Unwind and embrace the coziness of a wood burning fire while on vacation! Seneca Lake, NY, and of course I’m burning woodfires here at the water’s edge. There’s no way I’m giving up the glowing magic of a campfire just because I’m away from home. I thrive off a campfire’s magic ability to inspire the camaraderie of friends and family, roast delicious foods, and to radiate the peaceful rise of hot embers sparking into a starlit night.
Whether you’re at home or away on vacation, a wood burning fire has that mystic power to create the most memorable of moments. With just a few necessities, you can bring the beauty of a fire to life…anywhere. So heat up your next vacation with my following list of ‘The Essentials for a Woodburning Fire’.
The ESSENTIALS for fires on the go
WHERE WILL YOU BURN?
In all the years I’ve vacationed on Seneca Lake, my rental cottages had firepits located by the water’s edge. There were no low-hanging tree limbs and the fireplaces weren’t close to any structures. This was the perfect spot not only for safety’s sake, but it came with a great water view too! As long as you’ve got a firepit in a safe location, spark one up!
YOU WILL NEED SOMETHING TO BURN for the HEAT, FOOD and FUN – FIREWOOD!
I was lucky. Firewood is plentiful in New York State especially along most roads leading to The Finger Lakes. However, if your vacation home hasn’t provided any, small bundles of dry wood can be purchased in most grocery stores. If you are not sure dry firewood is going to be available at your location, you can have some of the best firewood available delivered…free! HERE’S HOW
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME
Fire starters are a must-have to efficiently start and maintain any successful wood fire. Using the proper kindling, your fires will start fast and with low smoke.
During my latest Seneca Lake adventure, I started a lot of my fires with recyclable paper products like egg cartons along with dry sticks and fallen tree branches. I also used fat sticks, which are convenient to pack for any traveling adventure.
But if you’re looking for the fastest, easiest way to start a fire, your best choice is HERE. It doesn’t require matches or a lighter. It’s rain and windproof and they even claim it lights wet wood! They’re indispensable, especially for inclement weather.
PLAYING WITH FIRE?
Something you tell your kids NOT to do, right? But truth be told, we all like to have a little fun moving those logs around when they’re burning! A thick hardwood limb from a tree is capable of rustling a few small pieces of firewood. But if you are serious about positioning heavy logs while they’re burning, a durable steel poker with a hook and claw on the end of it works best. There’s a few good portable ones HERE.
CAMPFIRE FOOD!
Ahhh…that delicious one-of-a-kind flavor from food cooked over the hot coals of a wood fire. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows and hotdogs, or cooking entire meals, preparing food over an open fire requires the proper utensils. They help keep the cooking safe and easy.
First, you’ll need a sturdy, portable grill for supporting the food as well as long utensils that can reach within the hottest temperatures. There are so many new and awesome campfire gadgets to choose from.
LA-Z-BOY COMFORT OUTDOORS?
Spending time around a blazing fire is relaxing and should be just as comfortable too. Having supportive seating is important, especially if you’re spending a few hours hanging out with family and friends. With today’s latest styles and creative options, there’s a camp chair for every personality. When’s the last time you saw a rocking chair, complete with a drink holder, next to a campfire?!
More essentials, with a few campfire tips
Maneuvering around a campfire at night can be cumbersome. I use a headlamp (instead of a flashlight) to light my way. It allows my hands to be free for more important tasks.
Ever hear of the outdoor blanket? It’s water-resistant, lightweight, packable and…warm! Think of those chilly nights sitting ’round the campfire wrapped in warmth. It can be used for hiking, the beach, and festivals too! Check it out HERE.
Firewood storage can be a pain when away from home. When I’m vacationing, I pack my TFH-1 firewood holder. It’s the portable firewood holder that keeps your firewood supply close by, safely stacked and manageable. This way I can store the wood in a dry area and when needed, I move the wood holder near the firepit (It’s easily transportable!).
A tarp is always a safe bet to pack along with any trip away from home. It has so many uses. I use it to cover a picnic table full of food if an unexpected rain shower comes along or to keep my woodpiles dry. Great article HERE , on how to use tarps for protecting firewood supplies.
A 5-gallon bucket is another multi-use item. It can be used for carrying firewood, collecting sticks for kindling and of course for holding water or dirt to extinguish the fire at the end of the night.
FIRES ON VACATION
There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy the wonderful spirit of a blazing wood fire when you’re vacationing away from home. Just think of all the fun you’ll have hanging out with friends and family around the warm, glowing flames of all that dancing energy – and let’s not forget all the delicious fire-cooked meals and desserts!
When you’re away from home, if there’s a firepit, it only takes a few accessories to bring the magic of a blazing woodfire to life.
Be safe,
BZ
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