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.