Charley, years ago I would make between 70 and 100 gallons a season, but as I get olde, and no one helping out, I just do what I can do. This will be my 28th year doing it, having only missed last year when I was in and out of the hospital. The year before, I did 75 gallons by myself and between all the wood preparation, which starts right after we finish boiling for the season (end of March, roughly) and all the night of boiling, I was about done in. I have always sold the syrup locally. My wife is my best salesperson and she blackmails everyone in her office, and all throughout her other offices. I've gotten a few others started on their own operations, and one of the PGCA's newest members is one of my former trainees. He collected over 500 gallons of sap today, and all I can do is smile. That's the difference 25 years makes.
I set out in the Land Rover (after bleeding the clutch, adjusting the brakes and drying the ignition) and collect 200 gallons from my 150 taps. I lit off at 10 this morning and came in at 7, boiling off everything I collected. I'll sleep soundly tonight (I'd better, I have to do it all over again tomorrow) but Keith will be boiling all night and well into tomorrow, before he even heads out to collect again.
My biggest issue with selling outside of my area is that postage is so damn high for even a pint.
It's now just after 11pm, and I still have to go out, kill any remaining fire, and close up the sugar house, as it's going to be cold tonight. Freeze ups are a big problem.
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