Making of a Winter Fire
Thomas Callahan
There is nothing better than a winter fire. The confidence that you can keep warm on the coldest of days is a good feeling when you're far from the hearth of the home. Better yet, is the ability to enjoy the outdoors all year round. The quiet that comes with the winter wind brings it's own kind of unique beauty. Pair that with a warm cup of joe or just some fire light to warm your toes and you're golden.
Last weekend we headed out to Montauk with a few friends, it was a bit chilly for a surf, so instead we decided to pack up some wood and walk to the beach for a snowy fire.
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The strong wind and the snow on ground set us up for a challenge. We started by setting up the larger logs as a wind breaker, stacking them, one on top of the other, making an arrow pointed into the wind. We used all the small pieces, shaved with the hatchet and knife, bundling them in the little wind shelter made by the larger logs. That, with the help of some dune grass, was enough to get a spark that would slowly give us our fire.
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One of the best days this winter. Just the act of heading outside with friends and the simple goal of making a small fire to warm your bones is enough to make even the coldest days worth getting out for.
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