Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Along the coast, enjoy the coarse sand between your toes, but beware of cold water and dan-
gerous currents.
Ticks usually take an hour or more to burrow into your skin, though in heavily
infested areas you should check for them every few minutes. Wear long, light-colored
clothing to make it easier to spot ticks. Consider wearing breathable rain gear, as the
slow-moving insects have difficulty latching onto the synthetic material.
If you do find a tick burrowed into your skin, take a pair of tweezers, grip the
tick as close to the skin as possible, and pull it straight out. Avoid squeezing the tick,
as it may emit bacteria into the skin. While tick-borne Lyme disease remains rare in
the northern Santa Lucia Range, that risk could change in the future. A tick must be
attached for at least 24 hours to transmit the disease, which is very treatable if dia-
gnosed early. If you develop a bull's-eye rash, pain, fever, headache, or muscle ache
after a tick bite, see your doctor immediately.
Flies
How can such a small insect be so vexing? A number of fly species thrive when tem-
peratures rise above 70°F. Though certain types can deliver a painful bite, these are
typically slow and easy to swat. Much more of a nuisance are persistent nonbiting
