Sydney, NS -
An unusually early run on maple sap this February has local syrup producers rushing to tap trees and get production started as spring-like weather continues across Cape Breton.
Paul MacKenzie is surprised by the early start to the season since last year's sap didn't begin to flow until late March due to bitterly cold winter conditions.
"This year it is the direct opposite," said MacKenzie, who operates Highland Gold Maple Products.
"I knew in January something was up, so I started tapping in the last week in January, which is probably about two to three weeks earlier than I normally start tapping."
"The sap has been running for about the last two weeks. I've gathered some in the last week (last week of February) but not to the same extent as what I've done in past years just because I'm not ready."
MacKenzie said it takes about 12 days to tap some 8,000 trees in woods off the Bourinot Road. He said he'll be working through the weekend to finish that job.
