The Santee Delta has the largest collection of blood sucking, meat eating, swarming insects in the entire world. Maybe the universe.

Periodically we need to be reminded what a deep marsh has to offer. There is no amount of off the shelf bug spray that will protect you. Out there it’s considered a condiment.

After a brief discussion with a big head (click here) I looked around and found several of his friends.

There were plenty of others too, but tall grass and reeds kept getting in the way.

The locals were busy feeding and after a quick look at us they went back to splashing around.

We stayed a short while, grabbing what shots we could from different open spaces. But the insects made it clear the day was going to be a scouting trip.

Note; The Santee River and delta is the second largest on the eastern coast of the United States in drainage area and flow. A large portion of the marshes need to be accessed by boat.