Hello All. Seems you have a good thing going on here.
Live in Maryborough, Queensland, Australia (Yes, have noted the odd Aussie hereabouts on the boards). Maryborough is some 300 kilometers north of Brisbane and I live on a property on the banks of the Mary River surrounded by forest. While the property is essential utilised for cattle garazing I have embarked on a bit of an experiement with beekeeping. I'm only the caretaker.
I kept bees some 30 odd years ago and ended up with 60 odd hives but because of circumstances I sold out. I have now take a fresh interest given the location. The Mary River joins what is know as the Great Sandy Straits, about 10 k downstream. The GSS is a stretch water sheltered from the ocean by the world's largest sand island, Fraser Island. The river area is therefore bordered by mangroves - mangroves for miles. There is also large forest area - and all within flying distance from the apiary.
Included in the flora is eculapyts - blue gum, ironbark, bloodwood and swamp mahogony (gums) as well as paper bark. Along with two main mangrove species the area has abundant sources of pollen and nectar - given good seasons. Of course we have really no such thing as winter in this part of paradice.
Most of Australian beekeeping is migratory - following the flowering pattern of the natives trees. What I am hoping for here is the ability to sit pat and let the flowering come to the bees. Because fuel is now so high here, about A$1.50/litre - travelling is all but out of the question expect for the professionals.
I have to be carefully during the dearth periods as the flowering pattern covers about half the year. Keeping the bees during those down times will be the challenge.
I have only five hives at the moment but have found a 'good deal' which I am inspecting tomorrow. If all goes well I should have some equipment which will let me expand with the bees.
Apart from the geography the activity is the same. Personally, I find bees relaxing. The steady drone of the bees along with the sweet smell of honey and the smell of the smoker going all adds to a pleasant way of spending one's time.