Emptying the evaporator of the last sap is always a challenge. Have to balance amount of sap remaining in pan so it doesn’t burn, with getting a low level to avoid lengthily cooking on smaller platforms. Achieved a good balance today.
Pondered starting the evaporator or emptying in milk cans to finish in the syrup pan with water in the flue pan. Choose to start the evaporator because it cooks faster. Had a good boil after 45 minutes. Got a batch in the milk can. Then stopped firing. 20-30 gallons remain. Will empty the all reaming sap into milk cans. Fill flue pan with water then cook out the sap in the front syrup pan.
Half the buckets and spout down. Tomorrow we bottle.
50s and sunny today. 35 overnight. Into the woods at Noon. Back to the farmhouse by 4:00 PM.