Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Maple Syrup Run
As the last of the snow melts and the sun takes a tentative warming peak out of the
e clouds, Canadians head to the bush to collect maple syrup. We had been invited to check out a small family concern just out of town to experience what it took to harvest maple syrup. Thinking that the process was a very delicate, intricate affair we were surprised to find that the only difficulty was ensuring that the beer supplies were cold enough. This year Canada had an unseasonal warm 
winter and the snow that is usually lying around the Syrup Shack was almost all gone and so a mad chase to collect snow to keep the beer cool was had. Mind you there was someone out there running around on an ag bike towing a milk va
t collecting syrup from the trees. Meanwhile back in the shack the boiling process continued. It took a vigilant team of experts to sit or stand around the vat and occasionally skim the scum off the top whilst waiting for the reduced
syrup to reach 107 C. At this point the water in the syrup is boiled off reducing the final brew by 40:1 and is bottled. This whole process takes hours. So you have to be prepared for a long wait and come with a good yarn or three to share. And don't forget to bring your boots. Alex ended up plonking around in my 
gum boots and I wore my hiking boots. It was very muddy because the frozen ground had started to thaw. This is probably the reason for the syrup run happening at this time. Apparently you tap and start the run just as the temperatures get above freezing during the day and go below freezing at night. The run usually only lasts a week or two as the syrup changes and is not very tasty after this time.# posted by Dibbo @ 6:47 am 
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About time! I've been checking the site out twice a week for something new. You didnt explain the process very well, so that was a tap in the tree with what looks suspiciously like a dunny can hanging off it. So where are the pics hanging around the fire with beers hey? We have completed all our bookings and had our cruise and plan tickets arrived today. Only waiting for new backpac's which will arrive next week, 4 weeks to go.
There you go! I always thought maple syrup came from a jar. I can't believe you actually have to go and get it. Any excuse for a drink!!!
# posted by 
: 5:01 pm
: 5:01 pm
hey hey... waiting on the next post!!! do u still want pics of my matchbox lady artwork???
Love from kezza xxxx
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Love from kezza xxxx
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