Molly Bee Good: Corvallis, Oregon

As we stand in the parking lot unloading our gear for the first time this far from home we go over a check list of the things we need to carry. An older, wiser gentleman has struck up a conversation with us. He has also come to the campus of Oregon State University to participate in the Oregon Master Beekeeper's meeting scheduled for this Saturday. An all day event that has invited some of the best and brightest in the Oregon bee world to consult on the creation of the curriculum and to help fine-tune the exam that will be required to be considered an apprentice beekeeper in Oregon. He has come nearly four hours to be here and he treats us with such respect that I filled with gratitude. Beekeepers really are a family of strangers.

The meeting goes as expected and many great points are raised from beekeepers all over the state. We hear passion in the voices of those around us and know the bees are being looked after by these folks with great zeal. We hope to impart that same passion into all the people we have the opportunity to speak with on our journey. We head over to Old World Deli. We find out from a group of Mailmen that Saturday is typically their slowest night. We do not despair because we are reminded that one person reached is a huge victory in our mission. Matt, the youngest of the letter carriers sits with his co-workers and they laugh and regale us with stories of their work, past experiences in life (including a tour in Vietnam) and general conviviality.

The hour for our presentation approaches and Molly Bee is all nerves, as am I. Holding a microphone in a very empty room can be a humbling experience. A few wonderful people show up to listen, intent on finding out more about the gifts the honeybees have to offer. We are encouraged by the faces of Linda & David, Nancye & Jim and Roger Long. A table of five who lift our spirits and ask us questions. I have a feeling that were here to quiz and teach us. To catch us off guard and ask the kinds of questions we need to expect along the trip. We give our presentation and the small number of people affords us the opportunity to sit and visit. We are again reminded that the stories of these people will be the story of Molly Bee Good. They depart two by two until Roger is the last man standing. He talks about bees with passion. He recalls stories of motorcycle trips in his past and Boggan's Ice Cream. It is located near the end of our road on this trip and with luck, all the well wishes we have received and the ones yet to come we will be able to sit and enjoy a milkshake after Rattlesnake Grade. Molly Bee Good buzzes on.