[pct-l] JMT questions

[rpepper8 at attbi.com (Ron Pepper)]

A friend and I will be doing the JMT starting August 16th. I have a 
couple of questions. The first is about mosquitoes and other biting 
insects. Last year in the Emigrant Wilderness we ran into swarms of 
aggressive mosquitoes about mid June. Three weeks later, we were in the 
same area and were not bothered at all. What can we expect on the JMT 
in mid August? Lots of mosquitoes? Very few? Other insects...horseflies 
and such? Best ways to deal with the biters.

We've been told that the sun can be very intense on the JMT in August. 
What are good strategies to handle the heat? Is the mylar covered 
umbrella (a'la Jardine) a good idea, or is it more hassle than it's 
worth? What other things could we do? Or is the heat issue not really a 
problem?

How do you clean up sticky pine sap on the trail? Whenever, I camp on 
pine duff it seems to get on the groundsheet, the pack and sometimes 
other stuff. Seems impossible to get off in the field. Any ideas?

I'm using a Kelty Flight pack (modular, now discontinued). It's pretty 
light in it's stripped down mode, but I have a couple of problems with 
it. The shoulder straps are "fixed" and fit me pretty well, but not 
perfectly. Does anyone have experience removing the seams and 
re-attaching shoulder straps in a different position? Is this even 
possible? Any leads to help me figure out how to do this and find the 
best way to get a good anatomical fit?

TIA,

Ron