Fire in the Hole (photos)

Another milestone today, fire. This is my brand new Czech wood buring cookstove. Right now it sits in the open, but I intend, over time, to surround it with a bar on the back, and some sort of counter on the sides. I hooked it up, put a few cedar chips in and presto, heat. It was only a test, but I was truly excited beyond words to know that with near certainty I will spend next winter warm, dry and clean for the first time in two years.

There is no microwave oven, no hot plate, no gas or electric stove, just wood burning.

My first flame.

Fire as viewed through the "hob". Yes, there is a hob knob of sorts.