For at least a month we were truly impressed and wholly appreciative of the fact that on our daily jaunts through the forest trails in the ravine there was  a surprising absence of mosquitoes. Which meant we could breeze through our circuit without having to even think of being wary of the presence of those awful bloodsuckers, and having to automatically slap them away constantly.

Because we're back into hot and humid weather and no longer in a state of drought, things have changed. The dry heat discouraged the mosquitoes but I'm sure that Damselflies and dragonflies had no problem finding substitutes. How things have changed in the wake of days of thunderstorms and overnight rains interspersed with more than ample sun.

The oppressive heat has meant we've been going out to the ravine before breakfast, showering when we get back, and then relaxing over breakfast, after having first enjoyed watching Jackie and Jillie romp through the woods. Yesterday morning ravenous mosquitoes attacked us relentlessly. At this time of the summer the large, clumsy mosquitoes which are the first to present themselves in spring have disappeared to be replaced by tiny, sneaky-swift mosquitoes whose bite leaves a burning feeling after its quick attack-and-departure routine. They're gone before we can even swat them.

Just as well there are other things to divert our attention. Like seeing the incredible sight of poplar leaves on the forest floor turned bright pink -- long, long before fall is due to set in. A jolt of reality, a reminder that summer doesn't last forever, enjoy it while we can, mosquitoes or not.

On the verge of the forest, pilotweed is thriving, its bright yellow flowerheads happily glancing up at the sun. And there's jewelweed in bloom selectively, resuscitated from a state of near collapse by the advent of rain interrupting a long period of summer drought. And of course, those tall, stately sunflowers that also make their presence in the forest, their golden heads echoing the bright glare of the burning sun.

The rewards of a woodland stroll always outnumber the inconveniences that occasionally pop up, like slushy, muddy trails, making progress uphill and downhill a little tricky, and like the presence of mosquitoes to detract from the bliss of being part of the landscape, however briefly. Our two little dogs certainly agree.