a little field trip

We were blessed with another winter (spring???) up-north getaway. The main goal was supposed to be a field trip to see some maple sap-tapping in action ... but we managed to cram in some fun and rest as well :)

Perhaps Skip-Bo is more fun in a bathrobe???This kiddo wants to play Clue too ... Little Honey is so happy ... I love my brother :) Some homemade bread that was promptly devoured ...
Little Blondie loves playing with this mini cast-iron stove ... and pots and pans ... Apparently the kids are ready for summer ... or at the very least ... spring! Halo made batch of sun-tea ...The kids wanted to eat supper out on the porch ... it's enclosed, but not heated. Halo had to try out this shade chair ... Foof is geared up with a life jacket and pool noodle ... don't ask me why ... actually, I think all of the kids -- even Baby -- donned life jackets for a bit. And pinwheels ... those are a fair weather thing too, yes??? As for the sugaring ... sap-tapping ... whatever you call it ... We learned that in order for the sap to run ... it has to freeze at night and then be above freezing the following day. The freezing causes the sap to travel down into the roots ... and then the warmer temps allow the sap to flow back into the tree ... and be tapped out into a bag. When it finally stops freezing at night ... the sap ~ which is like the blood of the tree ~ moves to the branches and enables the buds to form. They can collect sap for two to three weeks.
A few of their trees ... they tapped 300 this year ... How much sap is needed to make syrup depends on the sugar content of the given sap ... Sap tasting ... tastes like lightly sweetened water ... The Owner ... has been helping make maple syrup since he was two ... since he could carry a pail. He's writing down all of our names so he won't forget them ... Syrup is being made in here ... the Mrs. Owner said this evaporator machine ~ it's much bigger than what you see here ~ costs as much as a new car ... not sure what kind of car though ;)