drjay4x4

hey highclimb, yes, deer ticks are the ones that transmit lyme disease, and they are small. however if the tick is attached long enough it can get quite large. the incubation period of lyme disease is pretty variable from a few days to a few weeks, so unless you develop symptoms there isn't much to do about it other than make sure you don't get a local skin infection at the bite site. probably the major determinant in whether you transmit the disease is the length of time the tick is attached, so checking early and often is very important. the majority of people will get the classic rash, a reddish ring that grows outward from the bite with clearing in the center, but its not 100% so if you have any concerns than you can go to your doctor and get a lyme titer test which will give you a definitive answer. lyme disease is easily treatable with a simple course of antibiotics and the sequelae are generally not permanent. you should be fine as long as you are not too much of a hypochondriac. dr. jay

i recently moved back to wash. after many years away and am looking to explore the northwest rock and get on some local classics. i have wheels, a full rack, and lots of trad experience. i'm also very tired of pulling on plastic. i lead to 10a/b trad and 11a sport, but will climb anything if its good. midweek days preferred, but my schedule changes every week. my e-mail is drjay4x4@hotmail.com. cheers, Jay