I just had to pass this on. When we were out west about 4 years ago, we bought firewood and collected wood from campsites that had been left. We stored this in our camper and used it on each of our camping trips.

Well, there was about 2 pieces of,  I guess Western Cedar, that we had gotten from the Grand Canyon that I kept saving. Every time Tom or the kids would get it our to use for a fire, I'd put it back because I'm very sentimental and it reminded me of that wonderful trip. Well we kept it about 3 years.

Well, last spring, 2005, we were getting ready for a trip, and saw those 2 pieces of firewood that I had been saving in the back storage compartment, they had termites in them!!!!

We got rid of them fast. We inspected our 5er very carefully, but did not find any damage.

We learned a big lesson, not to store firewood in our 5er when we have it parked. We now try to find wood where we camp or buy fresh wood each time we go out.

Ann

That was a good lesson, thanks for sharing with the rest of us. I saw a sign at Henderson Beach State Park last weekend telling everyone not to take wood from the park. It has some kind of beetle (I can't remember the name) but it didn't sound like something I would want to bring home with me. I guess it is a good idea to follow that sign I often see here in Florida. If you brought it, take it when you leave and don't leave anything but your foot prints in the sand. We are always dragging fire wood around with us. I guess we better be more careful huh?

Here's a question sure to elicit a very spirited discussion.... (Howard, I think this is the right category for it)

Campfires, being as old as mankind, have an undeniable human allure. From the primal hunting and gathering of the wood (e.g. buying the bundle at the camp store) to the physical satisfaction of staking out the pit (o.k. the pit was already there), to the trials and tribulations (marital and otherwise) of actually lighting it to the splendor of those succulent 'smores to the very essence of stories 'round the campfire.

But, campfires do have a dark side. How can the very light of our fire be dark? Your clothes stink. The entire campground is awash with second-hand smoke. They are downright dirty. And, quite often, forbidden due to local fire alerts.

OK, before you send a letter to my Congressperson, Have you seen these portable propane powered fire pits? One brand is at http://www.fire-science.com/firedancerpit.htm (and can be had for <$100 elsewhere).

I know, I know. Tacky, cheesy, downright un-American and absolutely un-camp like. But, has anyone tried one? Seen one in action? Know of a better one? Just like we are slowly seeing the decline of the charcoal powered BBQ (yes, sacrilege) in favor of the propane powered patio might we also see a demise of the wood campfire in favor of the propane powered pit? Could you still respect someone, even a fellow RVer, if they happened to fire up a propane pit in your presence? Could you, would you even have a gathering 'round the campfire if this was the fire?

Please politely proffer your postulations...

-- Edited by RVDude at 19:47, 2006-09-03

-- Edited by RVDude at 19:47, 2006-09-03

-- Edited by RVDude at 19:52, 2006-09-03

I actually saw what you are talking about at a RV show in Pensacola this past Spring. I thought it was a great idea! It was about $100-$150 depending on the size. It put off lots of heat and I thought it looked nice. It had its own fire-ring around it and glowing-burning embers. Looked like the gas log sets you can install in your fireplace. The porcelain logs glowed red and it all looked pretty real. I just don't think s'mores would taste very good done off this type of fire.

My children have this strong desire to build fires when we go camping. They love to gather the wood, stack the logs and start the fire!!!! Especially our son. Then they keep putting all kinds of things in it, to watch it burn! I know our neighbors must really get annoyed.

So I think that if the kids weren't around, this new campfire ring would be great. I do wonder how heavy it is??

Ann

It looks like something I would like to have on my patio at home. It looks pretty nice, but I don't know about taking it camping. There is something about the smell of the fire, the burned hot dogs and the goey marshmallows dripping from that dirty old stick (ok we really use the medal sticks) that makes it feel all warm and cozy. It makes you feel like you are "camping." I have a hard time convincing my friends that we are camping when I talk about the ceiling fan, air conditioner and central vac. I think I would lose them with a propane fire pit
My husband just had to have that $600.00 propane barbecue grill. He used it one season and is back to the charcoal. Some things just can't be replaced!!! (Like a good wife and a good husband )

Let's hear it for charcoal...    

Rah, Rah