Tapped and boiling in Elma/East Aurora

[Dropflue]

Tapped on Sunday March 2nd, making syrup on Monday. Fired the evaporator on Monday evening, and noticed one of the gas burners was not burning right. After having the burner backfire and blow out a few times, we decided it was time to shut down the rig and pull off the burner. Turned out the burner was plugged solid with ceramic blanket pieces from a mouse nest. Cleaned it up, put it together, and we were back in business. Stayed up till 2:30 AM on Monday, then up at 6:30 AM on Tuesday for work. Just another day in the life of a sugarmaker. Good luck to all the sugarmakers this year. Our sugarhouse is always open to visitors during those late nights, and the fridge is always stocked with some cold beverages!!

[syrupmaker]

How are things going in EA? Banner year for you as well? Have thought of stopping over a couple nights after work, but it has been late nights down in the southerntier for the past couple of weeks. Mapleweekend next weekend, planning on heading to Joe's(maplekings) Saturday and Sunday. Stop over for a visit and a beverage.

[Dropflue]

One of the best seasons so far. Can’t beat those clear cold nights. Looks like a good run coming today into tomorrow. Probably a few late night boils If the sap isn’t running hard this weekend, I’ll try to stop by Joe’s.

[Dropflue]

Pulled the taps on Saturday April 5th, finished what was left in the evaporator on Sunday. Our total for the year was 60 gallons from 160 taps. Talking with other sugar makers around here, the consensus is everyone doubled their production from last year. One of the best years on record for me. Perfect conditions this year.