View allAll Photos Tagged Defcon!
Never mind heightened readinesss for a nuclear attack, Defcon One is the local name given for preparedness for attacks by culicoides impunctatus better known as the Highland midge. Also known as 'Red Five' on the official midge forecasts meaning red alert and 5 is the highest probability of an attack. This is me at The Meeting Of The Three Waters at Glencoe in June 2016. As well as the net over my head and everything tucked in, I have latex gloves covering my sleeve ends and bicycle clips on my trouser legs. In three recent lengthy visits to the Highlands this was the only time I came across a major swarm. I have to admit to being paranoid about being bitten as I suffer bad reactions and am plagued by mosquitoes abroad. Clearly my blood is a sought after delicacy . That said I wasn't as bad as the lady in the campsite at Kinlochewe who was walking around in the gear on a bright sunny day. There is actually a midge forecast which you can follow during the expected problem months. Load up with Smidge and Avon Skin-So-Soft (yep).
A very brave man - www.flickr.com/photos/145100037@N05/40039566543/
For those of a nervous disposition it is probably not best to read the following link -
Defcon may be the only convention with a session on "What to do when you are arrested" at the convention.