We're making syrup

April 10, 2018 - Tuesday

13 degrees/clear skies/calm winds

Pentoga Road

It's begun. As of 3:08 Monday afternoon, a fire was lit and the boiling down process is officially under way. There's no going back now.

First things first. The day began by hanging the freshly washed sheets out on the line. They smelled like the North Woods last night when we went to bed. Wonderful.

I rode to Iron Mountain with Sargie later in the morning to retrieve the Blazer. After doing some shopping, I bid Sargie goodbye and headed to Jiffy Lube to get an oil change on the Kia.

I had to wait for a few minutes, but was thankful I arrived when I did. As soon as I got in line, a parade of cars and trucks arrived and had to wait behind me.

I stopped to see Ross and Holly for a few minutes. As only Holly can do, she took a fresh cake, made from scratch, from the oven shortly after I arrived. Now that's kitchen magic! 

Of course, the cake was to die-for-delicious. Just as good was that Holly sent several large pieces home with me.

Back on Pentoga Road, I noticed the sap had run and a few bags were full. There was nothing to do but grab a bucket and hop on the snowmobile. All in all, around twenty gallons were collected.

One of the trails heading to the south maple woods

And so the maple season progressed. I was busy the rest of the day either gathering sap or keeping the boiling pans filled.

Grandma Sargie and Hambone walked in the door last night around 9:30. Grady was ready to head to the woods and collect sap, but I assured him there'd be plenty for us to gather over the next three days. 

I convinced the boy that a late evening bowl of ice cream would be more fun than collecting sap in the dark.

Sargie's off today. Both are up and at 'em and I'll be heading outside to light the fire and begin boiling in a bit. Neighbor Mike is on his way down from Marquette and has volunteered to either man the fire or help collect. It's going to be a busy next few days.

Looking at the forecast, I see that there's the possibility of a major snowstorm this weekend with temperatures to remain well below freezing. I've decided that we'll collect until Thursday and finish boiling what we have. After, the taps will be pulled and we'll call this season finished. It's been less than stellar, but I've got other irons in the fire.

I love the snow sitting on the tulip plants INSIDE the garden center at Walmart. There's just something horribly wrong with this picture.

After all, a man's work is never done.

So are the tales from Pentoga Road...

I know I'm obsessed with icicles. This one is hanging from a kayak completely to the ground.