North East Ohio 2023

[johnallin]

Time for another NE OHIO thread.

With the decent weather - and 2 weeks off - I’ve been in the woods a lot lately.
Spent some time trying to clean out the main line in our North woods with a foam “pig” which turned into a small fiasco and have been extending some laterals and adding taps to that same area.
Also just finished a new shed roof on the sugar house to cover releaser and collection tank.

After last year’s disappointingly short and warm season (ended up dumping sap because it spoiled during the daytime high temps) I will welcome a more traditional 6 weeks this year.

Anyone got any major changes in the works?
I’m chomping at the bit over here.
Happy New Year.

[fred]

I would HIGHLY recommend using the "Leader clear filter press" at the end of your releaser. I have no doubt when the time comes for the sponge to come though, you will capture it and be very visible! Though very likely to crack yet another plate and possibly blow completely though. {big grin}

Happy New Year John!!

[johnallin]

Nah, I save the Clear Press for the really small stuff…the CDL lifter and releaser are for sponges and other fancy stuff.

Happy New Year to you guys too!!

[johnallin]

Been getting everything ready and adding some more good trees.
Still haven’t found the “pig-sponge” I sent through last weekend.
Weather is certainly warmer than last year, but am holding off until at least mid-January.
Met a great young man at Richard’s (Fred’s) today who’s adding vac to a 3rd generation bush, I was impressed with the enthusiasm.

[Hunt4sap]

Hello there, I haven't been on here in a while. I didn't have any at all last year because of the strange weather and too busy with other stuff, also had plenty of syrup leftover. I only do buckets and honestly have been tempted to tap with these 40s during the day and 20s and 30s in the forecast but I also don't want to tap too early and have them freeze out before the run actually starts (usually in February and March)
The first year I tapped my trees was 2016 I believe and I did it in mid January so it does kind of have me itching?

[fred]

I was impressed with the enthusiasm.

Just to be clear it was HIS enthusiasm not mine. (grin)

[CrossBroMaple]

Just got a call from a news report asking if anyone has started tapping? And out the crystal ball question of is it too early? We have not here in Madison though this weather says otherwise

[johnallin]

I'm not tapped, but real close to being ready.
Little warm this week but next week looks good, week after looks like it's in the freezer - anything past that is a crap shoot.
For now I'm holding until week after next but I'll bet there's some syrup being made in Geauga as I type.

[Kh7722]

Just got a call from a news report asking if anyone has started tapping? And out the crystal ball question of is it too early? We have not here in Madison though this weather says otherwise

Not tapping here in Montville yet either. After Thursday it looks like the cold will start for 3-4 weeks. I will take that opportunity to tap and will be in around Feb 1st give or take depending on forecast as it gets closer.
Time will tell.

[jetdoc]

After a long seven months we finaly got the woods cleaned up and the last saddle installed last week. We lost around 60 maples and other various trees. But we got it done. Thanks to Fred from Richards for the help and all the CDL supplies to make this possiable. We are just waiting on a few more things and will be ready for the 2023 season.

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