This was the last full week before the first program of the season and there was a lot to do in preparation, including cabin cleaning, food ordering and other program related chores.
In addition to preparing for the program, we also welcomed some new Indralaya residents with the Saturday arrival of a four pound box of honey bees.
Indralaya’s newest residents
This is a picture of the top of the hive the day after the bees were introduced to it. The can at the right is a food solution that comes with the bees, and the small box in the center of the picture is where the queen was residing during transit. To introduce the queen to the hive, the cork that keeps her inside the box is removed and replaced by a small marshmallow. The other bees eat through the marshmallow and, if all has gone well, welcome the queen to the hive. The time it takes for them to eat the marshmallow allows the hive to become accustomed to her pheromones and accept her into the hive.
The bees seemed to be arriving just in time as the fruit trees in the meadow continue to blossom forth.
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