The sugar house is a magical place at any age, but especially when you are no taller than the evaporator and the steam is streaming off the surface like special effects at magic show. When I bring a group into the sugar house, we take a minute to absorb all the sights, sounds, and other sensory details of the place. The steam stands out, of course. The fire snaps, crackles, and pops as it consumes and digests the wood; the blend of smoke and sweetness could be bottled and sold as the scent of New England in March; and occasional drops of water land on the tip of your nose, the confirmation that indeed Land’s Sake has created a climate system of its own.
After the group takes it all in, I guide each child up the steps overlooking the evaporator and each one has the chance to look over the steam and gaze upon the liquid in the transition from sap and syrup. Sometimes I ask them what color they think it is, other times I ask them if it is ready to be put on their pancakes yet, but mostly I let them gaze on the foamy bubbles on top, most reminiscent of class V rapids to me.
Amy, Land’s Sake Educator
