The return of cold weather has stopped the sap running and we are enjoying a short break. Warm weather returns tomorrow and the longer range forecast looks very promising for a large sap run. Hopefully the sap sweetness will increase as the trees and roots thaw out.

Last week on Thursday night there was a very strong wind storm which blew down a couple of dead trees as well as branches. Of course these trees and branches always fall on pipelines and must be removed. A chain saw is one of the necessary tools for the syrup producer. The picture shows the work required to remove one of these trees.

The syrup we have made so far is all of Amber grade with good flavour. If the sap sweetness improves we expect to make light Amber or Golden syrup as sweeter sap requires less processing time.

Our provisions for coping with Covid 19 are working. Our camp is open but the number of people at one time is limited. The trails are still a bit snow covered but passable and may be mostly bare by next weekend. No Kettle Boys or Shanty Men this year, which is a major disappointment.

The camp is now open daily from 10 to 4 and there is fresh syrup for sale.