We're in the midst of a nice run here in the middle of Western PA. After a cold night with a low of 22, the high today was 52. It's now 33 and going down to 30 tonight. Tomorrow will be a high of 47, so the run should continue.
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We're in the midst of a nice run here in the middle of Western PA. After a cold night with a low of 22, the high today was 52. It's now 33 and going down to 30 tonight. Tomorrow will be a high of 47, so the run should continue.
Correction: This is not just a *nice* run. This is a *huge* run. I built my first RO after a run like this. I had to dump several hundred gallons of sap because it went bad before I could process it.
I haven't collected since Friday....now I'm nervous. haha Collecting tonight.Quote:
Originally Posted by HowardR
Made 7 gallons of syrup this weekend...along with spilling a full gallon in the driveway (i wanted to cry..ha)
It's been slow around here. 120 gallons yesterday and 220 today which is a decent run. Things are finally thawing out. Sap is at 1.4% which is good for me. Syrup is probably upper end of dark.
We had a bear in the yard tonight before dark. I ran him off but he'll be back:-|
There was a tsunami in Central Pa today!
Folks,
400gal of sap yesterday, 400 today. Still making GD. At 85 gallons.
Regards,
Chris
Allegehenysyrup
thanks! That would be helpful. Right now I have sand in the bottom to raise it up but like your idea of bricks or something in the back to force the flames up. I am moving this spring so I didn't go too crazy. I will try lining it with bricks next year. A solid larger pan would work better as well.
Folks,
Average run of 400 gal. made 11.5 gallons of Golden Delicate/ FIRE & ICE syrup. Enough wood to make another 40 gallons and we are done! I can almost see the end. Cold weather coming Thursday. Will gather tomorrow then see what happens next week.
It doesnt take long to cook mellows in the old King arch. Grandson Nic and his boys Cooper and Rhett. I would say maybe 30 seconds!
https://i.imgur.com/QJj2oSn.jpg?1
Hotdogs take only several minute too: Rhett cooking the first ones of the season. I think this may become a tradition!
https://i.imgur.com/nFXpExZ.jpg?1
Neighbors, Ellis's, brought enough sap to make a 1/2 gallon of syrup from their 6 taps. Friend Gary is doing the firing.
https://i.imgur.com/nXwdxwo.jpg?2
Regards,
Chris
I was able to keep up with Monday's tsunami of sap. I had to keep my ROs and stovetop evaporator running around the clock, but by Tuesday afternoon I was caught up. Hooray!
As a maple syrup producer, I've always struggled with balance. I'd have unused capacity, so I'd tap more trees. Then I'd have more sap than I could process, so I'd build an RO. I've finally found a balance.
It's taken me awhile but I finally have my set up together, sugarhouse half rebuilt, oil line plumbed, and test fired last night with water.
A little late as usual for me but now I'll use this cool down coming the next couple of days to tap and be ready for next week.
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