6/8/03
Trip to Pawtuckaway

6 miles 600’ elevation gain

Kevin, Judy and Emma

A trip to Pawtuckaway in early June is worth the chance of running into the most vicious inhabitants a state park can offer. In the northwest they’ve got grizzlies and in Florida they’ve got crocodiles but hear in southern New Hampshire we’ve got swarms of black flies that have been known to drive herds of humans off of high cliffs then feasted on the their mangled carcasses below. Without protection they can gnaw at your ears to the point where losing your ears to frostbite sounds preferable. So, what is this protection I speak of? Stay out of the woods! That is the only way you have a chance to not be bitten by black flies. I’ve tried everything including a screen shirt with hood, they just bite my wrists. It is also hot and has an effect on my ability to breath through the thick mesh. It is the best thing I’ve found, but has drawbacks. I’ve been feverish from getting so many bites when unprotected. Like black fly madness. Depending on the wetness of any particular spring usually dictates the numbers and length of season of these flying leaches who rip open your skin with razor like teeth and linger to suck up the oozing blood. As if this weren’t bad enough, they also love to fly in your eyes, nose and mouth. If after you have read this you still venture into Pawtuckaway in May and June go prepared to be eaten alive and don’t say I didn’t warn you. However, if you do, you will come away with beautiful memories of the rocks and trees and the lovely wildflowers that abound there at this time of year. Dry springs usually mean more black flies while mosquitos prefer the wetter spring. Be prepared for both, they’ll be there even if you’re not.