NEWS FROM THE FRONT

On Sunday we finally admitted defeat and withdrew from the Northern Badlands. We are currently encamped at the King’s Inn in Belle Fourche, S.D.
I want it known that for four days and three nights we fought a courageous and smart campaign. So, why did we lose? The overwhelming numbers of the enemy were too great.
The first night’s battle I would say was a happy outcome for our side. The enemy sent two squads (twenty or so) of house flies with a few blow flies as scouts and the usual contingent of mosquitoes to act as snipers. We killed more than half the number of flies, a few mosquitoes and drove the rest into confusion – holding our own until the cool of the night sent them all packing. The rest of the evening was peaceful and we congratulated ourselves for having won the day and established a camp where we could sit by the fire and enjoy our evening meal.
The next morning was quiet but as the heat of the day rose into the 80’s a full-fledged attach of flies (another couple of squads) and a contingent of several dozen squads of Black Gnats began. We fought them off with flyswatters, mosquito coils and various repellents for more than two hours until forced to move into our tent fortress and watch them exhaust themselves against the netting. They remained and in the evening we tried another counter-offensive using burning sage brush. I would have to call this day’s campaign a draw, as the sage kept them in check. Again, they left at evening’s chill and we were able to enjoy a full meal although we were feeling the exhaustion of a hard fought battle.
















The third day brought another attack of flies and gnats (a full battalion of the latter), as well as increasing numbers of mosquitoes and, after killing many of the enemy, we once again retreated during the afternoon - this time leaving the campsite and driving up to the Oxbow overlook and down route 20. When we returned their forces had multiplied and held the ground despite heavy casualties inflicted by our flyswatter, liberal use of repellants and much sage burning for the rest of the day. By evening, as they retreated again we had accepted that the war was a losing proposition.
















This morning we de-camped and headed south for the safety of the King’s Inn to heal our wounds and recover our dwindling morale. We intend to restock our depleted supplies and will wage another campaign here in South Dakota, probably at Wind Cave National Park in a few days. Wish us well, as we suspect this war can only end with our eventual retreat back home to Connecticut.