It is time to pick Blackberries here in Western NC. I am going next week. I enjoy picking berries, but I hate chiggers, so I use the Velcro ankle straps and Deep Woods Off. It also seems that Blackberries grow best on the side of a steep hill with thick vegetation. The kind of environment that is perfectly suited for a snake. Oh the things I go through for Blackberry wine and Blackberry cobbler. On the other hand I found a beautiful place to pick Blueberries their are 200 bushes and it is well taken care of. I have plenty to do this summer.