Go Time

What a week it's been.

Wow.

Six days ago we were out in the woods after a last minute decision to replace old pieced together lines in an area that we weren't originally planning on tapping this year.

It's been seven months now that the littles have been a part of the family-- and they haven't skipped a beat.

They insist on being hands on and learning and helping with everything and anything that they are allowed. E did a great job of placing the saddles and drop line attachments on the new tubing that we ran.

At that time, based on weather predictions, our plan had been to tap tomorrow 2/27/21.

I swear I'll get to a science lesson one of these days-- but essentially for quality sap production the weather needs to be above freezing (ideally mid 30s-low 40s) during the day and continue to drop into the 20s (below freezing) at night.

And as of a week ago--the majority of this week was supposed to remain froze solid--- so no hurry on our behalf to get our taps in---

And then in typical Michigan form--- the weather forecast drastically changed.

And I swear we have the best support system/friends you can find.

There are about half a dozen people who show up (even unasked) and each put dozens of hours in a week with us during our production time, and ask nothing in return.

As anyone who makes syrup knows-- there isn't much profit to be had in small operations-- but we can offer warm meals, cold beer and lots of syrup.

And this was no exception.

Tuesday morning, when we realized how drastically the weather had changed-- a few phone calls later and Rob and Dad Guiles showed up, no questions asked.

They even took the time to teach the littles all about tapping, and let them get their feet wet (literally because the snow is still over their boots) as well.

And in record time, I kid you not, all 500 taps we plan to place this year were set.

Less than 2.5 hours.

Wow.

(It makes the idea of expanding to 1000 taps net year less intimidating seeing what we are capable when we get down to business.)

And immediately the sap started filling the spiles flowing into the tubes.

Over the last two days we've collected at least 800 gallons of sap, and expect the flow to be even heavier the next three days until we get a break (with the predicted freeze on Monday).

The pan is flooded, the fire box is filled, and as soon as we get home from our "real jobs" tonight, syrup production officially begins.

Here's hoping for a safe and successful season and looking forward to all of the laughs (and cuss words) and community that it will undoubtedly bring.