ......




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