In 1979, I was stationed at a military base in Virginia--where I spent the next two years. My favorite hobby was metal detecting, and, due to the abundance of Civil War relics and old coins to be found, I pursued this endeavor at every opportunity. During the colder weather months (winters are relatively mild, around Hampton/Newport News), it was a coin/relic hunters dream; this was largely due to the absence of flying pests--mosquitoes, in particular. However, when spring rolled around, the "skeeters" showed up in droves . . . . searching for any warm-blooded mammals, from which to extract their desired food supply.
Naturally, with the warmer temperatures came the need to wear lighter clothing (e.g., short-sleeve shirts)--although long pants were still required, to ward off the deer ticks; unfortunately, the lighter clothing also exposed more skin . . . . which the mosquitoes greatly appreciated. 'Deep-Woods Off' became an essential part of my gear, when going out treasure hunting; I generously covered every square inch of skin, with the exception of facial areas, to protect myself from the little beggars. There was one are of skin, however, that I totally neglected when 'putting on my armor' --which I'll get to in a moment.
My first day of detecting during 'skeeter season' turned out to be pretty productive; in the first couple of hours, I recovered seven Civil War 'mini-balls' (musket rounds); a couple of silver quarters; three silver dimes; two 'shield nickels;' and assorted Indian-head, wheat, and Lincoln-head pennies. Having drank from my water bottle several times, the time finally came when I needed to relieve myself; since I was hunting in a wooded section bordering a swampy area, the mosquitoes had long ago announced their presence. They hovered close to me, patiently waiting for the insect repellant to wear off--just enough to attack; I kept repeating its use, which had saved me thus far.
