Beautiful weather. Mostly like spring all winter in northern Missouri. Took a fabulous day-long hike in the hills, last weekend... So early in the season.
I got nailed by a tick.
Never saw one on the AT... But many did and more than several got knocked off the trail. Never saw one on the CT... Never saw one on the SHT. Nailed in my own back yard in the beginning of March.
Luckily I found it before it got too deep. A welt and an itch, but no other symptoms, so far...
Please be extra cautious out there hikers. Check and double-check.