The Fire Ring

[Bobby Bass]

Yesterday I spent some time digging out the fire ring. Buried under several snowfalls the ring lay deep sleeping under the snow. I knew where it was because of the slight hump under the snow and it has not been moved in years. Getting the snow blower out I worked around it blowing snow in a circle away from it. With a shovel I scraped away the snow from around the edges till I had the ring cleared again. The next part was easy as I added some broken branches and some kindling that was supposed to be for the fireplace inside the cabin. Using some newspaper and some shavings from the wood shop it did not take long for flame to jump from the wood match to the waiting pile. Standing back I watched as smoke curled skyward and welcomed the crackling of fire once again. Without thinking I had created an arena in the snow. The fire ring sat on the floor with the walls of the arena created by the snow blown up around it.

With the sun setting it was getting dark fast but the arena had the reflections of dancing flames lighting the snow walls around it. The snow retreated from the heat and patches of bare ground appeared around the edges of the pit. While blowing the snow back I found a few of the maple stumps around the fire pit that we use to sit on during the summer. Moving them closer to the blazing fire some steam was rising from the sides closest to the flame. The snow was melting from one side but still clung to the bark on the other side.

With a long slender stick in hand I sat on one of the maple stumps and poked at the fire. My coat unzipped I could feel the heat and smell the smoke as it swirled around me. The sound of the crackling burning wood filled my ears and the sparks jumping held my gaze. From time to time I would follow a spark as it tried to escape skyward into the dark sky of the night. Trying to reach the other specks of light high over head they would burn out and disappear in the darkness of the night. My eyes would then be captured by the star filled sky, different then the summer sky but still twinkling back at me. A loud crack and a small fireworks display of sparks would pull me back to the flame in the ring. Moving embers from side to side with my stick I would work the fire like I could improve on it. Soon the flames were low and the embers burned a bright cherry red. I would add small chunks of wood to the embers and they would sit for a moment before bursting in flame or slowly catch fire as they dried.

Gloves off now my hands are warm, but my back was cold. I turn a little and let some of the heat hit my back. Standing up to pull some more branches closer to the fire I don't have to move far before the heat from the fire was missed. I return to the welcomed warmth of the fire, I move a maple stump a little closer and stretch my boots towards the ring. How many hours have I spent in front of a fire ring, how many stories have been told around the dancing flames. Friends come and go but it seems even though the fire is different it is still the same. Like looking at the moon no matter where you are you can share the sight.

So after letting the fire ring sleep it is uncovered now, open for business so to speak. We can gather around the ring and tell stories of friends and family, Stories of dogs and trucks, fishing rods and boats. Hunting trips and memories to be shared. Rushing rivers and quiet bays, deep sweet smelling grass and geese calling in the twilight. If there is a common thread it may be the fire in the fire ring. There are stories there, just look deep into the fire....

[Blaze]

Sounds like a good blaze, Bobby. I'd love to join you sometime - I'll bring some leftover firewood and a 6 pack of Sumkindabrew. Thanks for takin' the edge off my boring Friday afternoon and hope to see you on Lake Iwanttobethere soon.

[bturck]

Sounds like you may want to begin another profession, that of outdoor writer. I can smell the sweet smell of the burning wood and my ears are finely tuned to the hypnotic crackling of the burning logs. Good post. Bill

[Schloogs]

Great post bobby, thanks for the enjoyable read.

[lovebigbluegills]

I agree with bturck, you ought to be an outdoor writer. That was a great read, and it wasn't tough to imagine myself in your story. Thank you for your time, I'd love to read any other writings you may have.

[Bobby Bass]

Just go to the Lake Iwanttobethere string here and you will have hours of reading..

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/647943/97/Fishin_report_for_Lake_Iwantto

Thanks for reading !

[lovebigbluegills]

You're the man Bobby, thanks for the link. Have you had any of your writings published? Or just do it because you enjoy it?