rchrd@well.UUCP (rchrd = Richard Friedman) (08/27/85)
If you plan to travel in the Sierra-Nevada mountains in California
this summer/fall, be aware of the fact that PLAGUE is rampant in
almost all parts. It is carried by the fleas of cute little furry
animals, like squirrels and chipmonks. As long as you and your kids
stay away from them, everything should be ok. There are many notices
up at all the state/nat'l parks in the area. You might not be
aware that PLAGUE is curable thanks to antibiotics and is not as
serious as it was in the middle ages... but it can be fatal if not
treated! Also, DONT bring your pet dog/cat/racoon camping.
They will probably get the fleas, the Plague, and give it to you.
Also, dont drink the water in the streams and lakes. Bring bottled
water, or boil the local water if you must. They say the tap water
in the parks is safe. The lake/river water is/may_be infected with
a parasite that causes the ultimate in gastric distress! Can linger
for months. Montezuma's cosmic revenge! This item of caution
extends to swimming in the ponds/lakes try not to swallow the water,
as nice as it may look, there are awful things in there. They way
it is brought in by humans and beavers. Believe what you will, but
you have been warned!
--
[rchrd] = Richard Friedman
Pacific-Sierra Research, 2855 Telegraph #415
Berkeley, CA 94705 (415) 540 5216
UUCP: {dual,hplabs,ptsfa,apple}!well!rchrd