IMG384.jpgYes I did Saphound, there was a thin layer of ice below the water line! Like you mention though it did not seem to make a difference. Thanks again Maplesapper for the great tip.
As the tank became lighter and started float on its side I placed a dowl through the top to keep it upright, that plus the use of a smaller tote bin with the water in it worked out really nicely.
I think you will notice a faster boil "Karen" I almost lost my batch today - was not prepared for it to be done as soon as it was and when I did my quick look it was starting to climb the walls ! JUST in time = 3.5 Litres of the good stuff today
The maples
Stood uniform in buckets, and the steam
Of sap and snow rolled off the sugarhouse.
Robert Frost
2013 12 taps - turkey deep fryer = 4 gal
2014 20 taps - new 16" x 36" mild steel pan on a Denali 3 burner stove!
2015 25 taps - 6 gal
2016 25 taps - 7 gal
2017 27 taps - 4 gal (short tap season Feb 17 to March 11)
2018 28 taps - 6 gal syrup