Campfires

As campfires are on my mind. I was thinking that there seems to be an art to building them. Everyone has their own style. It’s very personal and shouldn’t be tampered with by others.

I build mine in the Lincoln log style, a small cabin 4-5 logs high with small twigs and other tinder stuffed in the middle. That’s my style; I have no qualms with the teepee, lean-to, or any other configuration.

Now for the most important moment, the lighting. I’ve seen many ways, flint and spark, some pride in doing it with one match. I take the lazy way, lighter fluid, and a small Bic lighter. Usually gets it going no matter the wind or moisture. Soon it's flaming high, bright sparks start floating high with the breeze.

Time to sit and relax. But something is captivating about campfires, the bright red-orange flickering flames will catch your eye and will draw you in. Friends will soon join. At first, everyone is quiet, then someone will say it’s a perfect evening for a fire and the reminiscing begins. Tales and stories of past camping trips, who was there, and who was missing, and who we wish were here now. “Remember when", is how they start. Stories told countless times, but are still as funny as the first time. A campfire makes a good time machine.

As the fire burns down the wood, it's time to add logs as needed. In every group, there is the watcher, the guy who jumps in, takes over, keeping the fire ablaze. I don’t mind, I can sit and watch him labor. I have a poker that I keep close to the fire, but one in our group bought a special fire tool. It looks like a giant pair of pliers. You can grab a log and put it anywhere you want without getting the hair on your hands singed. What fun is in that?... Where can I get one?

Before long, no one keeps the fire going and it slowly fizzes out. One by one the group starts to dwindle, heading to their tents and sleeping bags.

Goodnight.