I find it a very slow process trying to get it to the proper or close to exact brix even with hydrometer, refractometer and thermometers. I will make it a point to pick up a hydrotherm at some point.
After all that time boiling I'm very careful and continuously checking, letting the syrup run off my skimmer for curtaining, I try going by the bubbles but not enough experience for those two methods yet.
I looked at last years calender and I started tapping March 8 and did my first real collection of 150 litre to boil on March 22 as the temperatures were a roller coaster last spring from low + teens to minus teens to high teens. I will tap this week, temperatures at this time look promising. Purchased more buckets, taps, tubing and a nice solid 16 quart stainless steel finishing pot on sale this week at CT for 70% off, saved $120, cost me $50 perfect timing on that sale.
Swingpure, I couldn't help but notice how much snow you have in the bush there when looking at your nice pail holders you made, we have about half that amount judging by the picture.