Waiting on the return of the honeybees

One of the things that I miss during the cold weather is the honeybees. We have all heard of Colony Collapse Disorder and the importance of the honeybees to life. Thankfully the latest reports say that the numbers of honeybees are on the rise.

Last year the honeybees were so plentiful that I could hear the buzzing from inside the house. The wildflowers were so thick with the honeybees that it looked like the wind was blowing. I’ve come to love these little ladies for all the hard work that they do and I’m looking forward to seeing them again soon.

The First signs of Spring

The days are noticeably longer in the Appalachian mountains. Mother nature has begun to open her sleepy eyes. The buds on the trees have begun to swell and some of early flowers will be in bloom in just a few weeks. We’re still expected a few cold days and a spring snow is quite common in the end of March or early April. The Southern breeze occasionally peeks up out of the Gulf of Mexico to share warm kisses and hasten the thaw. Soon it will be time to plant gardens and make plans for cookouts and family gatherings. Most of all, there’s opportunity to find a nice quiet spot and just breathe in nature.

The tree in the image above grows in a park next to New River Gorge Bridge. The bridge is over 3000 feet long (924 m) and 876 feet high (276 m)

The catwalk under the bridge is open to the public and tourists can walk out over the gorge. I have texted with and seen pictures of one of the engineers walking the steel beams without a net or safety line. But I digress.

With the weather warming up I hope to bring you some fresh images of West Virginia. Our mountains and valleys are truly beautiful in the Spring.