As this gorgeous Easter Weekend draws to a close, I wanted to share a few pictures of one of our annual family traditions: the trip to the Sugar Shack.
We have been visiting Sugar Moon Farm since the children were little. We follow Sugar Moon’s sap journal, and usually try to time our visit so that it coincides with ‘sugaring’, the boiling of the sap into maple syrup.
We were lucky that we were able to witness the boiling again this year. The aroma in the air is amazing!
Maple Syrup is one of those really amazing things that nature does …. a true gift. And what it takes to extract the syrup from the tree – the know-how, labour, patience, timing, and diligence – reminds me of what it takes to extract art out of artists. There are many astonishing facts, for example: it takes 40 liters (about 10 gallons) of sap from the maple tree to make one liter of syrup. And this has been done for 14,000 years! In Nova Scotia, you only get about half a liter of syrup per tapped tree. Is everything slower here?
So naturally, before we sit down to the delicious meal served in the Sugar Moon Pancake House, we must honour the trees when we come to visit. The walk up into the maple forest is part of of the family tradition.
… as is the fact that the Easter Bunny takes this occasion to make an appearance!
Never too old for magic! They joy is shared with whatever children happen to come along the path after us.
Everyone has to look high and low…
We lucked out this year: It was such a glorious day!
I suppose a family portrait at the top of the hill is a tradition, as well. We have these going back years! Here is this weekend’s:
And here is one from 2006, just for fun (seven years ago, wow!). Amazing to think that those same children have now pretty much left the coop ….
On the way down, you can clearly see the sap-collecting tubes leading to the sugar camp below. It’s hard to see in this photo, but I thought the black tubing made a rather beautifully elegant line.
This year, Samara, daughter of owners Scott and Quita, was particularly delighted by the Easter Bunny’s visit.
We will likely return in the Summer or Fall for an off-season visit. Then, the menu will be extended, including many blueberry dishes.
Sugar Moon has many exciting things going on, one of which is their Chef’s Nights. Check out their extensive website, or follow them on Facebook. What a Nova Scotia treasure they are!
