jrm
02-28-2016, 10:43 AM
Today is the first boil of the year -- between 35 & 40 gallons of sap. No real changes to the barrel evaporator. We did however, spray paint our stack guy wires day-glo orange in hopes that I wouldn't run into them this year. Too late, of course, but I thought this morning that if I get longer cables I can keep the wires out of my way.
We did decide to upside our windscreen from the garden stake, tarp, and plywood attempt we made last year, which was definitely an upgrade from our first year. I bought two more sheets of plywood, cut them to half size for manageability. Gave them and some strapping hinges to my 12 year old, who designed and built our foldable, portable windscreen. We threw on some angled legs for additional support. So far, not only is it helping with the wind, but it didn't blow down in last night's gusts. Maybe next year we'll add some higher vertical slats in order to take tarp along the top which would give even better protection.
Continue to live, learn, and enjoy that maple!1339013391
We did decide to upside our windscreen from the garden stake, tarp, and plywood attempt we made last year, which was definitely an upgrade from our first year. I bought two more sheets of plywood, cut them to half size for manageability. Gave them and some strapping hinges to my 12 year old, who designed and built our foldable, portable windscreen. We threw on some angled legs for additional support. So far, not only is it helping with the wind, but it didn't blow down in last night's gusts. Maybe next year we'll add some higher vertical slats in order to take tarp along the top which would give even better protection.
Continue to live, learn, and enjoy that maple!1339013391