Maine, Weather, Black Flies and such next week

[NCMedic]

I am beginning my thru hike next week and was wondering what conditions are up in Maine right now. I know it has been extremely wet so I am sure the mud is thick and nasty. However, I am more curious about the black flies and swollen rivers crossings right now.

Anybody hiked the wilderness in the last few days that can tell me the conditions would be greatly appreciated.

[Water Rat]

It has been extremely wet in Maine! One of the wettest Junes on record (for the state). The black flies and mosquitoes have been quite nasty... I am sorry I don't have better news about the bugs. It is hot and humid in Maine right now - Looks to be the same (though, slightly cooler) next week. Thunderstorms predicted in the afternoons.

I do not have specific information on the rivers, but with as high as the local lakes are, I imagine you will find the rivers to be running higher than normal. I wish I had better information for you.

Be safe out there and have a great hike!

[forrest!]

I'm just back from hiking the 100 mile wilderness the last week of June. Had a great time.

The mosquitoes were bad in the first half of the 100MW, where all the lakes, ponds, brooks, streams are. They eased off considerably when the climbs started.

The only black flies were on top of Whitecap Mountain, for what that's worth.

It seemed every time it rained, the mosquitoes got really vicious. Do they hatch out in the rain?

Fords were not too bad, knee deep in places. Lots of very wet areas, so you will have wet feet most of the time.

So I did it in 7 days/6 nights. Not bad for an old guy. Saw a lot of people dawdling in the first half - big mistake. In my humble opinion, the first half of the 100MW is easy - relatively flat. That's where you need to make your miles with high mileage days. When the climbs over Whitecap and the Chairbacks start, then you can slow down.

Sam

[Slo-go'en]

I belive the bulk of the really heavy rain has been tracking a little south of the 100MW. The hardest hit areas have been southern VT, NH and central Maine. Lots of washed out roads in southern NH. Even so, we've had pretty much daily rain and/or thunderstorms here in the Whites. Rivers and streams are running high. It's hard to say if we'll break out of this weather pattern or not.

If you notice the black flies getting more annoying then usual in the afternoon, it's a good sign a thunder storm is building. The black flies really like the thick, hot humid air.

[RyanK817]

NCMedic - a few friends and I are coming up to hike south from Caratunk to Rangeley, starting at the Kennebec on the 21st. We may bump into you out there! Hopefully we'll be able to keep our feet dry at least part of the way.

[Old Boots]

Just got off the 100 MW. The worst hiking conditions I have faced. The trail was a river of mud. Streams and rivers very high and very fast, ergo fording was extremely difficult. No reason to think it will improve soon.

[NCMedic]

Hopefully we will cross paths. Trail name is Continuous Wave, CW for short. Cross your fingers, if the weather cooperates, I will summit K Tuesday.

[Water Rat]

Hopefully we will cross paths. Trail name is Continuous Wave, CW for short. Cross your fingers, if the weather cooperates, I will summit K Tuesday.

Be safe and have fun!!

[peakbagger]

Not sure about over at 100 MW but the deer flies are major annoyance in NH

[Slo-go'en]

Not sure about over at 100 MW but the deer flies are major annoyance in NH

Man, I hate deer flies! They take a chunk out of ya when they bite