Tuesday Feb. 20, 2024

A beautiful sunny day with a high about 52 degrees. Everyone off to their 9 to 5's today leaving Bob home alone. Last eve Bob, Gerri, Kelsey and Evan tapped the south path only and Brad drove Walle around ing dropping off lids on the north path. 

Kelsey wondering about tasting an icicle she found. Bob wanted to discuss what this might be. Gerri wanted both of them to get out of their ADD modes and walk faster! Not that we can't appreciate our surroundings, but, we were on foot, at the far end of the woods, without lamps or vehicles....near dark.  

Bob was seen earlier in the day checking out trees. He was checking out all the changes since his last walk in the woods...yesterday. 

Since the trees had buckets and lids beside them, Bob walked the north path and tapped that all by his lonesome! 

Kelsey joined in at suppertime and helped him finish the north part of the woods. Brad got more lids out and helped to finish the East path. Gerri joined in the last 30 taps. Brad drilled the last one at sunset at 6:33pm. All tapped. 476 taps. Sap running. 2-3 inches of sap in the buckets on the south path tonight. 

There was a family meeting in a cold camp with warm pasta. Bob says today was warm and wonderful until it wasn't. There is a fair amount of preparation to do yet to be ready to run. The newborn lambs have made a pact to only arrive in the middle of the night. It was 52 this afternoon and supposed to be 18 Friday night. Although this is classic syrup weather, still takes some planning to keep everything temperature appropriate, people included.  

Bob sent out the first warning text for the season tonight. We ran through various scenarios about how tomorrow might flow. Beauty sleep voted highest priority for the rest of today!

Brad would like to reassure Adam that we have located all the parts for Walle...the tank, rachet straps, steps and hardware...they are not yet assembled but Brad has seen them. Adam may be more inclined to attend opening day if he knows we are ready to play ball.

Bedtime update:

476 taps.

 3 inches of sap in the buckets on south path.

north and east dripping. 

2 lambs in labor..............