Boiling Begins

This weekend Aiden and I went back up to the sugarhouse to spend a day boiling with cousins. Many Munsons (Memorie, Newt, James, Jacob, Jeni, Glen and Ciara) made long and not-as-long treks from VA, PA and MA to join in the fun for the weekend. The sap was running slowly, so instead of bucket brigade we all got to hang out and watch the boiling in action. The first 8 gallons or so of syrup have been bottled, and Dad is in his annual glory.

It's a constant job to keep a wood-fired evaporator fully stoked and burning hot. You have to feed the fire every 7 minutes, and Dad keeps a little egg timer going constantly to remind everyone. The kids were VERY helpful bringing in wood from the woodpile to the sugarhouse. Too helpful, in fact, since once they got going they were having so much fun that the pile in the sugarhouse was almost out the door. It's never been that high before, and Dad was so liberal with the fire-fueling that the temp got a little out of control and some caulking on the sugarhouse roof caught fire temporarily! Oops! No permanent damage, luckily, and we toned it down a little after that.

Aiden was very upset when Timber snuck in and stole a log from out of his hands on his way to the sugarhouse. The adults were all busy either snapping pictures or laughing hysterically, so needless to say he didn't get much sympathy. As usual, crisis was over in 2 seconds when a replacement log was handed over.

Grade A Fancy, the first of every season

It was another gorgeous weekend (we are getting spoiled now) for being outdside and enjoying the spring sunshine and good company. We're hoping to get up a few more times before the sugar season is over, so stay tuned for more sweet adventures.

Jeni and Ciara

Jacob on the still frozen pond

Jacob and Aiden busting up the granular ice

Jacob and Ciara through the sweet maple steam. I wish this photo was scratch and sniff, because the smell is heavenly in the sugarhouse when we're boiling!