I'd always assumed that maple syrup came out of the tree that way, but no. Maple sap is actually very watery and thin, only about 1% or 2% sugar, while the thick stuff you pour on your waffles is 65% sweet goodness. To get it that way you boil it, in this case using a big outside smoker thing, leaving it for hours and hours; they use over 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup.
While all this was very interesting, the one question on everyone's lips was: when do we get the pancakes? The answer: at the end, which was fine, but only a couple of small "silver dollar" ones. Most shockingly, the syrup on top was made from sap they shipped in from New England! We did get a small taste of genuine Wheaton maple syrup, but only on a lollipop stick. It was dark and rich, and rather good, but I'm afraid this great state will have to find something else to be famous for.
A beautiful, tranquil day in the park with Virginia.
Well, it was (and this is before they had sugar).
Our ranger demonstrates.
How to spot a maple tree! Apparently they have symmetrical branches.
An easier way to spot a maple tree.
Pre-syrup sap.
Sorry Hannah, not alcoholic.
Boiling it up.
Finally, some actual Maryland syrup.
And then pancakes.
