When The Gnats Come A-Buzzin

So this past week I shared my Costa Rican plans with a friend/coworker of mine.  He thought it was a great idea, but then followed it up with the cautionary, "just watch out for the sand gnats."  Growing up in the south I've been bit by all kinds of interesting creatures: fleas, ticks, chiggers, spiders... but sand gnats? 

So this potential battle with jungle insects made me think of what I'd need to bring.  The details on the whole project are still a bit scarce; they won't reveal everything to me until they know I'm fulling committed.  It's nothing to be worried about scam wise, but it's more like a developing friendship, each side begins to trust the other more and more as the friendship continues to bloom.  I'm still waiting for approval from my corporate handler and then I can finally jump all in.  I'm hoping that by the end of the week I'll be set with all things bureaucratic and I can begin to fund raise and plan.

But back to the list... As of right now, I'm thinking the usual: backpack, sleeping bag, clothing, a journal and just essentials like that.  As far as I know, there's going to be no electricity which means no wifi, phones, or hot water: a hell for some and a possible paradise for others.  The downside to all of that is that I'll have to invest in a small digital camera or stock up on those small little cardboard exo-skeleton ones.  Do they even make those anymore?

Yet out of all those things, I never thought about the sand gnats and critters.  So if I come back looking like some kind of chicken pox invasion has happened on my body, no one be surprised.  I wish my blog entries weren't so short as of late, but for now this whole process has been very methodical with its many hurdles to be jumped; however if everything goes well come Friday, I can finally start writing more and more about my plans leading up to the trip and all.  For now, I'm left flying in a standing formation awaiting the word of my handlers about one last question I have for them....