Beekeeping Holiday in New York (Part 2).

Megan and Ann.

The holiday is not all about bees. Megan and I enjoy another horse ride but this one is more lively than the previous trail ride at the picturesque Mohonk Preserve. I tease Megan about getting in first and choosing the blue hat, and horse with blue head collar. She is perfectly colour coordinated. We’re pleased to be back on one piece, especially as I haven’t given my talk yet. My horse Sierra spooks as gunshot rings out across the nearby forest. It is hunting season and Sierra is not liking it. I work hard to prevent her bolting back to the stables.

https://www.mohonkpreserve.org/visit/visit-us.html

Chipmunks.

I indulge in my passion for nature and take a long walk in the woods near Megan and Jorik’s home at the end of a day as the sun is setting. Having looked after my son’s adored chipmunks in the past, I’m keenly interested to observe their behaviour in the wild. Being territorial little animals, they typically make a lot of noise at this time of year as they individually collect and store food for a solitary winter underground. A clicking chirruping sound warns off others. I just love hearing the scuffling sound as they scamper across the dried leaves on the forest floor. I stalk this little chap for quite some time and am chuffed to have been able to get so close. They are very alert and don’t sit still for long.

Reaching a clearing in the forest, I find another house and turn back. Unlike in Scotland with freedom to roam laws, in the USA many properties have “Posted” notices for privacy, and walking over the land is trespassing.

Megan and Jorik’s Back Door.

I get back safely having taken one wrong turn and I haven’t encountered any bears. Megan reassures me that I wouldn’t want to see one at close quarters either. At midnight we all wake up to the sound of about 12 coyotes around the house. Apparently, this is the closest and loudest encounter for some time. I would like to see them but they are off as soon as torchlight shines out. What an eerie wailing/barking sound like wolves they make.

End of Part 2 :More to Come.

2 thoughts on “Beekeeping Holiday in New York (Part 2).”

    1. Karolina, hello. I’m so glad that you read this because you mentioned visiting the Catskills when you go out to NY next summer. Mohonk is the place for you which is why I put in the link. You will love the hikes in the mountains.

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