Unwilling to admit defeat, while in Stowe this fall, we returned to the sugar house that had baffled us so last winter.
This warm, fall day brought about quite a different sight than the snow covered wilderness we faced last February.
We traveled the same long, narrow stretch of road, crossing over the same one car bridge, and reached the same building we had left empty handed of syrup and filled with questions.
Remember, this stone covered, one lane road had a thick coating of snow in February. To the left of this picture, it dips down several feet. Yes, images of our car tumbling down most definitely impacted my reaction to everything about how we handled our first sugar house visit.
Did I happen to mention it was cold?
We felt hope seeing that the door with the permanent “Open” sign was actually open. This time we also knew where we could properly and safely park our car, so we went in together.
Again, I’m blaming the cold as my excuse for not being in tune with what exactly was going on inside this building the last time we came*. Last time, I entered the building, marveled at how it was just as cold inside four walls as outside of them, noticed jugs of maple syrup, called out an awkward ‘hello’, turned to see a desk covered in papers, waited a minute contemplating the syrup, and then ran for my life fearing I was either about to be murdered or trespassing on someone’s private maple syrup stash.
*And if you figured it out back in March when I first blogged about this, you are a saint for sparing me the embarrassment of you calling me out on it while also allowing me to figure it out on my own.
This time we entered, and saw the same jugs, though this time I noted the items on the shelves above the large jugs. On the previously paper covered desk, sat a metal box.
Immediately, we both whispered, “It’s like a farm stand!” Then, upon further inspection of the box and the neat pile of pamphlets beside it, we recognized a set of directions for payment and a sheet on which to note specifically what was purchased.
Again, I am blaming icicles for brains as to why I couldn’t comprehend this last time. Also, I’m from Jersey. Farm stands are comprised of fruits and vegetables, and occasionally, honey. Maple syrup, a farm stand item? Mind. Blown.
As we considered what to purchase, one of the owners came out and helped us. She noted how often people who visit their sugar house purchase the smallest sized bottle: a pint. “That’s enough for a week, maybe,” was her sentiment regarding such a purchase.
We agreed.
That’s why we left with a gallon of maple syrup and a pint size bottle to use and continue refilling.
Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm
256 Falls Brook Lane
Stowe, VT 05672
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