Campfire, takeout and a tree stump ...

Chow time
Originally uploaded by SeabeeCook

No, I'm not in a state of denial about an approaching forest fire. Nor am I picking at my food. I was trying to hide the remote as I fumbled the fork

It was time for one of my campfire, takeout and tree stump sessions up Iron Mountain Road up past Jenkinson Lake in Eldorado National Forest. My last campfire was Veteran's Day 2007.

Until I got involved with the El Dorado Western Railway three years ago, my son and I had a tradition of a campfire and Chinese takeout twice each month.

Two Saturdays each month, we'd shoot up the Eldorado National Forest road to our favorite spot about one and one-half miles beyond the information station. IMR, also known as Mormon Immigrant Trail, connects Pollock Pines and Sly Park with State Route 88.

We'd clear a spot, light a campfire and set up folding camp chairs. A book or two and my ever present notebook occupied our minds as we took in nourishment and the mountain beauty.

It took two or three hours for the fire to burn down to a glowing bed of coals. That was our signal to drown the fire and move out. From there, we'd drive forest roads for another hour or so before heading home.

I've chronicled several campfires on this blog over since 2005. I don't really need to repeat what I've written in the past.

But I will quote campfire cooking expert Johnny Nix:

Something about a campfire invites people in. Strangers start telling their stories. Pretty soon they're not strangers anymore. When you're outdoors, you get a real connection back to what God has created for us all to enjoy -- good food, good friends, the love of family and a sky with more starts in than their are worries in the world. Cooking over the campfire isn't quick, but that's the point. It slows life down enough to remind you of what's important. So come and join me on the range.(Guideposts, August 2006.)

I think that says it all ...