february Journal

well the 2009 season started today for me put in 20 taps and tapped the tubing. will throw out 80 more on saturday and sunday.

Guys- How long you think itll take to thaw these trees out? Going to be 2 degrees here tonight. Supposed to warm up this weekend. Seems to me with the roots thawed they might go to running pretty quick. Think its going to take a pretty good "wake up time"? I think Im smelling some BIGSAP. I know 2 degrees seems a little on the cold side but Ive just got that feeling. I think maybe Ill put a few in and see what they do. You guys are probly right. I probly am genetically defective and the end result of years of inbreeding but I may have to go with my instincts. Zar

This is the coolest time of the year.
All the chatter that starts up, when should I tap?, Is it too early?

All I know is that come Friday morning those trees better watch out, I will be heading for the woods with my Dewalt! The forecast for the weekend just keeps getting better and better.

I hope everyone is ready or just about ready, me I am as ready as I can think of, I'll just have to deal with the stuff that I forgot about when it happens.

Dennis- Go get the BIGSAP. I want to hear some numbers this weekend and Ill let you know how the test holes do up here. Theron

Guys, I am several hundred miles south of any of you in PA, so just because it may be time for me to tap Sat, don't mean that it is for you. It is about the normal start of the season for me around this time of year. Normally, season is over year by March 21st, so if it goes that long, it would give me 6 full weeks.

Last year here in MN i didn't tap until march 25, i think my first boil was April
1st. Not saying it's going to be that late this year to warm up but..... I don't know you guys are making me anxious.

Got the drill charging and the older boys on standby. I am leaving the buckets go another week or so but everything on this new fancy vacuum system is getting drilled tomorrow. Already saw another potential two laterals that can pick up 15 more taps between them. My son's baptism on sunday, think my wife will mind if I'm a little late. LOL Sunday they should be running well!

Mwalnut, I can't wait to here how Alice does for you! Especially since she's back on wood! She will enjoy the attention every 8 minutes!!

I miss the ole girl!

I tap every year at this time. My best years have started during early Feb. The worst years have been the years that were frozen until early or mid March. The weather report looks like a possible 6 or 7 days of sap run. If it freezes up for a few weeks after that so what? The season starts all over again.
I have found over the years as long as we have lasting freeze thaw pattern the taps keep flowing. The only factor in ending the season for me has always been a prolonged warm spell. 3 or 4 days of warm day and night without a freeze and the season is over.

Jim-she is shined up and ready to go. Haven't test boiled like I wanted to but I'll probably wind up taking off the steam hood for the first few boils until I get comfortable enough where I don't need full visibility in the flue pan. (if you know what I mean!!!!)

Keep your blackberry on in case I have nay frantic last minutes questions?!?!

Mike