Thanks, Rodney. I’ll stick to my mild winters when the bees only stop for a few weeks. I’m finding a gentle approach easier on the bees and on me.

@@AussieMikesBees Absolutely!! When you think you're going slow enough go slower!! Thanks!

Thanks for your comments. I carry a couple of the pop-up laundry baskets in the car just in case. Takes up no space , but I can respond to a quick callout or two. I don't get much time to go back to a site after dark, so I lose a few returning scouts. I've never had a problem cutting little branches with the side cutters. For bigger ones, I use my conduit cutters that work like your secateurs. Summer was a bit slow getting started, but finally here. Funny season though. I have a good flow right now, but not far down the hill it's a dearth.