A sure sign of spring in northern Wisconsin is making maple syrup. Tonight we tapped 30 maple trees on our property which meant trudging through the woods from tree to tree with buckets, taps, shovel, mallet and drill in tow. While the temperature was nearly 40 degrees today with bright sunshine, there is still A LOT of snow in the woods (thigh deep at some points). I love spring and I love the process of making maple syrup, but forgetting my snowpants tonight prooved to be a chilling mistake. Despite having slightly numb ankles and calves, it was thrilling to see the sap already running out of the trees when we drilled the holes! So the next few weeks will be filled with evenings of collecting sap, boiling it down and hopefully resulting in six to seven gallons of maple syrup by the end of the process. The best part is sitting around a fire watching the sap boil down and the many conversations with family that flow like spring sap.
Let It Flow
Published by hollysqrd
I am a third grade teacher in northwestern Wisconsin. I enjoy being outdoors with my family fishing on Lake Superior, snowshoeing, and riding motorcycles. I enjoy my own quiet time in the garden, digging in the dirt, and growing delicious vegetables! View more posts
Slice of Life Challenge 
Wow. I love reading about an experience that I haven’t come close to having. Thank you for sharing this. Your last line was the BEST- family resting together, conversation flowing like the sap. Great ending.
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Sigh. You and I are living very different lives. I used to spend my summers in a place that, during the winter, produced maple syrup. I always wished I could be there in the winter to experience all the snow and also to tap the trees. Reading your post makes me want all of that again. 🙂
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I read a book with my students about how people tap trees, but I never met someone who really did it! What a FASCINATING post! I am in awe of what nature provides and the skills of people like you and your family. What a cozy picture you described at the end…it felt like a moment from the past. I spent my day here in Indiana cleaning out flower beds in 50 degree weather…quite a contrast!!
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This line really helped me visualize your experience through the woods, “trudging through the woods from tree to tree with buckets, taps, shovel, mallet and drill in tow.” I so enjoyed your fun simile at the close of your slice, “The best part is sitting around a fire watching the sap boil down and the many conversations with family that flow like spring sap.”
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