Should Have Been Tapping in Hopkinton

[SeanD]

Well, it's 38 right now and it looks like great runs are lined up for the next week, and I was planning a tapping post for this moment, but I'll have to miss them and the ones after that. On Monday I slipped on some ice and broke my ankle.

I wish I could blame it on some dumb-*** move while shoveling snow from my roof or hanging off my ladder with a nail gun, but I was literally walking empty-handed down a path next to the sugar house. The new snow covered a patch and made it even slicker. It happened so fast, but I saw the season evaporate as soon as I picked up my leg. The next 6-8 weeks are in a cast and on crutches.

This is only place where people understand what it's like to wait all year to sugar. I'm so disappointed. A brand new evaporator will sit idle in its new sugar house for another year. I'll have to live through your experiences here on the trader. Keep those posts coming!

Sean

[Paddymountain]

Man, thats rough . couldn't you get someone to tap and haul sap?
Then maybe you could handle boiling and such in the sugarhouse

[PapaSmiff]

Sean,

If I lived closer, I'd do it for you. But it's about a 75 minute commute each way. Sorry.

[Fishgill]

That sucks. I can't imagine. Do you have any friends or neighbors that could help you out? If you want you can come hang out here if you need a maple fix when the time comes. I'm dying to get things started. I'm all tapped and ready to go.

[Wardner in Tewksbury]

Does your doctor need a hobby? Just kidding.

Seems like you could work a deal out with some reliable teenager in your neighborhood to set the taps and collect the sap. Try to get a two hour commitment per day when the sap is running. Is there a Boy Scout maple merit badge? Whoever does the work, there needs to be compensation in cash or syrup.

[GramaCindy]

Oh my gosh….I can't imagine your disappointment, so sorry. I am in a similar situation here in NW WI…ice under a thin layer of snow. I locked myself out of the house today and had to go get my "hide a key" under the woodshed. It was so icy I almost didn't make it. My Mason 2x4 was delivered yesterday and I would be totally bummed if I couldn't use it until next year. BUT WAIT…think of all of the lessons you'll learn VIA US on MT! I will be thinking of you when I step outside and be careful. Sorry:cry:

[collinsmapleman2012]

Does your doctor need a hobby? Just kidding.

Seems like you could work a deal out with some reliable teenager in your neighborhood to set the taps and collect the sap. Try to get a two hour commitment per day when the sap is running. Is there a Boy Scout maple merit badge? Whoever does the work, there needs to be compensation in cash or syrup.

i asked my scoutmaster that last year. got a funny look and was told to get my head checked lol. seriously, if there was, id be on it like lightning

[SeanD]

Thanks for the offers. Unfortunately, my own sap haulers are only 9, 6, and 4 and it's a tough sell for anyone who is not really into doing this. If there wasn't so much snow cover I could get to a handful of trees and coach somebody through the basics, but as it is snowshoes are still a must.

Then again, if anyone in the area has really wanted to jump into this and wants a crash course on sugaring, then I've got everything just about ready to go.

Sean

[cvmaple]

Somebody will come to the rescue I hope. Don't give up on 2011 just yet. Let us know how it goes. We feel your pain and wish you a quick recovery.

[foursapsyrup1]

Oh No!!Such a disappointmnet and unfortunate accident.
I guess the tubing class at fivesaps on Sunday will not be put to the test this year.
Wish you a quick recovery.

[SeanD]

I had such a great time in your woods Sunday. As soon as I got home I walked the woods started thinking about where to run my laterals. Thanks so much for getting me started. Now I have plenty of time to plan things out.

I'll stop in when you guys are boiling to get my fix. Talk to you soon.

Sean

[40to1]

Sean,
Very sorry about the ankle. Rotten luck.

Unfortunately I am buried under 4 projects for work - all due on Tuesday. Last night after I read your post, I was trying to move around the schedule to make some time for you. I would have driven down and at least tapped your trees for you.
If by next weekend you still need help tapping, let me know. March 6 (Sunday) might be doable.

Take care of that ankle....