Tapping the 2013 Season

[Rossell's Sugar Camp]

Who will be the first to tap this season. it is looking warm in the 25 day forecase already.

[ennismaple]

Theron already won this contest! I know we'll be one of the last so my trigger finger's nowhere near itchy yet.

[Gary R]

Yeup, Theron should have started this thread, he's the man. I am cleaning the evaporator and tanks this weekend. I will decide on Monday if I will tap. I am seeing at least 5 days in a row good. A couple of them with rain. This would be very early but I'm sure some others will start.

[heus]

Gary how extensive did you clean your new evaporator when it was new? I did one test boil with baking soda but there is still residue left from the baking soda. Not sure if i should do another one or just rinse it out. Sorry for hijacking your thread Rossell.

[Jim Brown]

Well there is 14-16hes of snow in my yard yet and temps are Supposed to get to the 40's by the end of the week .I'm not going to hurry things just yet. Still have to get the water samples to the lab and get inspected before season gets started. Plan on the water samples Monday and will call the inspector When the sample report comes back.(about weds)
Still PLENTY of time

Jim

[Gary R]

Heus, I don't really remember if I used anything. I did have 2 test boils using about 200 gal. of water each time. The first draw tasted fine.

I'm still waiting until Monday to figure out if it's a go or no go. I'm headed out to take care of some porcupines. Then I'm tightening laterals just in case

[Father & Son]

Talked to Theron last night at Verona. He was thinking about being in the woods today.

Jim

[mapleguy]

just looked at long range forcast temps could be high 50's by nxt weekend but going below normal after that with snow still hoping for a normal avg. season

[Rossell's Sugar Camp]

i dont think its time yet. I would like to hold out until the 20th at least. preferably later.

[Gary R]

I'm hoping this can be the thread that everyone can post in. Traditionally, this has been the thread that everyone can keep track of how every ones season is going. Jump in everyone!

OK, enough of the chatter of should I or shouldn't I. I put my 134 vacuum taps in tonight. The pump is running at 27.5". Unfortunately I forgot to drain my ladders the last warm spell. They were frozen and I couldn't get the vacuum to the taps. The laterals weren't frozen. I'll turn the pump back on in the morning and it will probably stay on for a week. We should see three days of about 50 degrees and even three days of no freeze.

If anyone wants to stop over they are welcome. I should be making syrup about Friday. The weekend looks the best and I'll boil in the late afternoon. Good luck everyone and I hope someone else starts up.

Theron, are you starting the pump back up?