Yep to all of that.

I took a stroll a couple evenings ago in the forest behind us. It was hot and humid and buggy and incredibly beautiful in there.

I had to peel a few ticks off of me when I got back, but it was worth it.

Take some time to put together a First Aid Kit and do go over the Ten Essentials in the links OregonMouse gave you, and keep at it. This Autumn you'll really have fun after it cools down and the bugs start thinning out.

Part of the fun is planning trips too so now would be a great time to start looking for places you want to go this Fall. There's some great info on getting started backpacking on a shoestring budget here too and I'd start there instead of going on a gear buying binge. Some of the cheap gear we use is pretty darn good and some of the expensive stuff sold in stores isn't. It's worth asking before buying, especially when you're just getting started.