7/7/2023
We actually woke up today with nothing pressing on the calendar. And the weather was going to be pretty reasonable with the projected high temperature in the 80’s. So we decided a walk would be in order.
Last week our friends in Howard County sent us some pictures and video about bee activity at the trap on their property. We found this to be interesting thinking it could be scouts looking for a new home.
Their property is on a bluff above the Katy Trail, so putting together the idea of a walk and checking the trap seemed like a great idea. We knew they had a path leading to the trail, so we called to ask for the location. It was between the 180 and 181 mile markers.
It looked like Rocheport would be the best place to start the walk. It is located at mile marker 178.3, so round trip would be about 6 miles. Very doable. So doable, in fact so we only brought a couple – meaning 2 – water bottles and some pretzel sticks.
So we get to trail head, which is probably the best one there is, and start walking. Pretty quickly, we came to mile marker 178. That seemed correct, so we went on down the trail. About 25 minutes later, we got to mile marker 177. So, yes we were going the wrong way. A simple 6 mile walk just turned into a 9 mile hike.
We walked back to Rocheport and rested a bit before moving on. It was starting to get warm. But the scenery was pretty great and we saw a few bees for entertainment.
We found our friends trail and start going uphill. It was a good 700 foot ascent some parts being close to vertical. Nevertheless, we make it to the top and find the swarm trap.
And this is what we discovered…
And in video…
We think this colony is just as active, if not more so, as the one we just brought home. We are planning to retrieve them next Wednesday the 12th.
So, then we very carefully make our way down the bluff, get back on the trail, and walk back to Rocheport. We were pretty worn out.
We had a very late lunch at Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop. This is a great little place that is open everyday except Wednesday – I believe – from 8 am to 4 pm.
Overall, a pretty great day!
Last modified:
Leave a Reply