MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: As I type this entry, I must pause after every sentence to scratch at a mosquito bite. I know I shouldn’t, but I’m bitten all over and itching makes it feel better. As I rake my nails again across my bumpy skin, I wonder: why are mosquito bites so irritating? And what is the evolutionary reason for itching? I would think for the mosquito’s benefit, their saliva should make the skin of their victim feel good, not bad. They would be swatted at less often and improve their chance of survival. And I am perplexed about why we itch. I mean, I can’t be doing my body any good by scratching at these bites. In fact, I’m probably impeding the healing process and increasing the chance of an infection. Yet my nerves are yelling, “Itch me, itch me some more!”
I got my mosquito bites earlier today while hiking to Mt. Forgotten. The summer hiking season has begun, and that means the air is warmer and filled with bugs. Mother nature always seems to require a toll to enjoy her scenery.
Today it was worth it! The trail to the meadows climbs about 3000′ in just under four miles. Many hikers make Perry Creek Falls their destination at the end of two miles. A little more effort takes you to the top of the valley, where the peaks of Baker, Stuart, Dickerman and many other mountains can be seen. I noticed a trail head off towards Mt. Forgotten. Perhaps it leads to the top? That is an exploration I saved for another day. Perhaps sometime in the fall, when all the mosquitos and deer flies have ended their miserable and pointless lives.
I got my mosquito bites earlier today while hiking to Mt. Forgotten. The summer hiking season has begun, and that means the air is warmer and filled with bugs. Mother nature always seems to require a toll to enjoy her scenery.
Today it was worth it! The trail to the meadows climbs about 3000′ in just under four miles. Many hikers make Perry Creek Falls their destination at the end of two miles. A little more effort takes you to the top of the valley, where the peaks of Baker, Stuart, Dickerman and many other mountains can be seen. I noticed a trail head off towards Mt. Forgotten. Perhaps it leads to the top? That is an exploration I saved for another day. Perhaps sometime in the fall, when all the mosquitos and deer flies have ended their miserable and pointless lives.
