Roger Gervais of Wales feeds the evaporator with wood Monday at Jillson’s Farm & Sugarhouse in Sabattus. Gervais cleaned the evaporator by boiling water in anticipation of making the first batch of maple syrup Wednesday morning. “The sap is really going to run good,” farm owner Ed Jillson said about rising daytime temperatures this week. Jillson said the last of 1,500 buckets were hung Sunday. “The season is starting right on time,” he said. This is the 22nd year Gervais has been making syrup on the farm. “The truth is, we always say this is going to be the best year ever,” Gervais said. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal Buy this Photo

Leonel Reyes looks Monday for the next maple tree to tap in Sabattus. Reyes finished hanging 1,500 buckets Sunday and touched up maple tubing Monday in anticipation of a sap run Tuesday and Wednesday. “The sap is really going to run good,” Jillson’s Farm & Sugarhouse owner Ed Jillson said about rising daytime temperatures this week. “The season is starting right on time,” he said. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal Buy this Photo