The Secret Life of Tim, the Beekeeper

About two thirds of the way down the west coast of the South Island is a large peninsula dominated by Mt. Taranaki.  On our last visit, we hiked in this primeval forest and learned that it has been overrun by possums.  Locals get a bounty for killing them.  There’s even a new fiber blended from merino sheep wool and possum fur called possereno.  I don’t remember why possums have taken over this gorgeous wilderness but having no natural enemies, have become an absolute menace.   They decimated native wildlife and birds (eating their eggs), ruined many native trees and, as a result, are thoroughly detested. 

Judy and Don’s home, in the shadow of Mt Taranaki, is a wonderland of flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees and not a possum in sight.  All of this is heaven for the bees that Don keeps and which he’s eager to attend to as soon as we come back from fishing.  

We’ve already sampled the honey from Don’s hives, and there are no words to describe how wonderful it is.  I slather it shamelessly on toast and muffins at every opportunity.  To satisfy my craving, Tim is more than willing to suit up and help out. 

Apparently, in our short absence, a great number of bees have congregated at the opening to one of the hives, a sign, according to Don, that another hive needs to be installed immediately to prevent a swarm.  Interestingly, there is no evidence of colony collapse syndrome in NZ, which we know has ravaged bee populations worldwide.  These bees are alive and well and producing heavenly honey.

Meanwhile, Judy and I do our hunter-gatherer routine (no special garb required) and harvest tomatoes, beans, beets, broccoli, and lettuce from their abundant garden.  It is nothing short of amazing how well everything grows here . . . this is the end of the season but most gardeners would kill for this yield.  

And the flowers . . .

Tonight is a dinner party and Judy and Don whip up a feast for 13, all friends whom they’ve known since childhood - and us.  We met many of them on our last trip and it’s lovely to catch up . . .

Tomorrow we’ll head up to their bach in Urenui, spend the night and take off for our adventure to the Northlands.   

Thank you so much, Judy and Don, for another memorable visit!