Comments on: We survived St. Croix State Park!

By: Barb

Barb — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:51:48 +0000

Did you do any repelling down the cliffs at Taylor Falls? Do you know if there is access from above and below?

By: Leigha

Leigha — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 16:32:17 +0000

I hear you on not digging the DEET. Because of that, I did a ton of research last year and came up with this stuff, which in a gajillion tests and ultimately published in backpacker magazine or something like that, proves second only to DEET: “REPEL, Plant Based Lemon Eucalyptus Insect Repellent.”

I am rather wary, though, that their ingredients are listed as “40% Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus; 60% Other Ingredients,” so upon further research ultimately decided to make my own – I combined a 4 oz bottle of Sesame natural skin care oil (with Vitamin E – no breakouts!) with 50 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus Oil. (And yes, I mean “Lemon Eucalyptus” and NOT “Lemon AND Eucalyptus oils” – you can get it at The Wedge). Anyway, I was just fishing up in the North Woods last week, and it worked wonders.

Happy bug-free camping!

By: Marianne

Marianne — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:33:49 +0000

Glad you had fun despite the mosquitoes. Karen, your new favorite s’more flavor sounds delicious.

I am with you in not liking to put on much DEET. Have you ever tried the repellents with picaridin? It works pretty well for me, but you might have different mosquitoes out your way.

By: Mary Jo

Mary Jo — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:59:17 +0000

Glad to see you had such a great time–bugs and all. Don’t feel that you were singled out with the mosquitoes though–they’re just as bad here in Nebraska and I know when we left Wisconsin they were the same. We couldn’t sit out on the deck there or here at Dean’s place–he lights the torches at night, but I think the mosquitoes don’t realize that they’re not supposed to be attracted to them—or is it all the fireflies around here that they’re attracted to?–don’t think so since they’re not biting them, only chewing on people.
I must admit to being a little disappointed here with your pictures–didn’t see any of Bruno with his doggie back pack.

By: Q

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 06:11:56 +0000

Dude, the tick (?) in that second picture looks like a giant squid attached to your pack! When you said “Full. Of. Bugs.” I didn’t realize it included sea life!

Sounds like you made the best of the trip though, bugs be damned.

By: Rick

Rick — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:56:59 +0000

Well, it is great you got out. And good for the sanctuary – glad you had that for some protection. But those mosquitoes sounded pretty nasty! Hard to enjoy the great outdoors when you are getting feasted on. Sounds like Bruno did well, as long as he had both of you to sleep next to (on?), so that’s cool. Any good birds?

By: troy

troy — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:54:18 +0000

Wow, that looks like super fun, bugs aside and all! I have got to try those ginger snap cookie, mashmellow, and mint cookie s’mores sometime!! I think I would like winter camping though in that there are no bugs. I would just pack some extra Smart Wools! Miss you guys! By the by, I am past the 2 week mark as a nonsmoker again! Yeah!