2018 What is everyone doing in PA?

[Sugarmaker]

The "getting ready for syrup days" are fast approaching. I would like to have the sugarhouse ready to go during this next warm spell. Maybe even get the tubing hung up too. Then just watch the weather for tapping weather. Do need to cut a little extra wood if I have the chance also.
Regards,
Chris

[Hoppy]

I just put 6 taps in my backyard. The sap was flowing nicely. I have 3 more huge sugar maples on a relative's property that I'm going to tap hopefully tomorrow. I am also upgrading my boiling setup and will hopefully post some pictures when it's done. It's about 80% finished now.

[unc23win]

Well we have about 15-1600 taps in so far. Turned the pump on and found some leaks yesterday after work. Planning on Friday to be the first day of collection although I won't start the pump until I get home from work. It looks like it should run all weekend and then get cold again. We will start making syrup when we get enough sap. Ready or not here we go!

[Sugarmaker]

I feel about like Jared. Have to start some time.
At least one other sugarhouse in the area was boiling last night. Anothe sugarmaker was going to tap a portion of his sugarbush today too.
We seem to be getting a little earlier, at least the last few years. I poked 200 holes today and hope to have the remaining 400 in by tomorrow afternoon. Hope to get a run this weekend. Our Maple association meeting is Saturday. May have to gather after the meeting.
Still a bunch of little things to do.
My wood supply is a little short this year. I have more wood its just not under cover and that just doesnt burn well.
Regards,
Chris

[sticknstring]

Hello Dennis,

I don't know how far into this thing we will get, but I am excited to give it heck! My girls are itching for our taps to arrive and as I tell them to be patient, I am probably itching more inside, ha. I am right over the mountain from you not too far, I live on 233 just south of Colonel Denning a few minutes. I was just through Landisburg Saturday night to head to Perry County Archers to go to a bow shoot. I agree, it's pretty cool to know that there are people in the area doing off the beaten path things like making syrup!

[sticknstring]

Anybody ever tap black walnut trees? I read a bout it a little today, was hoping for some first hand exoerience on how it turns out. I have access to a bunch of them, very close to home.

[Dennis H.]

Sticknstring welcome to the Trader.
It is also good to see another person making maple syrup in the area. What part of Cumberland county are you in. I am just up over the mtn from Carlisle just outside of Landisburg.

Warning, you will find out quickly that this can be a very addictive hobby.

I can not really add anymore insight into your questions that others have not already answered nicely. Just try and keep it fun.
As for the township trees why not ask? You may be surprised of the answer that you get.

[sugarwoodacres]

Sticknstring welcome to the Trader.
It is also good to see another person making maple syrup in the area. What part of Cumberland county are you in. I am just up over the mtn from Carlisle just outside of Landisburg.

Warning, you will find out quickly that this can be a very addictive hobby.

I can not really add anymore insight into your questions that others have not already answered nicely. Just try and keep it fun.
As for the township trees why not ask? You may be surprised of the answer that you get.

I have almost 200 taps as well and haven't found a homemade ro to fit my need. I'm curious about how you built yours. Good luck this season

[TPosey]

I just finished putting in 330 taps on 3/16, hopping to get 70 more before we tap. Got collection tanks in and hoping to do a trial run on my new 2x10 evaporator next weekend. Plan on tapping everything the last week of February. This will be first year with this many taps and a evaporator that should boil around 100 gallon hour compared to my old home made evaporator that did about 18 gallon an hour. Started out on pans over a fire to where I am now and it never seems to stop. When they say its addicting it sure is.
.

[weaver]

Just got everything ready here in drums. 30 Taps going in on Saturday. Looks like it’s starting to warm up here next week looks pretty good, how’s everyone else doing?