Welcome to Mount Kisco Maple
Read about the latest maple syrup happenings in Mount Kisco, New York.
First Boil of 2024
February 9, 2024
There were good conditions for an early run of sap and an open schedule for a Friday boil. Some complications with the reverse osmosis process provide some challenges, but the rest of the conditions were perfect and there was a good boil by 8am.
Old friend and bandmate Glen stopped by to check out the process for the first time. Admiring all of the white steam he asked if anyone had ever called the fire department. I explained to him that over the last 10 years of making maple syrup, only once did a neighbor contact me to make sure everything was okay. Well, within ten minutes, the fire department paid us a visit! The first firefighter on the scene immediately radioed back that it was just a couple of guys making maple syrup and sent the trucks home. He did stay a few minutes to ask about the process, offered to trade me some of his chicken's eggs, and wondered why we were not yet drinking any beer. We had a follow up visit from a very friendly police officer who took my name, DOB, etc, and asked about how the maple syrup process worked. I kept it brief in case he needed to include it in his report.
It seems one of my neighbors from another street, who I don't have any interaction with, called in a very exaggerated description of smoke billowing from a house that kept the officer searching for the blaze even after initially seeing our activity. I'm still not sure if the neighbor was generally concerned or just annoyed at me, but I learned a few lessons from the experience:
- First responders certainly have to respond to quite a variety of situations.
- They also have their own very interesting hobbies.
- It is not illegal to make maple syrup on your property.
- Get to know ALL of your neighbors.
Glen suggested that I deliver some maple syrup to my concerned neighbor, which seems the most appropriate, neighborly response.
Ray and Glen
The Trees Have Been Tapped for 2024
February 3, 2024
The conditions have seems right for a few weeks, but my past exerience has kept me patient. Thirty trees have been tapped and the sap is already flowing! Feels like it's going to be a good season.
First Boil of 2023
February 11, 2023
I had collected over 100 gallons of sap and concentrated it to 5% sugar using reverse osmosis, and the weather and my schedule were perfect for a Saturday boil. Having time to prepare everything on Friday, I got started at 7:00 am, and the pans were all boiling by 7:30 am.
Coco has had a tough year, so I placed a comfy blanket on the ground so she could keep an eye out for visitors.
It wasn't long before Markus arrived with bagels and beer. Soon after, Duke came by to learn about the process, and brought a bottle of rye whiskey which will be perfect for maple old fashions. When people ask about how maple syrup is made, I stress the importance of having maple trees (duh) and explain the overall process, but maybe downplay the amount of effort and endurance needed to stand outside working the pans and feeding the fire for nearly 10 hours. For me, that endurance is fueled by lots of coffee, friends, and beer. Although I forgot to snap a picture of Markus and Duke, their contributions were greatly appreciated.
Jon brought Klaus the German Shepherd who Coco has avoided since he was a puppy due to his size and spirit, but they peacefully coexisted with some space (and a leash) between them. Mike also stopped by during his busy day to learn about the process.
Jon, Mike, and Klaus
Eric brought non-believers Carolina (his daughter), and Bruce (his brother), who were quickly converted to members of the sticky sweet club.
Eric, Carolina, and Bruce
The fire remained hot after adding all my collected sap, and I was able to reduce it all to about 5 gallons of nearly syrup, finishing around 6pm. I will finalize the rest of it inside at a later date with a hopeful yield of about 3 gallons.Thanks to all that stopped by and especially Jon for staying to the end.
The 2023 Maple Season Has Begun
February 7, 2023
The trees have been tapped for about a week, but the cold snap prevented any real production. The past few warm days have already resulted in over 55 gallons of sap, so it looks like we'll be boiling soon.
Coco and the tap wagon.
