The chainsaws and brushcutters were used a couple weeks ago, opening up the firing lanes and with the leaves still not quite in full size(2 weeks ago), it's quite a bit more open than these pictures of last fall. It will tighten up just about perfectly for the Rendezvous here at the end of June.
The 'bugs' are bad and some sort of protection is needed - badly. Aside from a full suit of bug-proof clothing & netting, a simple spray of bug dope seems to work fairly well, especially on the hat and back.
Only trouble is, the barrels seem to attract mosquitoes, especially the front sight, for some reason. It's difficult to get a good aim with a mosquito talking to the bead or blade while standing on the barrel. So far the black flies aren't too bad - nasty little beggars - even 95% Deet isn't proof against them & I can't wear anything stiffer than about 28% these days. They seem to like lemons here, so citronella dope, while reasonable for mosquitoes, doesn't work well here on black flies.
There are days, when only a small, electronic, male mosquito 'buzzer' works. Solar powered, and quite small - I can't hear that decibel level, but my wife and kids say it's aggravating. It is for annoying female insects, afterall!
