The Native Americans used a method of making a hollow log, which would then be filled with collected sap.
Then they would put hot stones into the sap, raising the temperature and evaporating the water. We saw a demonstration of this. It was neat to see the fire-heated stone sizzle in the cold sap. We learned that they made maple syrup "cakes" instead of syrup as it was easier for storing and transporting. We got to try some maple sugar candy that would have been similar to their "cakes".
We also learned how maple syrup was made in colonial times. The sap was collected and put into a large cauldron. The cauldron would be hung over a fire. (Here's a mini version. We did get to see a big cauldron later on...but I didn't get a picture for some reason.)
We got to see inside a sugar house....well, it would be more like a sugar shack I guess. It was enclosed in a tent. We saw how maple syrup is made today. We also got to sample some maple syrup that was made the day before.
And sometimes, when the wind hit right, we were engolfed in the steam of the heating sap and the smoke of the fire.
Next we went into the log cabin, which was made to look as it would have in pioneering days. We purchased some maple sugar candy, maple cream candy, and a book about making maple syrup.
On the way back, Georgia wanted me to get a picture of her in front of a tree she thought was beautiful.
And here's another sign found along the way.
It was freezing and windy...but we had a wonderful time and learned not only how to make maple syrup, but some science and history as well.
When we got home we had a taste test between real maple syrup and pancake syrup. Mark and Georgia were able to distinguish which one was the real one!
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