It's getting darker

1st three batches , from light to dark. We're into what should be a good run as the temps are cold at night and warm during the day. The volume of sap is amazing.

The end product

Here is a sample for color comparison of the two batches that we have finished so far. It is interesting, the experts say that as the season goes on the syrup gets darker.........thats what they say. In this case we did a better job of keeping our second batch boiling and it turned out a bit lighter in color. I can't say I can tell the difference in flavor between the two. But maybe when we get to the end of the season there will be a difference. I'll let you know. Next boil, maybe Monday?

Haul and boil.......

Boiling pan

Just started a fresh batch and got 15 gallons to a boil in 40 min. The system is working great and I just wish that I had more trees to tap

Hauling in from the woods

This part is more work than one thinks it might be when contemplating this venture. Soon we will have some sweet sweet syrup to dribble over sourdough pancakes. If I could only make a living having this much fun!

Door knobs

Mushroom style pull 3" dia

I couldn't resist , I needed to put some sort of pull on the door to the sugar shack and so I turned a couple of different styles as an exercise and to add a little class to an otherwise dilapidated old building (that I might add has a new life and will now be cared for with a new attitude.)

Colonial style 3" dia

This is the more ornate of the two and my mate requested that I put it on the inside where it is more protected. They may look nice but they are just knobs to pull the door closed.

by the way: we will be boiling Monday morning as we are in a good run and we have 50 gals of sap gathered and ready to go.

Maple syrup

Here's a shot of the old ice house that the previous residents ,the Amish, used for ice and we are now useing as a sugar shack. It keeps us out of the wind and a little warmer on the cool nights boiling sap.

For a bit of a change from my woodworking I just finished our maple syrup evaporator pan and wood fired arch. We just ran our first batch of 35 gallons of sap through the process with all its inherent difficult moments and we learned a lot. What fun! The door is open just to help show what is going on.