Rambling in the Woods

The maple syrup season has ended. My twelve taps only produced about nine liters this year. There would have been a couple more if it weren’t for that unfortunate burnt sap incident. When we tapped the trees there was still snow on the ground, although not a lot:

Some snow in April took care of that:

As of three days ago we were still getting some interesting ice patterns on the puddles and ponds in the morning:

but that hasn’t stopped the garlic

or this crocus:

It’s amazing how much can happen in a month.

The sap is running:

Except when it isn’t:

Overall this is not shaping up to be a great year for maple syrup for me.  Between human error – I burned an entire batch while distracted by a home movie – and uncooperative weather – warm nights and overcast days – I am not getting much syrup.  I have managed to squeeze out a couple of liters  and I have enjoyed checking the buckets but so far I haven’t a lot to show for my efforts.