Nothing happening right now except waiting, waiting, waiting. It is not my favourite activity. Mist, well, she thinks that waiting is just another excuse for a nap.
I work at occupying my mind with pleasant thoughts; thoughts that focus on what is right in the world. One of them concerns cooking at the camp. We do not want to put or leave anything of value at the camp. There are portable rocket cooking stoves on the market, that are a marvel, using twigs for fuel. Now, one thing we have in abundance at the camp is twigs. However, the price tag on the rocket stoves is high. I considered getting one for Attila for his birthday, but decided the cost was just too great, and that we would not leave such a valuable item at the camp. “Aha,” I thought, “maybe there is a DIY version of a portable rocket stove.” And you know, there is! Portable is a bit of stretch though, because the economical rocket cooking stove consists of four concrete blocks and a small grill. It can be left at the camp, as it resembles, and actually is, a small pile of concrete blocks. The plans are loaded onto my computer, and Attila is picking up the concrete blocks this week. I will look for a grill at the local dump. So on our weekend, which is Sunday, we will either temporarily setup the rocket stove at Grandpa and Granny’s house, or carry the four blocks through the bush, to the camp, and setup our first cooking stove. I even have an old kettle, and some old mugs to leave at the camp. I will be able to serve tea to company!
A tip of the mug and cheers!
Worldly Distractions
Weather
11°C
Date: 7:32 AM EDT Thursday 5 June 2014
Condition: Cloudy
Pressure: 100.9 kPa
Visibility: 16 km
Temperature: 11.0°C
Dewpoint: 7.6°C
Humidity: 79%
Wind: NW 13 km/h
Quote
“Waiting is painful. Forgetting is painful. But not knowing which to do is the worse kind of suffering.”
Paulo Coelho
I love that Ricket Stove! So easy and it seems to work great — get out the can o’beans and hot dogs… I am wondering about cooking something on the grille – maybe a big old cast iron frying pan would fit on the top to cook a steak… there are endless possibilities. But start with tea… small steps… I wouldn’t even both lugging the blocks away each night… just lay them randomly on the ground and throw leaves over them.. just take the grille away maybe…
I can see your readers (us) are going to be learning lots of survival tips from you two! You three, rather! xxxx
Rocket Stove… not Ricket Stove…
Good idea about scattering the blocks Bex, and I doubt very much anyone is going to try getting a few measly cement blocks across the mega-ditch! LOL I really like the idea of the cast iron frypan, it would have to sit on some kind of trivet, or other device, to raise it up, so that the rising air from the fire can still escape. I am really looking forward to giving it a try.
Attila and I both like roughing it a bit, our camp has the potential for being a lot of fun!
Masonry Heaters… Rocket Stoves. What I learn from visiting your posts!
A friend of mine who was silly-spoiled once observed that camping for her was staying on the first floor at The Plaza in NYC. *groan*
I’m somewhere in between your definition of camping and hers.
Last winter left me slack jaw when I read your posts. I am now doubting if I will ever close my mouth again while reading your posts. You amaze me!
It sounds fab! And I am so happy for you.
You have inspired me to dig out my old photo albums to see again the lean-to I cooked and ate in one summer with a beau. I may scan and post the pic; bet you’d get a chuckle.
To each their own Reenie, your friend sounds like she knows what she likes. Personally, I find the confines of affluence shackling, in the extreme… I could have chosen it, I did not.
Attila and I are having fun! Other than the driveway, we have no plans to spend money to improve the camp. We have a lot of plans to invest ourselves in this modest plot of land, felling trees, spending time cooking out of doors, visiting around and about, sitting and looking out over the fields where my Great Grandparents and Grandparents farmed. We think ourselves lucky indeed, and wealthy beyond measure.
Kate I would love to see that pic! Actually, soon I will be looking at ideas for a shelter, a place to cook and sit out of the weather, while we are at the camp. Your lean-to sounds intriguing!
Maggie: I’m concerned that my comments may have offended. No political editorial or wealth evaluations or any judgments at all were intended. My humor flopped. I am thrilled for you and this exciting revisited chapter in your life. Your words and photos allow me to be the tail on your kite.
Reenie, oh dear, your comments are in no way offensive! I hope, in turn, my reply did not imply that I had taken offence. I am glad you voiced your concern, because I it gives me the opportunity to tell you how much I enjoy your comment, I always do. I feel the same way you do about your friend’s idea of roughing it, we are on the same page.
Nothing like an outdoor fire to bring you closer to the natural elements.
Hey Maggie! Sorry for my delayed response. Yesterday was about as crummy a day I’ve had in a long while. My health is splendid – it was everything else. Why can’t the universe align to my concept of perfection. I’m so relieved that I didn’t offend – because I seem to be doing a lot of that around the Internet these days. :)) (Not really) I’m just going through a bad patch. I think you’re super-duper and I sooooo look forward to continued updates. Will or does your camp site have a name? Later!