This edition of The First Campfire is all about the most essential tool for any primer. Whether you need to keep yourself warm or fix a meal, fire plays an important part in any backpacking adventure. It reminds us of the simple joys in life yet the diligence and hard work it takes to succeed. Fires not only represent the dawn of modern man, but the cultures that make us who we are. It was around small camp fires that enemies became friends, friends became families and families became the villages and towns of our civilization. We should never take for granted the powerful bonding nature of firet. After all, it is something we all depend on.
Enjoy this week's post on the Joy of Creating Fire by Andy Busam.
The Joy of Creating Fire
Ah, there’s nothing sweeter than getting a fire going at the campsite. But it is a venture that comes with its fair share of challenges.
You know what I’m talking about. None of us, even the primers, are above the difficulties that come with turning a spark into a chorus of flames. From gathering the kindling and scrapping moss off the shaded old tree trunks to building that perfectly-shaped cone of twigs to house the birthing flame, primers take each step as serious as the next.
The stone strikes the flint and the spark hits the dried leaves. Smoke faintly rises out of the starter you set up. Carefully and quickly you carry the delicate spark of heat to your fire pit. And there you nourish it with dried twigs and a soft breeze. As the spark makes the jump to a flame, you can’t hold a smile back. You created fire. And now you can begin burning the dead limbs and branches scattered about the campsite.
The fire consumes each new piece of wood like a growing child. With pride, you give it more food and soak in the rays of heat it provides. Your eyes burn and you cough as the wind catches the smoke flow and pushes it into your body. But you don’t mind. You push your eyes tight until they water and relish in fiery moment.
The pile of wood dwindles and the ashes compound, and the darkness of night creeps in. You prod the smoldering remains left in the pit and watch the fluorescent red glisten. “Chirp chirp, chirp chirp,” you hear the crickets in a chorus singing. Beyond their sounds all you are left with is the crackling of the fire – the background noise of nature. And it is soothing, meditative, restorative. Out of this fire you created, this earthen matter devoured, this chorus of natural music.
Contributed by Andy Busam
For this additional reading Andy recommends
Enjoy this short video.
Comments and additional tips are greatly appreciated. Come back soon for more tips and advice.
Enjoy the great outdoors!
Your friend and fellow Primer,
Andrew
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