Made some

Boiled down 1.5 gallons of sap just for a taste (and before a cold week that will likely produce no sap). It is very light in color and taste, but is good. 43:1 ratio, so the sugar content is pretty good for this time of year. Off we go!

The taps are in.

Well, I really think we're on the edge of the right weather. Today and tomorrow are warm, but then it's barely above freezing here. And I'm usually a few degrees colder than the forecast. We'll see.

Snow?

Well, so much for the trail. It snowed about 12" Sunday night. With high winds, the snow drifted everywhere. Some people in the area are tapping, so I guess it's time. Looks like 30s to 40s in the coming days.

The buckets and extra steam pans arrived today. Time to clean and sanitize.

Made the trail

We snowshoed around the property today to set up a path to the tapped trees. We went to last years and many more...a total of 29. Although, I only have 20 taps. Not sure what I'll do there. We also trimmed some of the pine/fir boughs blocking the sun.

Ordered the stuff

The last couple weeks were spent looking for good deals on supplies. In an effort to make tapping, collecting, storing, and boiling easier, here is what I got.

(10) Spiles - local feed/farm supply store

(20) Sap buckets - online...hoping they arrive this week!

(10) Storage buckets w/lids - Craigslist, 8-gal. each, also used for gathering.
(2) Propane burners - Home Cheapot online after a massively frustrating experience in store.
(2) Steam pans - online...to speed up boiling this year.

I need to make a lot of syrup to make up for the money I've spent!

Let the 2009 season begin!

Welcome back. I've started thinking about the 2009 season and what things I'd like to do differently. Last year, I only made just shy of 1 gallon of syrup. So, my first goal this year is to make more syrup. Second, boiling took a long time, so I'd also like to reduce that time.

So far I've purchased 10 more taps, more filter paper, and some funnels. Now, I'm looking for outdoor propane burners (the gas grill approach didn't generate enough heat to maintain a boil on cold days).