> Brunnen-"they were right about the sandflies"G

Sandflies? I wonder if they're the same... I have encountered insects called sandflies in a number of places, but they tend to vary in their nature. The worst I have ever encountered are the type which are unique to the Medicine Hat area. These sandflies are so small that there are only two ways you can even tell that you've encountered them: Running into a huge swarm of them (probably tens of thousands) which feels like an irregularity in the air; or by noticing the rash of red welts left behind by their bites. I suppose you can also see them, if the light is right, but again, only when they're in a swarm. Anyway, their bites are the nastiest things, and they're so hard to avoid. They're the worst when you're cycling, because you never see them coming in time to avoid them. Careful hikers and walkers can avoid them.

I think the most interesting thing about them is the effect they have on my father. He has no allergies that we know of, but when he gets sandfly bites, it is BAD. Deep red rashes, swelling, terrible itch... Anyway, they seem to be somewhat cyclic, and the first summer my family lived in Medicine Hat, they were particularly bad. Since then, though, my dad has been able to enjoy his long walks with his rottweiler again.

D"Done rambling now"on