In Michigan, this is a Fish Fly – in other parts of the country they’re known as Mayflies. We were visiting family in Michigan and saw the first fish fly of the season (yay!) a few days before we departed. Living near the water you’re sure to be surrounded by them, especially if there is a bright light (streetlight for example). Oh the stories I have about fish flies!

I have good and bad memories of these things. A good memory, my family (and other families) would sail in and out of different ports in Canada for about three weeks in the summer. On one of those trips a fish fly landed on the helm and appeared to be steering the boat. He was a cool (blonde) fish fly, we named him Alexander. The funny things you remember. All of us remember Alexander.

The not so great memories – were as an adult, when the fish flies are no longer “cute” nor “fun”. They cover everything anywhere there is a bright light. I remember a store I used to work at. I would open the store. So I would appear in the parking lot only to see the front of the store (and the door and lock) completely covered with these things. It took all I had (and about an extra 10-15 minutes) to get the guts each morning to actually be able to stick the key in the lock. They’re on the ground, the walls – everywhere. I can see the fire department hosing down the street and the stores that line the main street in New Baltimore, MI – as I headed into work.

I read if you use yellow light bulbs while they’re around they will flock elsewhere, no proof – and it’s not like you can change the street lights. 🫣 We’ve got a lot of things in Charleston, SC – but I’m thankful we don’t have fish flies, although Alexander was one cool dude!

🐠🪰 Until next time…