Feb 15-16

Wednesday the 15th found Bob alone in the woods getting the two stranded trailers out (one thawed on it's own-frozen brakes from Saturday, and one needed extracted from the mud). There is about 2 inches of sap some of the buckets tonight.

Tractor with (formerly stuck) military trailer. This trailer is used to disperse the buckets and lids throughout the woods when we begin tapping.

Thursday the 16th was a big surprise as it was considerably warmer than predicted, although cloudy. Bob's text was rather funny today (hey- this is not a test, we have full buckets people!). It was answered today by Chris, Kelsey, their friends, Winston & Nick, Brad, Susan B, Charlie and Chuck.

Bob scrambled to get the camp ready for sap. Gerri showed up in time to help rinse out the upper tank with water from the house. Chuck scrubbed the evaporator up while the gang made 3 trailer dumps for a total of 600 gallons of sap! Five gallons were collected on Sandhill Rd. as well. Susan B. made a Marco's run for pizza and pop which was enjoyed by all at 8 pm. By 8:30 we had a nice fire going and sap was boiling. Sue came to visit and as the most awake person in the group led a discussion about what to haul in for supper tomorrow.

We learned today that flashlights might need to be standard apparel on school/work nights with a good run. We learned that Brad could drive the entire woods without getting stuck! Especially in the dark! He is very proud of his driving efforts. (Everyone who left to gather did return- we checked).

Kelsey still has more problems with livestock in the outhouse than anyone else. Today it was a rather hearty mouse. (Where is Jenny when you need her?)

We learned the puppy will need a full head-to-toe bath anytime she makes the trip to the camp. (And this isn't so tough if she is almost too tired to stand up!) We all remembered the comfort of the warm fire and the sweet smell of the sap boiling. Bob and Chuck also recall now why having a good fire going before 8:30 pm is a great idea!  Tonight was a late night.

Total Sap: 605 gallons

Total Syrup: 0