Perhaps it’s just me, but every time I hear the five aforementioned title words, my mind instantly pictures Billy Joel rocking away on his piano! Maybe, just maybe after reading this entry, your mind will instead think of summer 2022 and how prepared you were for Fire Season!
No, not fire season that destroys countless forest ecosystems and both animal and human lives. We’re talking backyard coziness served up in several different scenarios!
1). Date Night with your special someone… blanket and beverage of your choice… optional 🙂
2). Hot dogs, sausages and s’mores prepared by kids, toasted and maybe roasted by grown-ups and enjoyed by all!
3). Solo situation of staring into the heart of the flames and contemplating life with ENYA serenading your surroundings.
Wherever you land on the list, the star of the show is always the fire! I have spent an inordinate amount of time researching and consulting with experts (both on YouTube and in-person) about proper fire starting technique. What I’ve gleaned from said experts is what I’m sharing now!
Dry wood— moisture is the literal wet blanket, uninvited party guest that shows up to the Fiery Fiesta. Keep the wet stuff far away until the end of the evening!
Hammer and Sword— If you’re picking up the wood from King Soopers or your friendly neighborhood 7-Eleven, you’ll need something sharp to chop but something equally menacing to propel and partner with!
Kindling— Here’s where my own personal experimentation may differ from those who have pioneered before me. I believe in the power of paper… no book burning for me, just a random mailer insert or some old and yellowed newspaper from the basement or garage. Additionally, I discovered through a happy accident the power of wood trash. You know, the bark bits and small wood remains from your time of contented chopping. Sweeping those bits up and saving them allows for built-in kindling. In the same manner in which salt and pepper are gifts to meal prep, spreading some kindling love will pay huge dividends!
Lastly, you’ll need some heat. Whether you’re rubbing two sticks together like Bear Grylls or searching a junk drawer for that blue Bic lighter, proceed carefully and enjoy what your hard work and planning has produced!
The link below will take you to some of the most popular campfire creations!
Types of Campfires–Courtesy of KOA
From me to you, good luck and enjoy the 2022 Fire Season!!
Jason
