Some say Spring is near, we know Suagring Season is still here!!!!

These are the maple sap lines decorating the mountains of VT.

After several filtration processes, this is the sap getting "shot" into it's holding container.

Again after two more filtration systems, this is the syrup being tested for appropriate temps.

And we have Syrup!!.... Ready to be sold both wholesale and retail from Black Bear.

But wait, Chuck wanted to taste the authenticity before it is sent off to the stores and labeled Black Bear!!!! All I wanted to do was sniff the sweet aroma of VT's finest product.

We had a wonderful time visiting our friends in VT last weekend. Their home, which is nestled on top of a scenic mountain, was originally built by their great-grandfather, and there has been a history of harvesting maple sap from those hills ever since. Their family's recent generation sold off the sugaring business and supporting land to what is now known as Black Bear Sugaring of Vermont. The new business owner is still thriving, often seen on his four wheeler heading deep into the woods with his large dogs as the lead navigators. This sight is truly mesmerising in it's raw appreciation of land and companionship from man's best friend.

Gopher, in his double-layered-plaid-monogrammed-winter coats watched the entourage head up the hill, and for once decided not to explore further (IE:he actually came back when called)....he thought it better to curl up on the sheep skin rug in front of the roaring fireplace, safe and sound amongst Vt's natural landscape.