I was at Fort Wilkins State Park for four days, but it was kind of a “down” time. I wasn’t disheartened, but did find out why black flies are so roundly reviled. I got a bite above my right eye, which swelled up mightily. I also got two on my neck.
I asked the locals what they do about them, and was told that they a) are used to them and b) they wear the Yooper Cologne – bug dope. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to apply any beforehand. A store keeper did offer to sell me something that she said would take the itch away. I didn’t buy it because it wasn’t itching, and the chemicals in the products didn’t sound like something I wanted near my eyes.
I did pop Benedryl on a regular basis, as I seemed to be having an allergic reaction to the bites. Either it was the Benedryl or “black fly fever” which I found referred to in an article published by Perdue University. It described the condition as “headache, nausea, fever and swollen lymph nodes” but they didn’t suggest a remedy. So, I just followed my body’s cue. I slept. And slept and slept some more.
In spite of my reduced tourism activity, I did managed to see a few things.
Since I plan to spend time in Florida this winter, it’s good to know that I am on my way.
If there is a harbor, there must be a lighthouse. They give tours, but to get there, you have to take a boat ride. I wasn’t feeling perky enough to find out when the boat rides were, let alone actually take one.
So, I joined this young lady in looking at the light house from the shore.
The Copper Harbor Visitor Center was a very welcoming place. The volunteers there did their best to help all who came in. They had a computer that you could pay to use, but they let you use their wifi for free. Since there were no cell phone signals anywhere in the area, this was most welcome. They had some beautiful lighting fixtures which I think were appropriate for Copper Harbor.
They had rest rooms open around the clock, a spigot for water and a bike wash rack! I had never seen bike wash rack before. These might be common, but I am not the most athletic type.
With all the rain we’d had, I think the bikers could use washing, too. I offered to rinse the guy off, but he declined my offer.
Just how did I get those black fly bites? Well, it happened on the first night, when I went to watch the sunset. It was gorgeous!
No wonder I wasn’t aware I was being bitten.
And now, I’m on my way, although I will take a few detours en route.
Ouch! I remember finding out about black flies on Lake Erie.
“Hey! Why does it hurt when these house flies land on me?”
Hope you heal up quickly!
See you soon.
Kim…sorry about all the bug bites. It seems like it has been a damp summer here in Wis. too. I love to follow your travels, it is a real day brightener for me! Feel better soon!
Thanks, Carrie! This summer has certainly been an adventure in entomology. I’m glad you are enjoying my posts! 🙂
Craig, the flies in Copper Harbor were different from those flies. Ask me how I know. Better yet, just wait for the rest of the story.
They can have some really horrible hordes of flies (depending on which way the wind is blowing) at the beaches near Ocracoke, NC and the Sassafras River, MD. They stick with you even when you submerge yourself under water. UGH! and OUCH.
For the last couple of summers, I seem to have become a bug bite magnet , too. Read that some of the attraction is genetic — some of us just taste better to the bugs than others. I try to stay indoors around dusk.
Sorry you had such a time — fever and all! Glad you have recovered.