Stopped by a buddies today for a bit, to catch up. He had brought up 60 gallons of maple sap, and started his homemade "pot". I really need to start getting into this. He also is into the bees and honey big time, so that might be something I need to get into as well, especially with our new board here on beekeeping.
Nice wood fired evaporator. Very similar to one I used to tend. We had a tin roof over the top to keep rain, snow, and most of the crud out of the syrup.
CJ if you get started with both bees and maple syrup, you will be a busy man - but the sweet rewards will be SO worth it.