Yes, bugs are defiantly a part of canoeing, and if you can't deal with those bugs, canoeing might not be an activity for you, unless you're paddling to Sunbeam Lake in Sept.
Welcome Tumblehome... So you're "the guy" huh? AWESOME videos. I enjoyed them very much, and shared them on my FB page... a lot of folks don't "get it" about why I solo, (or go out at all!) This really helps them see.