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I guess kmclemore and me disagree of this one. Oh well, it is still a bit of debate. I have found that when I eat more beef before I take a long hike, I get bit more. Maby I produce more CO2????

I have also found people who have low blood sugar do not get bit as often, so eating sweets make you more of a target? A strong smoke odor does keep them away some.

Chip Hindes wrote:

The Mosquito Deleto System is a long-term solution that works best when operating uninterrupted throughout the mosquito season; noticeable results such as fewer bites should occur after 4-6 weeks.

Right. How much to run this thing continuously for the entire mosquito season, or even "just" 4-6 weeks? In any case, not too practical on your boat, unless it never leaves your driveway.

You might be better off figuring out how to emit less carbon dioxide, like breathing less. Sort of on the same theory of "I don't have to be able to outrun a bear; I just have to be able to outrun the other guy trying to outrun the bear."

Sorry, Chip, didn't mean to say you should attempt run one of these on a boat... I just posted it to support the notion that CO2 is a main attractor for mosquitos. Now if I had a quiet, secluded yard I might use one of these and they are pretty effective in that environment, but on a breezy boat they are undoubtably useless.

And James V, there may be an element of pheromone attraction, but that's not the main element - mosquitos live on blood, and blood is in things that breathe out CO2, so nature encourages them to go for that as a main attractor. However, if it comes down to you or the guy/gal next to you, well, then perhaps your personal scent has some sway with the little buggers... don't know. Indeed, in this respect maybe it is a bit like out-running the bear.

I believe about . . $50 though to be honest. . I don't keep close track. and I also spray the back yard with a solution about every 2 weeks . I buy that stuff when ever its on sale and try to keep 4 to 6 containers on hand . . Would I use my deleto on the boat ?. . It seems pretty big to me . Where would I put it? . . How would it STAY where I put it ?

Is theis the 2 pieces of gum that comes with it? Does it have another function than "breath mints"? WHY???

James V--- Oh, it's gum? I never tried it. Sorry, don't understand what you're getting at. Guess I'm slow.

At least 3 days before you plan to be on the water. Yes, I am going to get a bag or two for EMERGENCY use ONLY. I would not like to use it. I would not like to try the meal heating system on the water and NEVER us it inside the boat!!!

James V-- again, I don't get it. ?

Sorry, Chip, didn't mean to say you should attempt run one of these on a boat...

I knew that. I was just trying to point out the humor in the matter. I guess I should have added the standard smiley face to let you know it was a joke. You got my bear analogy, so all is well.

I thought I had read somewhere that most of this stuff about what you eat and wear attracting or deterring mosquitos was old wives' tales, but I did a quick Google and couldn't find anything specifically saying so.

I've found the most effective mosquito deterrent for most locations is the topical stuff that's 100% DEET. It's always worked for me in the past. Until, unfortunately I found out the hard way this past summer that the mosquitos on Boca Chita Key apparently lap this stuff up for dinner, right before they chewed the hull out of me.

Plus, as you probably know the 100% DEET stuff is not recommended for kids.

Chip Hindes wrote:I've found the most effective mosquito deterrent for most locations is the topical stuff that's 100% DEET. It's always worked for me in the past. Until, unfortunately I found out the hard way this past summer that the mosquitos on Boca Chita Key apparently lap this stuff up for dinner, right before they chewed the hull out of me.

Yeah, we had a similar experience with repellent... down on the northern Chesapeake last summer we went out for a nice cruise off of Elk Neck and it wasn't long before the biting flies found us.. OH, MY GOD!! ... I have *never* been eaten alive like that before (and I've even been to Canada). Those little buggers were actually attracted to the repellent. It was so bad that I could not stay outside to stow the boat - I was slappping myself everywhere to no avail - so, since we were running without mast, I just slapped a strap over the boat and dragged it a few miles down the road where it was safe to get out and stow everything properly. Ugh.. that still gives me nightmares. It was like the bug-version of Hitchcock's "The Birds".

midget - Most of the MRS have very little oil in them and can be hard on the digestion. The gum helps ease this. It is for most people anyway. Some people have a lot of trouble with them. Ask around, I am sure you can find somebody that can advise.

OK ,thanks, James.I thought maybe the "gum" was ExLax or somethin"!!!

midget - I guess I was trying to be too polite, Yes the gum is something like ExLax and most people need it.

and most people need it.

I guess I gotta try more of the MRE'S to see why! Thanks for the warning.

Hi Scott,

For a 9 day trip, you'll probably want to take all provisions from the start. On our 75 day cruise of SE Alaska last summer we loaded up on provisions, but did grocery shop a lot along the way, especially for fresh stuff. We did try a couple of MRE's (son in the military insisted we give them a shot). We didn't care for them. Aside from marginal food quality, they were bulky, heavy, and resulted in a lot of trash. And the self heating feature is of little value for a boat equipped with an operational stove.

We were quite pleased with the freeze dried backpack style meals (we used Mountain House, purchased through REI). They are very lightweight, compact to stow, came in servings just right for wife and I, involved little cleanup (pour the hot water into the packaging - no pot required), quick to prepare, good variety of menus available, and surprisingly good taste quality. Of course, everything tastes better on the boat. We tended to go fresh, with frozen meats in the freezer, for the first few days and then, if ice got depleted, we'd start getting into the packaged stuff. In general, the variety and quality is superior to eating out of a can. Only down side is price, but at $5-6 or so per meal, still not too bad.

We spent a pleasant 4 days on the North Channel in 2003. We drove in to Killarney and launched there, after a great fish and chip lunch at the famous eatery on the waterfront. We cruised over to Baie Finn, which is a very beautiful inlet. We'd have loved to spend more time there, but this was an unplanned sidetrip and we had to move on. Don't know what area you plan on cruising, but be sure to give Killarney a look. We sure loved the area, and hope to return some day.

Happy sailing, Mike and Sandy Cecka - Chinook