bugs

[bamafan]

Planing a trip to Cinnamon Bay first week in October. Any problem
with mosquitoes and/or sand fleas? Mosquitoes eat me alive - would a
tent near the beach be better or a cottage? Would appreciate any
advice!

[beach bum brad]

regarding mosquitoes, you sound like my wife. she is the only person i
know that can get mosquito bitten in kansas on a cold winter day in
january.

mosquito conditions, and preparations are universal. first, there will
definitely be mosquitoes. conditions are better or worse based on the
weather condition leading up to your visit. if the week to 10 days
before your visit are rainy or very rainy mosquitoes will be worse. if
it is dry before your visit conditions will be better. so for
starters, to gauge if the mosquitoes will be a concern, check the
weather for st john leading up to your visit. next, mosquitoes are
worst during sundown. during my visit last september i tried to have
my outdoor have-to-do's done before sundown so that i could retire to
my quarters when i wanted.

here is the good news: mosquitoes HATE wind and sun and they can't
swim. remember... your going to the beach! during the day on the beach
the mosquitoes are almost nonexistent. there is plenty of sun and
usually a nice tradewind. if all else fails you can spend your days
neck deep in the beautiful blue waters.

i would recommend that you bring at least a can of repellent per
person. you can always buy more at the cinnamon bay campground general
store but of course it will come at a premium price. OFF makes a
product now with citrus scent that is actually comparatively pleasant
and i think it has an sfp 30 sun protection. citronella candles and
coils are also recommended and again replacements are usually
available at the campground general store.

regarding tent vs cottage accommodations i would say they provide
equal protection from the mosquitoes. i would note though that all of
the tents are off of the beach and under the tree canopy. the cottages
are as well although cottages 10A-10D are closest to the beach and do
not have a tree break in front of them. they maintain a nice breeze
and provide a beautiful view of the beach from the protective indoors
of your cottage. as you head east in cottage locations these
advantages become less so. at the very least though you can make a
clean break for cover should you be attacked by some alfred hitchcock
like swam of skeeters! (just joking of course.)

last thing that i would add to you bamafan. i have spent a fair share
of time on dauphin island south of mobile. i would say that the
mosquitoes on st john were not any worse than they were on my last
trip to di. for what that's worth to you.

enjoy your visit, travel well!

beach bum brad