Adventures in beekeeping #2
I wish I was writing to tell the stories told during the long hours of a sourwood honey harvest, but this year that will not bee. Many factors could be cited for the dearth of honey including the rainy weather, our inexperience, establishing new hives, but ultimately I think it’s just the nature of beekeeping. The reality check is we began the season with 8 hives of Russian bees, yet after a succession of mid summer queen supersedures, we now stand with 4 hives. The existing hives are thriving and healthy, which gives encouragement as we head into the fall and winter season. In preparation for the winter I have been feeding the bees regularly and have tested for varroa mites with a powder sugar dusting. We look forward to meeting Spring with vibrant hives and the anticipation of a great honey season.
Despite the apparent setbacks, this first season has been both rewarding and insightful in many ways. The first recognition is the value of hands on experience that can only be gained with time around the bees. Being engaged by checking on the hives regularly, taking notes about what has been observed, asking questions and reading have all been pivotal in developing an understanding into the art of beekeeping. One has to learn to walk before he can run.
The second recognition is how much I have really enjoyed having my boys, Elijah and Booth, involved in the process. The beesuits were purchased for the boys to provide them with an opportunity to interact with the bees, believing that their interest and curiosity along with some gentle encouragement would take care of the rest. In many ways we are growing up together in this experience, expressing the same wonderment and fascination. The beekeeping experience has provided many important and practical lessons such as learning to manage your energy in a calm manner or taking care of the bees and equipment in a like manner. I place great value in having an extra set of hands smoking the hives, or a timely assist with a hive tool. Beekeeping is fostering an understanding of the symbiotic relationship humans have with nature, answering the question how is it made in its most elemental form. Simple things can provide great understanding and enjoyment.
Beekeeping is cool.
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