Full Circle: A Return to Beginnings Amidst Varroa Threats

Today's tale is about coming full circle - quite literally - with our beekeeping journey. The Varroa mites are still lurking, and finding safe havens for our buzzing beauties is crucial. So, here's the buzz on our recent venture to the old grounds where it all began!

Remember the old foam boxes we had when we started? Well, I decided to haul them back to the scrub onto the bee stands I made about half a decade ago. It's surreal. The very birthplace of our show, where we once roamed with a post-hole digger and pine post, is now a refuge against the dreaded Varroa mites.

As we placed the foam boxes on the stands, it was like a trip down memory lane, only with a sting of reality this time around – pun intended! The journey was filled with familiar misadventures, like the occasional bee sting and the never-ending struggle with water drums (who knew cleaning them could be such a task?).

On a side note, while navigating through the old territory, I stumbled upon our prototype pollen feeder and our tree-hanging feeders. Ah, the memories! If only the rope was UV-friendly. Every misstep is a step towards learning, right?

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room - Varroa mites. Initially, this site was meant to be a queen breeding site, a quiet place far from the buzz of the city (literally). However, with Varroa on the horizon, it's turned into a potential safe haven for our colonies.

Here's where things get a tad bittersweet. While relocating the bees back to the starting point brings a sense of nostalgia, the underlying reason is a threat that looms large over the beekeeping community. It's a stark reminder that amidst the beauty of beekeeping lies a battle against these tiny yet formidable foes.

I've had a few chinwags with veteran beekeepers from the states, and the consensus is clear: it's all about maintenance and management when dealing with Varroa. While the thought of facing this menace is less daunting now, it does call for a bit more seriousness in our approach.

On the lighter side, my mum, always keen on knowing the bee count at Buzz Hill, will finally hear some good news. Though the bees are there to dodge the Varroa bullet, at least it's a step forward.

A special shoutout to the lads from Outback Escape, who left a mark (no pun intended) on this old place. Their song about our humble abode here is a tune worth humming. Check it out on their YouTube channel, and while you're at it, remember to like, click, and subscribe to keep up with our buzzing adventures.

Our journey is far from over, and as we tread, each day brings new learnings, experiences, and hope. The Varroa challenge is real, but together, with a bit of the old Bush Bee Man spirit, we'll face it head-on.

Before I buzz off, a huge thanks to each of you for participating in this incredible journey. If you fancy a deeper dive into the world of beekeeping, hop on over to The Brood Box, where the discussion continues. Until the next adventure, keep the buzz alive!