It worked!

[Rick_Seebeck]

I boiled 71 gallons of sap this weekend in just over 15 hours. What a blast! My kids thought I was king of the world when we finished our first gallon. It is a little on the dark side but the taste is wonderful. I have not bottled it yet but it looks like I probably have just over a gallon. I really enjoyed playing with my homemade evaporator, learning all of its tricks to get the best boil. Thanks to everyone on this forum who offered advice. I can't wait for next weekend so we can do it again. So much to learn!

[RileySugarbush]

it's been a while since my kids thought I was king of the world! Savor it!

Congratulations on your successful project!

[SUGARSMITH]

uh-oh, another one infected with our illness !!!!

[Brent]

too bad he didn't get the maple virus component when he got his flu shot last fall

[tessiersfarm]

My Daughter (4 1/2) Thought I was king of the world when I got her two 1 gal "collection" pails of her own. She is getting pretty good on her snowshoes but she still spills about 3/4 of what I give her to carry, but so be it. We will boil this weekend I can't wait to see her reaction.

[mapleman3]

He's been bit by the "maple Bug"
check out info on this creature
http://www.desjardinsmaple.com/maple_bug.htm

[VT maple maker]

That is great hahaha. What a chuckle i got out of the maple bug page you have. So very true it is. Id say you hit the nail square on the head with that one. Thanks for the laugh!!

Kyle

[mapleman3]

:) :) yes it is so very true !!! Thanks

[DougM]

I'm doing a lunchtime presentation here at work about sugaring. The title was provided by my wife: Maple Syrup - Hobbby or Obsession?

[maplecrest]

there goes the retirement income, will all go to new sugar toys. this bug is worse than gambling.

[OGDENS SUGAR BUSH]

OH MY GOD i do both

RICH

[Doc]

....for this Maple Bug. Through my many (not really THAT many) years of studies, I have never heard of such a bug. Until this year. 5 taps....a Turkey Frier.....Wonderful smell from my back yard.....and some pretty good tasting syrup!!! Wife got bit too and is looking around the neighborhood for more maples to tap next year!!!!
Might someday discover a cure for this vector-borne illness and if I do.....I won't let anyone know. I'll take it to my grave as this is an AWESOME way to welcome spring!!!!
Doc
PS. Love the site and thank you all for the wonderful info!!! I've been pretty quiet but reading EVERYTHING!!!!!

[Russell Lampron]

The Maple Bug is not a terminal illness but the only cure that I know of is death.

[TapME]

Fred sums it up pretty good in his signature also.
Well spoken Russell.