Tales from Pecos River Cabins Nudge Summer 2020

We all need a nudge now and again that reminds us to step back, take a breath, and appreciate the moment.  To place a temporary stop on our daily activities and really look around.

Recent Guests provided that nudge for me today.

In my final walk through Aspen, ensuring all was in order for this afternoon’s check in, I spotted the guest book sitting on the counter.  Yes, old school. Many guests like to write a little note about their stay, their explorations in the area, the fishing report. 

The sound of the river, bird song, smell of the leaves….all a delight for the senses--J

Beautiful cabin and grounds.  We came to fish, but didn’t catch anything.  Still couldn’t have had a more enjoyable time! M and AJ

Aspen, even better than the photos.  Admired the construction of the beamed ceiling.  W and B

Great place to relax and unwind in a beautiful cozy, cabin.  A and D,

I am extending a heartfelt thanks to these guests for reminding me to stop and smell the roses.  Or rather the pine resin on a hot summer day.  The wildflower meadow as the dew dries on the grass.  And that particular summer river aroma: a combination of vegetation, wet river sand, sun-warmed rocks, all tinged with a slight overlay of wildness.

Too readily caught up in the endless To Do list, I am setting it aside, for awhile at least, and am taking an impromptu picnic lunch to the river.

So here is a nudge.  Make and take some time for you.  Those dust bunnies aren’t going anywhere. 

Thanks for stopping by!

From the east bank of the Upper Pecos,

Kimberly

Tales from Pecos River Cabins Bees May 2020

They say the pedigree of honey does not concern the bee, for any clover to him is aristocracy.

New Bees are in the house! Well, actually, in their hive.  Sweet tempered, Italian honey bees transported from Texas.  After 2 days on the road, they didn’t skip a “bee”t when introduced to their new hive.

Their shipping container has a circular silver lid in the top middle.  This is the top to a can of syrup, which provided food during their journey to Pecos River Cabins.

The Queen is shipped inside the shipping container in a smaller screened container.  Placed inside the new hive overnight, the next day a small marshmallow is used to replace the wooden stopper on the Queen’s container.  The bees eat through the marshmallow to allow the Queen to enter the hive. By the time this happens, the Queen has been in the hive long enough for her pheromones to have permeated the colony’s new home.

Bees are amazing in their work ethic and navigational skills.  Last summer, one worker bee delighted in hitching a ride on my shoulder when I mowed the lawn.  Never threatening, I concluded that this behavior allowed for scouting the property and a cataloging of the flowering plants. And the main expenditure of energy was mine!

Plum, apple, currant, pear, cherry and dandelions all in blossom. As spring blooms burst with color and aroma, our new bees haven’t skipped a day of work.  Their admirable industry has spurred me to create new flower beds, adding flower varieties to their dining options. I am looking forward to a bumper crop of fruits and veggies come summer and fall. And, of course, honey!

Thanks to Charles, our Bee Keeper, for patiently answering all my questions as I continue to learn about these fascinating insects. 

We request guests view the hives from a distance.  Our hives are enclosed by a live electric fence.  This discourages forest creatures from sampling the honey and disturbing the hives.

And guests who visit in the Autumn, ask about our honey harvest. 

Thanks for checking in!

From the east bank of the Upper Pecos,

Kimberly