We started by using buckets and spiles from both of our parents and the old pan from Kevin's family. Kev built the sugar shack in the months following his Dad's death and we used the old brace and bit and a battery powered (that is a car battery!) drill for a total of 350 taps. We had a pretty good year and had to find somewhere to sell the syrup... and so started our Saturday morning ritual at the Owen Sound Farmer's Market!
Old galvanized buckets from the McCutcheon household and lids from neighbour Mac Johnson
The sugar bush faces north with the escarpment to the south. With prevailing winter winds from the northwest, the snow piles deep around the trees (ridiculous to walk through and carry full pails of sap!). Over the early years, we expanded to 450 taps. Everyone that we knew got calls to help collect when the sap was running. I tried to take holidays at the right time, but Mother Nature never cooperated. I usually did the least work of anyone!
Hence, in 2001, we bought a small evaporator and moved to about 750 taps on pipeline. The theory was that Kev could manage a day in the bush by himself. As the pipeline runs by gravity down the slopes of the escarpment, there is limited activity needed for pumping. Although it is a long lonely day, Kev can manage the operation on his own. Now the rest of us join him to keep him company!
Kev's Mom visits every year during syrup season
The machine that makes it all possible!
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