SNOWFIRE

So, I had this idea for a cool activity for February vacation, but we didn’t get around to it. Still, the idea is good. I’ll share it with you. And even if you don’t have kids, read on.

SNOWFIRE

Did you say, “snowfire?”
Yes.

We have a lot of snow here in February, and it’s really cold. So, a fire, in the snowy backyard just seemed like such a great idea. I was hoping to pull this together for our Winter Party, but, well, you know, just didn’t.

First, I imagined we’d clear a spot in the backyard, about 10’x10’ or maybe a little bigger. Not clear to the earth, but with a floor of packed snow. We have a small electric snowblower that would be perfect for this job. Then, I thought the kids could make snow benches at the edges of the clearing; just some simple, rectangular blocks of snow, about 12-18” high and 15” wide, and as long as they wanted. They should certainly be long enough for at least two people. The snow would have to be packed solid – so if flaky snow is about, some watering might be necessary, and a freezing overnight.
The fire, of course, goes in the middle of the clearing. Of course, the clearing can’t be under any low hanging branches. With the branches so dry at this time of year, you’d have a skyward blaze in an instant. Burn down the neighborhood.

Is that it?

Well, pretty much. You know…add the fire, and the s’more fixins, maybe some good tunes. I also thought it would be very cool if I had some old worn out oriental rugs, to put them on the benches, so you could keep your seat dry. And some of those tall torches we use in the summer at the beach would be great around the outside of the clearing. Even string some party lights about on the trees…
This would be a very cool thing for the kids and their friends. My kids love to have a fire in the backyard in the summer and fall. Why not the winter?
And, I thought, it would be even cooler for the adults. Sit by the fire at night, in the snow, with a glass of wine, stare at the stars…


Note: you can’t forget to check your town ordinances. Are fires allowed in the backyard in winter? Do you need a permit? And, most importantly, can you afford the fine if you ignore the rules and get caught?