How about no campfire? November 18, 2016, 01:38:27 pm I know I am not alone in finding campfire smoke unpleasant and irritating, and my spirits lift when pulling into a campground with a posted ban on open fires. While I don't mind gathering close to a well-behaved firepit for socializing when 'social camping', I try not to be camped nearby. There now seems to be a proliferation of portable propane fueled 'firepits', which will also usually be permitted where open fires are not. I encourage this trend...Steve 3 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #1 – November 18, 2016, 02:39:25 pm Quote from: Steve - November 18, 2016, 01:38:27 pmI know I am not alone in finding campfire smoke unpleasant and irritating, and my spirits lift when pulling into a campground with a posted ban on open fires. While I don't mind gathering close to a well-behaved firepit for socializing when 'social camping', I try not to be camped nearby. There now seems to be a proliferation of portable propane fueled 'firepits', which will also usually be permitted where open fires are not. I encourage this trend...SteveI'll keep that in mind if we ever get the pleasure of camping with you and Nancy again!
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #2 – November 18, 2016, 03:46:48 pm There does seem to be some genetic predisposition for campfires - park, put the awning out and light a fire. We enjoy them if the weather is cool and there are several people to enjoy it with us. We detest those who light one when the weather is warm and let it smolder all day. It worse than cigarette smoke. 1 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #3 – November 18, 2016, 04:15:27 pm NOTHING is worse than cigarette smoke. 😭 Smoldering fire pits are a nuisance but can generally be avoided unless bad luck with the wind.Cedar wood fires. Man, I love those when well tended. 👍🏻 1 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #4 – November 18, 2016, 04:25:33 pm "I know I am not alone in finding campfire smoke unpleasant and irritating.."----No, you're not; over the past several years, I've been relieved when a campground states that wood campfires are not permitted.I've camped (and built campfires) for a lot of years, and I certainly understand the "camaraderie" appeal of a campfire (and as a source of warmth on a cold evening), and acknowledge that some campers still rely on a fire for cooking. And, I can still deal with a properly made campfire, but, IMO, fewer and fewer people have the faintest clue on how to build a campfire that doesn't stink, constantly smoke, smolder, and/or threaten to engulf the whole area in a conflagration! It seems to me that a lot of "campers" use wet or "punky" wood, pine cones, lighter fluid (or gasoline!), and throw whatever garbage, cigarette butts, diapers, beer cans and other crap that happens to be around into the fire pit and leave this to smolder and throw a pall over the campground, not only all day (and night!), but also after they've left! I realize that campfire smoke is not an issue for many people, and that a campfire is considered an essential element to the camping experience, so if I'm in a smoke zone, I just leave the area (and park next to Steve! ) or go inside the rig and close up. As always, YMMV! Joan 1 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #5 – November 18, 2016, 04:38:40 pm Well .... Have we become a bunch of old timers? The best part of camping with my boy was watching him play with the fire at night. You know, throwing things in it when I told him not to and cooking marshmallows. He just kept cooking them and wanted us to eat them! The next morning he couldn't wait to try to get it going in by adding a few leaves to the embers and blowing on them until he had a little fire going.Having said all that .... I guess they are annoying for everyone else. 1 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #6 – November 18, 2016, 04:40:06 pm In the east (could be true elsewhere too) we are now limited to wood purchased from the camp stores. That is due to several things; imerald ash beatle, other pests, and a explosion in campers. If we were still allowed to collect wood the hills and hollers would be baren. My fires are "smokier" than they were when I collected my wood. But at least they are a manageable size. Seems there is always someone that wants a council sized bond fire for him and one dog. Then the go into the tent to let it burn out. By the way I wasn't talking about a few embers smoldering. I talking about leaving a live fire unattended.
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #7 – November 18, 2016, 04:41:54 pm It's mostly just us but we do enjoy a campfire and burning some marshmallows 😊Ed 2 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #8 – November 18, 2016, 05:02:55 pm We are in both "camps" Our close gang always gathers round a fire. We each have built fire pits in the yard to socialize around. We stand in the rain around the fire at elk camp. We clean razor clams around the fire on the coast in January. We remember those members of the group who are no longer with us. A couple of members like to have the fire going day and night, and that wood better be well split- no smoke! Even so, my wife and I have dedicated clothes we wear at fire time to save the closet from having a smokehouse aroma. She comes from a place where the campfire is not part of camping, and when we travel alone we have always eschewed a fire. We try to choose campsites without have a neighbor's fire ring under our window. We dislike listening to the uproariously funny people out talking each other over their fire. This year we enjoyed smores with our son and daughter law- she made the Graham crackers and marshmallows from scratch, he brought boutique chocolate. That's the end of smores for us. There will never be better. So my pard, she is warming up to the fire. We like a small one beforesunset to ward off mosquitoes and cook dinner. We put it out before it gets cold out and go inside. We have great little fires. Except when buying wood in certain National Parks. I swear the wood is treated with fire retardants. There is no way to make a decent fire with it. Funny thing happened on this subject. In September we were camping at a USFS CGin the Sierras just east of Tahoe. We could smell the burning forest quite well. We were re-planning our route because where we were heading was closed due to fire. Along came the host, to sell us firewood! I registered my surprise that fires were allowed. He told us no problem, this is a concession run CG. Fires are fine. As we declined, he warned us not to use LED headlamps, because they are just too bright. We carefully watched the fools around us for errant sparks, and left as soon as possible. Oh, not to be too ranty, but the ban on transporting firewood should be enforced as vigorously as the inspection for waterway invasive species. 3 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #9 – November 18, 2016, 05:17:33 pm Over the decades, the sweet scent of a campfire has lingered in the campground memories of my daughters and my senses.When the aromatic campfire tinged air wafts past, we look at each other and simply and almost in unison say, " Smells like Yosemite". We both sigh and long for that warm and cozy feeling that is a camp fire.Ahhh...Darn it all. Then came one fateful trip to I don't remember where. Campers were all aglow with the amber hue cast by the campfire blaze. And the wind drifted past us and we breathed deeply the acrid stench of a hundred damp and smouldering logs. Retreat! Clamber into the LD and breath deep the last of the evenings fresh air. Open a window? Not a chance. The stinging aura of the fire filled night prevented such a simple task. With that night, came a new found appreciation for secluded camping and mid week travel.We love our campfires and that tall glass of wine, roasted marshmallows and dessert time treats. Warming by the glowing light, pushing embers in a pile and the final douse before the lights go out. Ah, a campfire. Can't wait for my next, just not everyone else's.Kent 1 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #10 – November 18, 2016, 05:38:45 pm How about no RV's..tents only..Makes about as much sense. And there are still a lot of parks in the east where they have wised up and are allowing dead wood collection again..In fact we were recently at Green Belt right beside I95 very near Washington DC and I don't know the official policy but collecting deadwood was done by several. It seems that those that don't like campfires should limit themselves to Rv Resorts. Now garbage burning is a very different thing.Garry 1 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #11 – November 18, 2016, 05:45:15 pm "It seems that those that don't like campfires should limit themselves to Rv Resorts."----You're entitled to your opinion, but perhaps expressing it in a less "inflammatory" statement would seem less judgmental and dismissive of the concerns of others? Joan 2 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #12 – November 18, 2016, 06:34:38 pm Quote from: Garry Foster - November 18, 2016, 05:38:45 pm"...there are still a lot of parks in the east where they have wised up and are allowing dead wood collection...".Last March while staying in Upper Pines Campground in Yosemite Valley it was open season on the wood left behind from the trees that had been felled in Upper Pines adjacent to the first loop. What a treat! What a disaster...damp, wet from the freshly fallen snow and rain. Made for a poor fire but it was a chance of a lifetime. How often can one gather wood in The Valley?Heading back in April. Wonder what the Rangers have in store for us then?Kent
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #13 – November 18, 2016, 07:03:17 pm Sitting outside, on a cool, dark night, without a fire, is bound to be an early evening for most.There is something primal about sitting around a fire at night, must be from having 3% neanderthal genes. We have been using a propane campfire for almost a year and love it. And our friends like it too.I hate wood smoke, it does terrible things to my sinuses, so this has been a nice find. Many of us, who camped camped all our lives, have become sensitive to wood smoke as we have aged. We all have been in campgrounds where the lack of wind and a good inversion layer, produces a smoky, stagnant air condition. For many, conditions like this can trigger asthma and other respiratory problems. Daily exposure to heavy wood smoke certainly has become a issue in some SoCal beach communities where campgrounds are next to residential areas.A propane fire is much cleaner and cheaper too, compared to buying bundles of fire wood.We have a small Little Red Campfire, it's good for up to four to sit around.Amazon.com: Camco 58031 “Little Red Campfire†Portable Propane Camp Fire:...If you are going to Q this year, last January they were selling for $35 less.Larry As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #14 – November 18, 2016, 08:49:44 pm "...the ban on transporting firewood should be enforced..."Poking around in several hidey-holes up on Sonora Pass I came across a pile of firewood someone had left behind, well seasoned and cut to size! Not one to walk away from such a treasure it loaded itself into the trunk of the CRV. Back at camp it managed to find a warm dry home in one of my outside compartments. And there it remained!Fast forward to my last trip to Alaska. I crossed the border in WA state and headed north. During the next three months I crossed and re-crossed many other borders, several Canadian provinces and into and out of the U.S.. Finally it was time to go home... at the border crossing, again in WA state but at a different location, I was 'stung' for the fact that I had a load of contraband firewood. When I offered the fact that it was born and bred in the good ole USofA they allowed that if I wished to keep it I would have to go back into Canada. So, my long traveled wood was confiscated by the Gestapo and I was allowed to proceed.
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #15 – November 19, 2016, 12:37:25 am Quote from: desertdivanm - November 18, 2016, 11:03:32 pmI finally "bit the bullet" and bought:Outland Firebowl Deluxe Portable Propane Fire Pit My brother owns the same pit and we used it last weekend wile camping in Anza-Borrego SP. It's a well built piece and should last for years.It's a lot bigger than my Little Red pit and uses more propane but it can accomodate 6-8 persons and produces a lot more heat.Stay warmLarry 1 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #16 – November 19, 2016, 02:20:00 pm Quote from: Garry Foster - November 18, 2016, 05:38:45 pmHow about no RV's..tents only..Actually, it makes a lot of sense, though as an RVer you may have lost sight of the pleasures of tent camping. A tent is generally rather non-obtrusive - does not block out the entire view as a line of RVs will. I hope tenters never have to totally forgo camping in an environment where they can appreciate the simplicity of the experience. Perhaps they should stick to just backpacking?Steve
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #17 – November 19, 2016, 02:50:22 pm If you're into glamping, and have room to haul all the stuff around, a propane fireplace works, I suppose.For us, wood is a campfire ; not propane.To each his own. 👍Ed 1 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #18 – November 19, 2016, 05:25:36 pm On this trip we have talked about a propane fire. As we walk the CG at night we see people with a nice little fire close by the camper and the flames are inviting. We don't have the space for one, and there are a couple of things I would pack before this, but I get it. We installed the LP fireplace at home, our first one. We rarely use it, since it provides a flame but no magic. Our neighbors removed theirs and installed a wood burning stove with a window that we all share at. There's magic in the coals. Even in burning chunks of coal. And how I would miss splitting wood.
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #19 – November 19, 2016, 07:29:30 pm I get that many people may prefer a gas fire vs. wood, but for us there is nothing like the popping, heat, and even the smell of a well-attended wood fire. It just brings back so many fond memories! In our previous home, we had a nice natural gas fireplace that even had a remote control- talk about convenience! While the flames were always inviting, we much more enjoy a real wood fire in our mountain home on a cold and snowy night! Our kitty enjoys it as well! 1 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #20 – November 20, 2016, 08:50:49 am My cedar wood fire story:We were to take delivery of our 04 RK bright On day 1 of our LD love affair. We were flying out from (then) Lincoln Nebraska in August and got to the airport in plenty of time to catch our flight. The weather was fine but unfortunately our flight was coming through Chicago where they had high winds and the flight got cancelled, Being a small airport there were no other flights out that could have gotten us to Ontario so our plans were sunk😒 Those plans had been to take afternoon delivery on the day we flew in at Vegas (do they still have that silly rule that a driver takes you to Vegas where the paperwork is done?) stay at a casino that had RV parking (can't remember the name but don't think they have that anymore) and then on to Grand Canyon for a few days.Well, we didn't get in until day two. We took delivery, went to Walmart and grabbed some items to supplement the things we had shipped to the M'Ship and then drove (first extended truck experience) like mad toward the Ditch. There are other funny parts to this first drive that I'll skip for now for the sake of brevity except that we followed a rain storm all the way there. We never were in the rain but we drove on wet roads for miles and miles.So, we get to the Ditch so late that there was no one manning the booths so we saved the entry fee to the park. We drove to the campground and there was a master list of who parks where, found our name and site and drove to the spot. We were exhausted and wrung out.Finally, after one LONG day we swung open the door and WHAM!!! The scent of wet cedar from the storm that had just come through and cedar fires blazing slapped us in the face and nostrils like I can't even describe. I long for that smell every time I get to a campground now. At RMNP this summer they sold cedar wood and I bought numerous bundles and had cedar fires throughout the rest of this summer and into the fall. I still have some left for next camping season.Aaahhhhh, cedar fires. It's like a drug!!!😆😆😆😆 1 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #21 – November 20, 2016, 10:30:41 am Maybe becauses the sense of smell is considered the most evocative of memories. To paraphrase Proust, the aroma of a madeleine brings back (his) childhood. For me its burning autumn leaves. 2 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #22 – November 20, 2016, 11:02:40 am Quote from: paul banbury - November 20, 2016, 10:30:41 am "...Maybe becauses the sense of smell is considered the most evocative of memories. To paraphrase Proust, the aroma of a madeleine brings back (his) childhood. For me its burning autumn leaves..."So true. As a teenager, I spent my high school days on stage for our Municiple Recreation Center's theatre troupe.A very popular "scent" to wear at the time was Musk Oil. I still have a small vial from those times nearly fifty years ago.Occasionally, I will take a small whiff of its heady scent and I will be immediately transported back stage to one of our troupes most frequented venues.It's truly amazing how fragrances effect our senses and memories. Perhaps that little vial should be included in my relics from the past in the LD and I can take a sniff at my next campfire. And like a Phoenix rising from the ashes, I'll go up in a blazing puff of smoke. 😏Just a thought.Kent 1 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #23 – November 20, 2016, 12:53:57 pm "...the sense of smell is considered the most evocative of memories."I grew up on a farm where my Grandfather worked with draft horses under harness.In my pre-senior years I was touring a former RCMP Post in southern British Columbia where I encountered a 'harness shop'. The minute I stepped through that doorway my olfactory sense took me immediately back to my Grandfather's barn and I stopped in my tracks with involuntary tears streaming down my face. 8 Likes
Re: How about no campfire? Reply #24 – November 21, 2016, 08:54:48 pm I saw the Little Red Campfire today in person. It is miniscule! I haul a little bundle of dry kindling that is bigger. But I cant figure out how to cook the turkey breast for Thanksgiving dinner on the propane fire. Gonna stick to the wood for now. 1 Likes
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