We just got done, and I pulled the last taps on Thursday, but I am already missing the sugaring season. There are only 10 months to go! This will be the first Saturday since February that we are not doing something sugaring related.
We just got done, and I pulled the last taps on Thursday, but I am already missing the sugaring season. There are only 10 months to go! This will be the first Saturday since February that we are not doing something sugaring related.
I fired the evaporator for the last time and now it's winding down. Done for the year. Kind of a nice feeling but then again I'm going to miss it by Sunday.
Miscoe Hill Maple
2015 PJ Evaporator (Phaneuf) 2x6 drop flue
2x6 WF Mason Arch
~250 taps on a Guzzler & Shurflo
12x20 WF Mason Filter/Canner
12x16 Sugarhouse
I'm done here. Everything that is left to boil is in the 2x6 finisher. Less that 50% from last year, 2013 335 gal, so far this year 160 gal. When I finish boiling what is in the finisher, I might beat the 50% mark. Next year......
Dave Klish, I recently ordered a 2x6 wood fired evaporator from A&A Sheet Metal which I will be converting to oil fired
Now have solar, 2x6 finish pan, 5 bank 7x7 filter press, large water jacketed bottler, and tankless water heater.
Recently bought another Gingerich RO, this one was a 125, but a second membrane was added thus is a 250, like I had.
After running a 2x3, a 2x6, 3x8 tapping from 79 taps up to 1320 all woodfired, now I'm going to a 2x6 oil fired and a 200-425 taps.
maple addicts! feel sorry for people that haven't had the fun! The smell of the boiling sap,the steam rolling off of a well boiling pan, the walk to check lines/buckets . the joy of being in the woods on a winters day. the thrill of the first syrup of the season, the challenge of figuring out what in the world is wrong with the arch now, the look in your childs eyes as they taste their first syrup made by dad and mom. the sound as the seasons first sap hits the bottom of the bucket , the gathering of friends and relatives in the sugarhouse. The cold beer in celebration of a great season regardless of how it compared to last year or a great year in the past, the anticipation of next year! have a great summer everyone!
Bill Donovan Loving life in Boston New York
2016 block arch in progress eyeing up several trees. trying to figure best configuration for chimney. .
2014: 20-25 taps block arch. 3- 6 inch deep steam table pans . 17 quarts of syrup from from reds, silvers and sugars.
2011: 9 trees tapped block arch 2 steam table pans 1 side burner on the propane grill..1.5 gallons of syrup
1 understanding and supportive wife
1 daughter that loves all things maple
This season was way to short to satisfy the addiction.
20 plus years of 2 by 2 flat pan
2014 new Phaneuf 2 by 6 drop flue
350 taps on gravity 20 on bucket
Well Ron squeezed every bit of sap out of the trees that he could. just a poor year. The weather is changing so quickly that it'd really scary. Not the winters I knew as a kid. ended with about 40gallons from our 400 taps. The wet/dry lines really helped.
My theory regarding the recent winter. It is all part of earths cycle. sun spots, sun flare ups . weather patterns, el nino, la nina, etc. In years to come we will see great years and not so good years. We will remember the worst and the best. I look forward to next year no matter the weather and the earths cycle...cause if I am making syrup or working in the garage/shop/barn..it is one building but gets called all those things.) iI will know that I am alive and kicking!
Bill Donovan Loving life in Boston New York
2016 block arch in progress eyeing up several trees. trying to figure best configuration for chimney. .
2014: 20-25 taps block arch. 3- 6 inch deep steam table pans . 17 quarts of syrup from from reds, silvers and sugars.
2011: 9 trees tapped block arch 2 steam table pans 1 side burner on the propane grill..1.5 gallons of syrup
1 understanding and supportive wife
1 daughter that loves all things maple
It was weird not to have anything to do in the sugarhouse this Saturday. I dressed in the usual boots and sweatshirt and realized that there isn't anything to do up there, so I contacted a friend who has seeds, bought some and planted my garden. All early season stuff. The snow just melted off and some of the dirt was still frozen, but the early season greens I planted will come up. It's time to move on to other things now I guess...