Although it's technically not summer yet, it seems in my part of the world it's acting very much like it... also a lot of people consider Memorial day the beginning of 'summer'. In the North country of NY, it's generally considered the start of black fly season, which unofficially goes from Memorial Day to Independence Day. It sometimes starts much earlier and lasts longer, but it's a rough guide.
The flies are out, I can assure you this. I was out this weekend, and they weren't that bad. I did a short overnight canoe trip up to some remote backcountry ponds. I had a great time but realized how bad of shape I'm in. Nothing that I do during the winter really prepares you for carrying 60 lbs of boat and gear uphill for a mile. I always forget how much it hurts
That said, it was really worth it. Beer, smoked ham, brats, cheddar cheese all enjoyed with a fire and plunks around remote ponds. Not another human in sight... ducks, loons, heron, beavers and even a goose were our hosts. I drank a beer slowly circumnavigating the first pond we visited... that beer tasted the best it ever has. Out on the water a slight breeze kept me hidden from the biting bastards (they hunt you down by your CO2). On Saturday the sky was hazy with breaks of sun, no rain though. Sunday was bright and sunny and we made it back down to the big lake and back to the car before it got too hot or windy.Anyway, I hope everyone is getting out and doing fun stuff... feel free to share your stories.
