Moving bees is best done under the cool cover of darkness, when the bees are tucked up tight in their hives, dreaming of nectar and July’s perfection.

But taking photographs of moving bees is, obviously, not best done by starlight.  Here are a few end-of-a-very-long-morning shots.

Here, Honeydew — driving the 2 ton — keeps Keith — driving the Dodge 1 1/2 ton — in his sights.

What’s a day like when moving bees?  Well, yesterday Honeydew and Keith left at 6am, drove the 30 minutes out to our holding yards, moved bees from our holding yards into the orchards — about a 90 minute drive — unloaded said bees, inspected said bees, drove back to the holding yards, took a break, and then started the process all over again.  They arrived back home at 11:30pm.  Maggie and I were sound asleep.

There’s the 2 ton.  Long may she roll.

After arriving at the orchard with a load of bees, the handy dandy forklift was put to good work unloading the bees and placing them in the various previously-agreed-upon-by-grower-and-beekeeper spots.

And there’s the Dodge and the forklift.

When working bees, Honeydew tucks his Wranglers into his boots to keep the bees from crawling up his pants.  Looks pretty good on him, looks pretty silly on me.

Forklift, we love you.

After placing the bees in their spots, Honeydew and Keith will go through all the hives again, to ensure they’re just right for pollination.  Above, you can see the beautiful white comb the bees are making!  The weather has been wonderfully warm down here, and the manzanita is flowering, so the bees are feelin’ good.

Here’s a frame of our lovely ladies.  Do you see The Queen?

2012.  Glacier County Honey Co.  All Rights Reserved.

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