30 more taps using the sap-sak bags are out. Total taps: 410. If we have a normal season with 1.5 pints per tap we should get 75 gallons of syrup.
Storage tanks are clean. A tank of water for the initial R/O membrane wash is ready. We have new PVC pipes from the storage tanks to the evaporator. The galvanized pipes were old and heavy. Last season we had a blockage in the pipes. See http://mapleacres.com/?p=1898 These pipes are much lighter, use stainless steal valves, and are food grade with NSF-PW rating. PW is for potable water. We spent several weeks planing these pipes to properly identity and source all the fittings. We aren’t experienced plumbers.
Tomorrow we’ll connect the R/O hoses. We also plan to collect. There are 1-2 quarts in the pails, but it gets colder and Saturday and Sunday. We want to collect before the sap turns to ice.
We stopped by the General Contractor for our house. While commenting that we expect the season to start slow because of deep frost due to lack of snow cover during the January cold spell, they commented the frost is 57” deep. They had to dig a septic system trench. Typical frost depth is 48”
Low 40s and cloudy today. Light frost overnight. Into the woods by Noon. Back to the farmhouse by 4:30 PM.