The Honey Bees are back! As told by Mike Hoggan

Behind our old Sheepwagon is a wooden box covered with tin. At one time tools and supplies were stored there. Rope handles on both sides had rotted away years ago leaving two holes.

Fifteen years ago a colony of honey bees took up residence in the box. Mike was nervous at first but one day opened the lid revealing the artwork of honeycombs inside covered with bees. They lived there for four years.

In winter Mike would place a bowl of sugar inside every month and insulate the outside with straw bales leaving the side with the openings exposed.

It was so interesting to watch them and learn how social they were. You could open the lid at any time to show someone and occasionally cut off a small piece of honeycomb, shake the bees off, and have a sweet snack.

During those four years, no one was ever stung. During the fall of the fourth year, Mike opened the lid and the bees were gone. Honey still filled the combs.

What happened for sure is a mystery. Over ten years have passed and early this summer bees once again found the box. We are happy to have them back.