36 taps in today. Most were dripping between drilling and inserting the tap. That was 6 hours ago, haven't checked to see how much they've run.
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36 taps in today. Most were dripping between drilling and inserting the tap. That was 6 hours ago, haven't checked to see how much they've run.
Got 156 taps in today. Was running when the sun was out, but slowed down this afternoon when it got cloudy. Have 50 more to put in tomorrow and we'll be all tapped. Made a half barrel and pump unit for the truck to pour the buckets into and pump the sap up into the tank that's in the back of the truck. No more climbing up and down the tailgate. Getting to old for that nonsense. Kind of anxious to try it. May your buckets run full !!
We are in the Upper Peninsula and, just like everyone else, are VERY surprised at the unseasonably warm daytime temperatures that have occurred for the last couple of weeks. Most of our snow has now melted and I have yet to tap a tree... January just seems too early! I am concerned that I have probably missed this season because our sugar maple trees are already showing buds.
Buds will show, just as long as they don't pop.
That said, just heard Weatherman Mark Torgorossa say that we'll have very unseasonably temps (almost 60) this week, but then there is a chance of two weeks of "colder weather". Colder being 32 degree highs.
I'm planning on tapping in the Thumb next weekend and take advantage of a few days of above and below freezing before the next cold front comes in. I have to travel to my sugar bush so better tapped than sorry....
Ran like wildfire today (2/4). Some of the taps were dripping almost to a steady stream. Collected 290 gallon of sap. Tested 3.0 from the first load (threw out a little ice) and 2.5 from the second load.Collected from 11am to 1:30 pm and it was running like crazy so I'm sure there will be a lot tomorrow (2/5). May your buckets run full.
Couple more good days, then it looks like it will quit for a while. Mouse or chipmunk in walls,chewed air line for diaphragm pump . Needle valve broke for RO. coffee pot took a s..t. But we still made 5 gals.
Considering tapping in The Thumb this weekend. Might get a few days of flow before the temps drop. I'm a "backyarder" but my sugar bush is 1- 1/12 drive for us. This weather pattern has me perplexed. But I don't want to be unprepared once the temperatures turn favorable again. We use buckets, no vacuum. Empty buckets once a week, twice if a relative makes the trek mid week to empty.
Anyone planning on tapping in Michigan this Weekend.?
I am strongly thinking about tapping this weekend, mainly because this year that's my free time. After getting through this three/four day stretch with lows above freezing, I'm thinking the trees will recharge with the lows in the 20s starting Saturday night. Still have some buckets to wash, RO closet to finish, RO to assemble, but we are getting there.
But take what I say with a grain of salt because I'm on the other side of the state from you, ScottT.
There are a lot of people around me that have put in taps, and I put in 8 road tree taps yesterday as a test. I don't believe the woods trees are really ready yet. To me the ground seems frozen after you go down about 2 inches, and that is in the open yard. I am going to wait at least another week before I go all in.
Had to gather some 50 gal. barrels twice today.Might run all night, then 60 degrees:o