High Sierra Topix

A bit belated but over the long 4th weekend (7/3-7/6) out Piute Pass:
7/3 and 7/6 AM, east of Piute Pass: 1
7/3 PM to 7/6 AM, Lower Desolation Lake: 2-3
7/4-7/5, above Lower Desolation: 1-2
I was wearing an old but possibly still working Ex Officio permethrin-impregnated shirt.

20 Lakes Basin
7/11-7/12: 2

I finally brought a headnet out on these last two weekends, don't know how or why I suffered without one on so many other trips.

July 9th-13th South Lake to Muir Pass out and back

July 9th-12th
0 from South Lake through Dusy Basin to Muir pass. The snow storm and freeze after might have been the reason.


July 12-13th, 3 on the way out near Long Lake and Chocolate Lakes

July 12-13-14 Agnew Meadows via High Trail to Thousand Island Lake, out via Garnet and River Trail

High Trail and Thousand Island Lake--1. There were a few mosquitos at dusk at Thousand Island, but not aggressive.
Garnet--passed through at noon and did not encounter insect life.
River Trail--2. Annoying flies were prolific in spots, and mosquitoes in a few of the wetter patches on the river trail, even in the afternoon.

Blackcap Basin 7/11-14

1 in most areas, maybe a 2 down near the meadows.

7/12 - Echo Lakes water taxi drop-off to Gilmore Lake.
Only noticed a few if we stopped in meadows. Gilmore Lake was 2-3 at the campsite, 1 at the lake shore. We basically just stayed by the lake shore until it was time for bed. I had permethrin treated clothes and did just fine. Other fellers got a few bites each in the campsite.

7/13 - Gilmore Lake to Lake Aloha.
1-2 overall. Rocky terrain and a regular breeze probably helped but mosquitoes weren't really a problem here.

7/14 - Lake Aloha to Echo Lakes water taxi.
1 in general, 2 in meadows. I rolled up my pant legs for the hike so ended up with one bite on my calf.

July 16-18, Moose Lake loop via Lakes trail on the way up and Alta Meadow for the way back. Mostly 1, with Thursday night at Moose on a light 2. 6-10 bites total, no real complaints. Aphids were a little more of a nuisance than anything. With a slight breeze picking up, it was a comfortable 0-1.

July 18:
Did the Emerald Lake - Duck Pass - Deer Pass/Lakes - Mammoth Crest - Lake George - Emerald Lake loop. Skeeters were maybe a 1... maybe! I should also mention it was quite windy at times, but we never saw or heard one buzzing.

July 19:
Spent the day doing SUP/kayaking on June Lake... skeeters didn't exist at all while we were there and it was quite lovely!

7/15 lower Pine Lake: 1
7-16 & 17 Granite Park: 3

Spent a few days camping with family in the Grants Grove area. Day hiked to Mitchell Peak on 7/23. skeeters a 0 the whole time.

Baxter Pass, east and west side 0-1, no deet needed.