tapping in the catskills.

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

Still praying for you Van.

[highlandcattle]

You've got lots of people sending good thoughts your way. Don't push yourself too hard. We're thinking of you.

[mountainvan]

Thanks guys. First full day back to the farm getting ready for the next big run. Trying to work smart and conserve my energy.

[mountainvan]

100+ gals made so far this run. Time for some beer and a nap while the ro does its job, then back to boiling.

[mountainvan]

5,100 gals sap collected today. Been boiling since 9am and almost on to my 4th barrel of the day. Tomorrow I sleep, all day!

[stimyg]

What do you think about the weather this upcoming week - think the trees will start to bud / our season end? Usually the end of my season is April when I realize it's obviously over.

[mountainvan]

I don't think the season is anywhere close to done. A couple days in the 60's may slow down the flow, but it will get cold again. I am using the antimicrobial spiles which help keep the sap flowing. I'll be over 1,000 gals by midweek, then the rest is bonus.

[mountainvan]

Feeling much better after a couple days rest. Cleaning everything tomorrow to get ready for the biggest run yet!

[stimyg]

Glad you're feeling better. That's great to hear.

Thanks for the advice. Put in my last taps this weekend. I'm just a hobbyist so it goes according to when I can get to it.

About the anti microbial spiles - any particular brand/kind you like? I'd like to get some.

[mountainvan]

You can get the antimicrobial spiles from cdl, bascoms, or catskill mountain maple. Pulled in 2,200 gals sap this evening, ro is knocking it down. Lost 200 tapped trees today. Logger on adjacent property did his own surveying, and moved the property line 200 ft into trees I had tapped. Property owner doesn't want to pay for a real survey, so she and I get screwed. I just pulled my tubing today and said frack it. I have enough to deal with now and don't need a fight with a dishonest logger. Some days you win, most days you don't.