SPRING, It's Getting Closer.

Getting things set up in the sugar bush for an early run,

When to tap?  Be sure to wait until the temperature stays consistently below freezing (32 F) at night and above freezing during the day. This is when the sap flows. If you tap too early in the season, the hole will seal up and will need to be drilled again. The best time to tap for most of NE Iowa is usually  early February.

 What tools do I need

• A tap or spile (a spigot used for taking sap from a tree). You can buy or make your tap from anything that fits tight and directs sap into a bucket. I use a short length of copper pipe.
• A drill. I use my grandfathers hand drill and a bit that matches the size of my tap or spile for a tight fit. Drill about 1-1/2 to 2 inches into the xylem (water carrying layer of wood) of the tree. Smaller holes and taps work just as well as larger, and they heal faster.
• Something to catch the sap in.  I've used bags in the past but this year I'm using buckets and jugs.

 Down to the Mill for music and dinner 

 We caught Memphis vocalist and harmonica player Brandon Santini is undeniably a worthy player to keep an eye on.  He is an awesome harmonica player who's respect for traditional blues with a present, colorful style of playing that is often compared to Paul Butterfield.

 If you're looking for something to do Sunday afternoon -We're at the Great River Gallery and making Valentines!! 2-4pm, at the River Ridge Brewery.