Campfire Songs

Ever since we moved into this house, we've talked about building a campfire area.  Originally, we were going to build it out in a clearing beyond the barn, but the idea of traipsing back and forth to the house to use the bathroom or get more S'More supplies in the dark didn't really appeal to me.

Last summer, the lawn in the side yard between the house, barn and garden pretty much died.  There was a big patch of dirt where the grass used to be.  And a lightbulb came on: why not build the campfire area there?  It's an open area for star gazing, and the sparks won't ignite any trees above.  Close to the house, I can run in and out without worry of Bigfoot getting me.  And it would cover up that ugly dirt patch.

We got to work, dragging and carrying logs in from the various piles Bruce has made on the property, felling dead trees.

There was an old rusty campfire ring already on the property, so Bruce hauled that over and filled it with rocks dug up from the pet cemetery.

Bruce then started cutting up the logs and forming the outer circle.

We then bought 1" Montana river rock (to match the 2" Montana river rock in our driveway and garden) and Bruce filled the ring.

I wanted to connect the campfire area to the path leading out to the woods that the previous owner had made.

Done!

So my next project will be to line the path steps with rocks and fill them in with either rock or decomposed granite (if I can find it up here).

We're very pleased with this spot.

Nestled between the house, garden and barn...

And it's Teddy-approved!

Here's the view from my sewing loft:

The deer weren't sure what to make of it at first, but they're getting used to it.

For the final touch, Bruce customized the fire ring just for me.

Can't see it?

It's a "Y" for "Yami", his nickname for me.  Awwwwww.  His version of writing my name in the sand.

So now we wait for the seasonal burn ban to be lifted so we can have our first campfire.  I need to stock up on graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows.  Oh, and I can't forget the campfire songs: B-I-N-G-O, Little Rabbit in the Woods, and Sweetly Sings the Donkey.  Better start practicing...