It took several months

to build the cabin

from logs donated by a neighbour.

they finished in the fall

leaving plenty of time

to prepare the inside

for the boiling of the sap

the following spring.

Trees were marked

in the fall

so that they could be

easily found and tapped

when the time was right.

the sap begins to run

when the days are sunny

with warmer temperatures

and the nights are still

below freezing.

Normally six or seven trees are tapped.

the sap is collected

during the week by a neighbour

and we go up on the weekend

to do the boil.

there is generally only about a two week period in which sap can be collected.

once the trees begin to bud they are

untapped.

The sap is filtered

and poured into

a custom made stainless steel pan.

the woodstove is also homemade

and the guys really enjoy keeping the fire going and,

of course, having a few libations

to pass the time.

Boiling down the sap is a long process.

We've often wondered how many of cases of beer it takes to make

a gallon of maple syrup............

t

h

e

S

u

g

a

r

s

h

a

c

k

When the syrup is

finally done

(that is always a heavily debated topic

amongst the men...)

it's poured into containers

and divided up between those who helped.

we then have a neighbourhood

potluck lunch.

Everyone brings something

and we fry up all the fish

the men had caught

ice fishing over the winter.

Last year we were treated to

moose kabobs, venison chili

and the star of the show was actually

the garbage can turkey.

it's always a feast!

Our boil begins this weekend.

Can't wait for the spring party!