[Maple] farmers tan.

[eagle lake sugar]

Every season I have people asking me if I've been down south on vacation because I'm all tanned from throwing wood in my evaporator. Has anyone else had this experience?

[MapleMark753]

Ya, I get that all the time here, smallish wood fired evaporator, and outside a lot in the woods. I think with me its probably a combo of wind burn, and some kind of light almost burn from the fire all the time. I get red more than tanned...lol...

[SeanD]

I've had people notice in January when I'm out putting up tubing. Between the wind and the low sun with no leaves on the trees I can burn.

[Sugarmaker]

That's a new one. Had not heard of that. Happy Easter!
Regards,
Chris

[maple flats]

Nor had I heard of that. However, while I tan easily and have never had a sun burn, I do not fire my arch with bare arms, If warm enough I still have a long sleeve shirt on. My face does get a light burn from firing.

[Bucket Head]

Yes, I've had people ask me, "Where have you been?" during and immediately after sap season! Lol! Being outside earlier than everyone else will give you some added color. However, my farmer tan is less these days than it used to be. My father and I boiled outside for twenty years before we built the sugar house we are in now. Our faces were pretty tanned up by the time all the neighbors emerged to start their yard work!

[ennismaple]

Being a redhead I burn very easily so I'll look like I sat on the beach for too long without sunscreen after a day of boiling - but I haven't been outside for any longer than it takes to go from the truck to the sugar camp!