Tapped In Newport

[3% Solution]

Finished up today.
Sap was running a bit where the tree was in the sun.
Got the EEU fitted to the flue pan.
Now to get it piped in Wednesday, then I'll at least have a preheater.
Then I'll work on the blower and duct work after that.
Maybe have some sap to boil Saturday.

Dave

[3% Solution]

Hi all,
Got to use the new toys tonight!!!!
Picked up 70 gallons of 3%.
Boiled for a couple of hours, if that, and made a quart.Surprised the devil out of me, I got it so quick.
That EEU is going to be nice, about an hour and I had sap in it starting to bubble, not boil, but bubble.
The flue pan is completely boiling all the time.Maybe because it's being fed that hot sap.
This is going to be interesting when I start to blow air into it!!!!
Keep you guys posted!

Dave

[3% Solution]

Hi all,
This EEU works great, got an issue with the blower not bubbling if there is over 6" or so in the heat exchanger.
However, I ran it like that tonight and I couldn't keep up with everything, had to have the lady of the house out there with me
I would say I am right around 30 gallons an hour, I'll tell better tomorrow.
Made 2.25 gallons from 77 gallons of sap.
Going to pick up everything again tomorrow and get rid of it before the cold sets in.
Stay safe and dry tomorrow!!

Dave

[3% Solution]

Hi All,
Haven't done an update for a while.
We're at 9.75 gallons, which is good for us.
Yeah I know some of you guys get that in less than an hour!!!!
EEU is not exactly the way I wanted it to work out, but we're doing well with it!!!
Somewhere around 27 GPH. which is better than 17.5 GPH.
Anyway, got to meet some swell folks yesterday tapping at the Gov's.
We got soaked and had one hellish good time!!!!
Lots of laughs, lots of snow, and one big smile from the Gov!!!!
Well, got to have some breakfast and out the door to gather, didn't gather yesterday, got help today!!
Everyone stay safe and keep hammering!!!!

Dave

[3% Solution]

Hi All,
Picked up another 110 gallons of sap this morning, good stuff averaged 3%, 31 gallons of it was 3.3% .
The kids were here when I got back and we had lunch.
Got into the boiling about 1 pm and were all done boiling by 6:30.
Couldn't believe it, it dropped to Light and we made 3.75 gallons of the stuff.
We are now at 13.5 gallons of some nice stuff.
Granson just loves this EEU, he says "Look at the syrup coming off this thing".
I let him draw all afternoon, that is his job when he's here.
I think we have a future maple maker!!!!
Stay safe and keep boiling!!!

Dave

[Mark-NH]

Dave,

Thanks for the filter aid. Getting used to using it but it sure makes cleaning the paper filters a lot easier.

After you left last night I finally figured out where the burning smell was coming from. I had my canner right up against the stainless counter. No problem there except that the counter is supported by a 2x4. The flame from the canner was lapping around that 2x4. Once I hosed her down and pulled the canner back we were back in business.

Mark

[3% Solution]

Hi Mark,
Yeah the aide sure makes quick work of those filters and really claens the syrup good!!
Fire and 2x4's aren't good inside a building!!!!
You guys have a good set-up going!!!
After we left you folks last night we pick up 53 gallons of sap and I finished up this morning with gathering 20 more gallons.
Boiled it off this afternoon, made 2.5 gallons of medium.
We're up to 16 gallons so far.
I'll give you a call the next time we boil, so you guys can come over.
Happy boiling!!!!!

Dave

[3% Solution]

Ran over to Cornish this morning to help out NH MapleMaker for a few hours.
Nice place you have there Jim.
Really enjoyed be able to help out.
Sap was running here a bit this afternoon, however I think I will gather tomorrow afternoon.
A bucket with 1 gallon of sap in it is a pretty heavy object, maybe my buckets won't blow off the trees tonight!!!!!
Stay safe and keep boiling!!!

Dave

[3% Solution]

Good Morning All,
Went out yesterday afternoon to pick up what sap had run since Wednesday, about 53 gallons and Mother Nature's RO worked nicely!!!
Now comes the good part, I have this one place with buckets, it's right at the height of land and it's wide open.
Dumped a bucket out (sap and ice), hung it back on the tree, walked part way around the tree and the bucket I just hung came off the hook and hit me in the back!!
Hung it back on the tree and bam, hit again.
Put the ice back in it to hold it down!!!!!!!!
Got back home and the line from the truck into the sugarhouse was froze .............. and it's still froze ............ nice afternoon, but the neat part was when a partridge followed me around the yard and came within arms length of me. He was clucking and walking around.
Told him I couldn't help, he should find one of his own!!!!
Looks like the GD wind is back for another day!!!

Dave

[3% Solution]

Hi all,
Well got the pipe thawed out this morning.
Drained the front pan this afternoon and it is now soaking in White Vinegar.
Looks like it will remove the sugar and clean things up pretty well.
Looks like things are going to start over here this Tuesday with temps in the 40's.
Hang on Jim here it comes!!!!
You'll be boiling 24 / 7 soon.
May have to get the second shift at night!!!!
Happy Easter to all!!!!!!!!

Dave