In respect of social distancing and following the rules; we drove straight there, we did not talk to, or interact with, any locals and we did not buy any products in the local stores. The cabin is very remote and there are no people around. The only thing you will see there is deer, turkey, geese, squirrels and birds. My wife found a great article on social distancing and maple syrup, the link is here. Appropriately, it is titled "The most Canadian self-isolation: Making maple syrup."
There were very few cars on the roads and gas varied in price along the way. In Orono we saw gas at 71.9, Peterborough 75.9, and in Bancroft 77.9.
The weather was good for the most part, but it wasn't the warmest day. It topped out at 14 degrees in the sunny mid afternoon. A few times it clouded over, rapidly cooled off and we got very light flurries. Then, the sun would peek back out and give us some relief.
We emptied the buckets for the last time, as the sap is no longer running up there. There were moths in some of the sap buckets which is a sure sign the sap is done and spring is (finally) here. I started the boil as my better half went back into the bush to take the spiles out of the trees.
Once the boil was in full swing, we sat in the sugar shack to stay warm and played music. It was beautiful, because for a day everything felt normal and the world was not in chaos. We had order, sanity and joy in our lives for a day as we were distracted by our labour. Lunch was home made burgers on pretzel buns, heated on the sap evaporator. (A large fireplace like apparatus used to boil down sap)
Once we finished up, we packed up and headed home. It's a long, tiring day, but it's a labour of love and was a welcome distraction.
Once home, a light supper and margaritas to celebrate an awesome 2020 maple syrup harvest. I can only hope 2021 provides such an awesome yield.
Please remember, try to stay positive, follow the rules, help where you can and be kind.
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