First Syrup of the Season

Sap flow hasn't started in earnest yet, but last week there was enough of a warm up to get the sap to fill a tank and do a day's worth of boiling.  It was a good trial run for the sap to come.

First a fire had to be roaring in the evaporator.

Then the sap was allowed to boil it's way along the pan, getting some over zealous foam scooped off when necessary.

When measurements show the sugar content is high enough, the syrup is 'drawn off' and put through a filter.

It took most of the afternoon and into the evening to get the job done.

Gearing up for Sugaring

March is upon us and that means the sap will be flowing soon and it will be time to make our maple syrup.  But before that can happen, there's lots to prep.

The dead mice had to be cleaned out of the pump house.

The snow had to be cleared away so the tank could be installed

The sap storage tank had to be hauled down to the pump house

And now the pump house is up and ready

There are over 300 trees to be tapped

and there are many many feet of line to repair, and still there are more chores to be done.  Stay tuned.