Lapland

[Stichill_imp]

Beautiful landscape! I love the lake views. Made me wonder why any Swedes ever emigrated to the New World in the 1800s...but maybe it was the bugs!

P.J. O'Rourke once went "back to nature" by walking out into the woods completely naked. His conclusion: nature itches!

I think that insect swarms are pretty common to all northern latitudes in the summer. The insects have a short time to "do their thing" and they make the most of it while they can!

Probably not a solution for when you're out on the bikes, but when stopped for the night or out hiking, Thermacell is amazing. We took them to northern Minnesota, also home to an insect Air Force, and we were completely untroubled by the mosquitoes and gnats. Best part is no chemicals on your skin. There's a slight odor but it is very mild and not offensive. The system works by means of a butane cannister that burns catalytically to create a tiny heat source. This heats up the blue pad until it emits the repellent that drives away the pests. They are very lightweight and clip on your belt. You will forget they are on you.