A campfire may provide warmth and light and even heat for cooking but it is also a wonderful place around which to gather with friends. We are lucky enough to have a large flat area above our home where we have built a rather large fire pit. Whether it is just my husband and I, or a gathering of friends, one of the joys of a campfire is the atmosphere it creates.
Building the campfire is always an afternoon activity. Everyone walks into the woods collecting fallen sticks and branches. Often the chainsaw is taken out and a few dead trees are cut up to add fuel to the fire.
Long sticks are cut to provide a method for toasting marshmallows. After all it wouldn’t be a try campfire without ‘smores!
Once the fire is built, the sticks are set aide and there is an ample amount of wood to provide fuel, the chairs are set up in a circle around the fire. Just at dusk the fire is lit. Sometimes only a match is needed, but if the wood is quite wet we also have a torch that we can use to get the fire going.
Summertime is often when we have the most campfires. As the fire dies down and the stars come out it is a beautiful way to enjoy a starlit evening. In the quiet of the woods you can often hear the Barred owls or the howls of coyotes. Recently we had an impromptu gathering of friends and enjoyed a campfire under the November full moon.
Before you build a campfire in your backyard make sure you know the laws of your state. In Vermont it is legal to enjoy a campfire, but if you are building a large bonfire you need a permit. WE always have a hose available but luckily we have never needed it.
Sitting around the campfire with a circle of dear friends is one of my favorite ways to spend an evening. The conversation is always interesting and sometimes there is even singing. Occasionally someone will ask a hard question or share an intimate detail of what’s going on in their life. The conversation just flows. The joys of a campfire are so simple… the warmth of the fire and the warmth of wonderful friendships.
Nancy on the Home Front 
That’s a bonfire for sure. I love a fire, but on our float cabin the only safe place is inside our woodstove. Even so, I love the glow and the radiating warmth. – Margy
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Margy,
We enjoy our woodstock all winter! And yes my husband is a pyro and our “campfires” ted to look more like bonfires! 🙂
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Nothing like a campfire. I love to sit around a fire and roast marshmallows.
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Something very fundamental about staring into the flames & contemplating life. It helps to get the real priorities in the right order. Lovely pictures.
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I agree Katharine! It’s so nice to just slow down and enjoy the warmth of the fire and the warmth of the friendships around you!
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Whoa – that’s one big campfire…I love it! We enjoy having a campfire with our family and friends, especially the grandkids. My brother-in-law would actually start a campfire in the afternoon, and using the hot coals to one side, would cook a delicious dinner in a dutch oven. His chicken and dumplings are legendary. S’mores for dessert. Such great memories! Happy Thanksgiving 🙂
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Vickie,
thanks for stopping by, yes we do tend to have rather large campfires! 🙂 I love your idea of using the coals to cook a meal. Going to have to try this next time! 🙂
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