Slow start in midcoast. I tapped twenty trees last weekend with disappointingly minimal (to nonexistent) flow until yesterday, when about half of my taps produced about 3/4 gallon of sap each. The other trees further in the woods are still just barely starting, if at all. Two inches of snow on the ground this morning and cloudy skies do not leave me hopeful, but I'm still planning to do my first boil early next week (because I'm out of syrup).
Using it as an excuse to be outdoors and because it tastes better. Boiling 3 times a year and only in great weather.
2018--10 taps 1.5 gallons on a propane lobster pot
2019--20 taps, with Vermont evaporator barrel, 3 gallons
2020--25 taps, with Vermont evaporator barrel, 5 gallons
2021--30 taps, with Vermont evaporator barrel, hoping for 5 gallons