>Tom,
>
>>What a story! So many problems from a walk! There is a walk from Muir Woods to Stinson Beach, which we have taken, but we stay away from the Poison Oak. I have heard you do not have to touch Poison Oak to become infected - it has a oil that can become air born.
>
>I don't know if it was Poison Oak or Ivy, but my Mom got into a batch of it in our backyard once while cleaning up around a flower garden. For years afterward, she would break out into an allergic reaction by just walking over into that corner of the yard, where some of the vines still grew up the side of a tree.
>
>So, yes, it can get you without being touched.

That does it! Even mom's should not do yard work! I think the plants are in control. :)