Hello folks, my wife and I are going in on Sawbill at the end of July and have a couple of questions:1) How are the bugs? And 2) any reports on the condition of the Lujineda/Zenith portage? I would assume that water levels are high, can any of this portage be paddled? Thanks in advance.

There's a thread here about that portage you'll want to read. No real option for paddling.

quote tphanson: " 1) How are the bugs? "

Prepare for the worst. Hope for the best.

Thermacell. I even portaged with one. Helped a lot.

Just returned and posted on the other thread about this portage. Mosquitoes were nearly constant companions but only a nuisance if I would stop for very long to catch my breath. I did pant a bit and sucked in at least two of the nasty things. Treat your clothing and apply some repellent to open skin including the face. Maybe it will dry out a bit and the bugs will be gone. Hard to predict, really.
Lots of blueberries along the way and at the campsite on Wine, but mostly still very small and green. You might have some good picking on your trip.

Bugs and portaging. An unfortunate aspect of first half of the year canoeing. I suggest an Original Bug shirt if skeets are your nemesis. Keep in mind that although they have some mesh they can be rather hot to portage in so wear little underneath in the way of layers.

I also like a Sunrunner hat from Outdoor Research. A light ball cap style hat but with a twist, it has a lightweight snap on cape. Spray the top of the hat and cape with deet. The cape also excels in keeping deer flies off.

Skeets can be avoided with a brisk pace but be certain not to hurry or extend yourself beyond your abilities. Let the person most troubled by skeets go first as the little monsters tend to collect in the trail behind the first traveler. The 2nd trip through, if you double portage, is the trip you will be punished the most.

Despite a very high tolerance for bugs I have learned to enjoy August tripping due to the usual abscence of skeets (or at least substantially diminished). The fishing can be more challenging but success can be had and in relative comfort I might add.

Just returned from the Cherokee loop out of Sawbill. I found the mosquitoes horrible and flies annoying on the portages. Of course, I was the only idiot in my group who only brought a swimsuit and t-shirt, the smart ones wore long pants and sleeves. I think the city is making me soft.