bees and camping

[indysteel]

Bees need water to cool their hives. In the kind of weather we've been having in the Midwest, it's no surprise that they're especially obnoxious. For that reason, I agree that putting some source of water out for them at the edge of your campsite is probably your best solution.

I hope you're having fun, Catrin. Sorry to hear that you still can't ride. Perhaps if you're still sore by the time you return from your trip, a visit to yoru doc is in order. Although if you do have a cracked rib, the doc might suggest nothing other than an OTC pain reliever.

[Catrin]

Thanks for the tips, they don't seem aggressive at all, just very interested in food and water. I've started to have fun watching them. They seem to know when I have food out and, interestingly enough, are not interested in beer. I need to go out later for batteries and will get a can or two of Mt Dew as suggested.

Am 2.5 hours into a mtb trail hike, was pruning sticker vines along the way which slowed me down. I've a couple more hours to go then will test my mtb bike again after fueling my body. I AM feeling better each day, but no mountain biking until I can be in that position without pain. I figure that physical discomfort, even if just bruised muscles, can contribute.to a fall.

[Catrin]

They dont seem to have the shape of a wasp, I don't think they are yellow jackets but I could be wrong. They seem to spend a lot of time at ground level, and really seem to like the sugar water I put out for them There are a lot of racoons here who are hip to coolers and trash, I keep a very clean campsite. All edibles stay in my car as the park staff recommends and I just make certain my car is in the shade.

After a 4 mile mtb trail hike today, I took a chance and tried a small ride on the easiest trail. When my muscles are warm there is little pain and this time I was able to mtb almost 2 miles before my bent boob started complaining, yesterday I couldn't even ride on the campground road! Progress

[gnat23]

I can attest to the bees smelling fear. I recently got a honey hive in my back yard, and the first time I went in, it was a disaster: I was panicking, and they kept buzzing me, landing on my face mask and crawling all over my hands.

Now that I'm more confident and deliberate, I can do my thing and, call me crazy, but it sounds more like they're purring. They leave me alone when I'm in the hive and calm down much quicker.

-- gnat! (can't wait until I get honey!)