8: Api-Journey Day 1

 

Api-Journey Day 1

My mother-in-law and sister-in-law invited me to stay at their timeshare in Blaine WA. 

Initially, I didn't think I could make it happen, but then switched things in my mind and then quickly became very excited for the prospect. I left a day early to come visit my sister which allowed me to be completely on my own time schedule.

I've never we take a road trip where I was totally in control of my timeline and destinations, and I'm digging it! 

 

 I decided to plot out different potential stops that had anything to do with bees. I discovered quickly that many local places that sell honey, or bee products, do not have a brick-and-mortar storefront. 

It makes sense, the apiaries need to be tended to during these other times, but I've been disappointed because I want to support the Washington beekeepers and see some bees!

 The inner teacher in me feels the need to clarify.

• Apis is the scientific term that means honey bee.
• Honeybee is the layman’s spelling and customary in literature, while honey bee is the scientifically correct spelling. I prefer honeybee because I never refer to them simply as "honeys" they way I refer to bumble bees as "bumbles".
•  Apiary refers to a place where bees are kept, or a collection of hives.
• Api is often the prefix for anything related to honeybees: Apiculture, Apitherapy, Apitourism, hence my title, Api-Journey. 

According to Google, there was a physical location that I could visit in Moses lake, so that was my first stop. I followed the navigation out to an agricultural area, and discovered well sitting in the driveway of Grigg Apiaries, that they are commercial beekeepers. 

I talked to the gal on the phone to confirm this, and she recommended that I get their honey from a local natural food store in town. I did so, but was unimpressed by the honey they had for sale from this farm.

The honey was already crystallized, and to be honest, not very attractive.  However, I know that Crystallization and appearance do not necessarily change the taste of the honey, so I was trying to not rely on appearance.

The gal at the store was so nice while helping me, Plus I had already gone out of my way, so I went ahead and purchased it. I had a spoonful in my coffee this morning, and it wasn't a bad decision.

My next stop was at one of those stores that appear to be a fruit stand that became permanent period was at the base of the Snoqualmie Pass, and they had many more options. They had local produce and local honey. They also had products that were not local, so I had to be sure and look before purchasing a period I did get some honey from there.

Bandit liked this place better too because he was able to join me while shopping. 

He's just my perfect little prince! 

After this excursion, my back was hurting, and I was ready to call it a day, so we drove right to my sister’s house from there, and spent the night. Honestly, I was a bit disappointed in my lack of bee experiences, but I got to see my sister and her family, so it still ended well. 

They all tolerated my new bee obsession better than expected, I realize that most people are confused by the attraction.

My 12 year old niece, Alexa, made me this cool collage last night. Isn't it cute!?

 

I'm hoping that today will render many more involved experiences, and my places that I have planned look more promising! 

Photo by J. Steven Robertson of Emmisoure Photography and https://bees.photo