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Going backpacking this weekend for the first time in years, with a boy scout troop that needed another leader. I am wondering what the bugs will be like this time of year near Camp Verde. Any information would be much appreciated. The reason I ask is that if possible I would like to sleep under the stars.

Thanks,

Alan

Place your backpacking pad over two sheets of plastic ground cloth. Place a berm with dirt, sticks or small rocks so the plastic edges are off the ground and each other. This makes it difficult for night creatures to crawl up and over the edge of the plastic and eventually reach you. If your a light sleeper you will hear them crawling and scratching on the plastic trying to get over to you. If the scratching stops - they made it, and you should be prepared to sit up and throw them off of your sleeping bag. Don't sleep under an overhang where larger animals normally sleep as there may be little blood sucking creatures bothering you all night.

For those of you viewing this post - don't laugh about that last sentence. I have diffently experienced it. :yuck:

As for the flying creatures - not much you can do about that other than sleeping in a modern tent that will keep them out. Whatever you do have a good