Tree Tapping!

Well, this warmer weather means it's time to tap the maple trees!  For those of you who don't know, I have some friends who make maple syrup and last year they recruited me as a helper.  I consider myself an apprentice.  This is no small operation, mind you.  These guys know how to do things right--you will be amazed!  We have been tapping trees for the last three days (alas, I forgot to count the number of taps--I'll have to get back to you on that one) and will start collecting the sap tomorrow.  Watch for more posts and updates on our progress.  This post just shows some of the tapping.

We use plastic spiles and tubing--it is so convenient!  We run the tubes into gallon, two and half gallon, or five gallon jugs depending on how many taps are running into each jug.  This tree is up the hill a ways, so it is nice to be able to run a long tube down the hill to the path.

The guys get really into their "gear."  Last year they bought these two "go buggies", as they call them, to run the sap.  They will put large tanks on the back that we pour the sap from the jugs into to take back to the "sugar shack."  I probably should mention that two of the guys are in their seventies.  It is so funny to be around them; I need to start writing down their expressions to share with you.  Mostly we manage to keep the buggies on the path, but not always.  Imagine bush wacking through the woods in one of these (up steep hills, I might add) with a 77 year old at the wheel.  Pretty exciting! And, never fear, after getting snarled in some hanging grape vines he says, "We'll get through here; I've got a chainsaw in the back!" 

We use a cordless drill to do the taps.  Not as quaint as those old-fashioned drills, but much more efficient and when you are doing that many it makes a big difference!

Tapping in a spile.

View of Duncan Falls from the top of the hill.

Looking up the Muskingum River Valley.  (I wish these were clearer pictures--will have to try again later.)

Check back for more Maple Syrup making posts!