Sun and Sap

Today is the nicest day of the year so far--it’s sunny and nearly fifty degrees. As maple sugaring operations swing into high gear, all the farmers seem a little extra jolly. While there’s still snow on the ground, Farmer Jeremy has been driving a bobsled pulled by Bill and Jesse through the sugar bush, while Farmer Rob and Intern Virginia empty steel sap buckets into containers waiting in the back of the sled. Schoolchildren are visiting the farm today to learn about old-fashioned maple syrup making, under the tutelage of several of Howell Farm’s historical interpreters.  Farmer Jim is in the sugar shack, starting to bring the sap to a boil. Maggie the farm dog seems in good spirits too as she makes the rounds from farmer to farmer and follows the sled.