Fire and Water

When it comes to lake living, I don't believe there is anything more relaxing than an evening campfire at the water's edge. I've had two lake homes with lakeside fire pits, and it is the perfect way to wind down with family and friends after a tough day on the lake. And if you have a light breeze most of the bugs seem to disappear with the lapping water, unlike those permanent mosquitoes that congregate deeper into the yard.

You can create a fire pit from plenty of materials. They sell cute fire rings with cutouts of numerous animals and wildlife scenes for hundreds of dollars. But sawing off the end of an old culvert or gathering enough rocks to complete a 3 to 5 foot circle is free!

When you are designing your lakefront campfire area, make sure not to make the circumference too large. Even though it might be easier to throw larger uncut trees and branches into these monster pits, large fire rings can make it difficult to include everyone in the conversation that seems to naturally take place around the mesmerizing flames. If you need to burn a large amount of brush and other materials once in awhile, that is sometimes better accomplished in an open area on the property where you don't have to worry about tall flames catching trees or dry grass on fire.

Also consider the area around your waterfront fire pit to make sure you are not too close to overhanging branches, and that you have a non-flammable base around the ring to keep errant coals from igniting docks, decks, trees and other items that are better looking unburned. It is a good idea to have chairs or benches made from materials that do not conduct much heat, and if possible have plenty of room to move them closer or further from the flames depending on the amount of heat being generated.

Finally, have a stack of dry wood on hand so that you can get the fire going on short notice without a lot of smoke. At the lake the end of the day happens quickly, and you might want to transition from swimming, skiing or fishing to the warmth of the campfire at dusk to relive the day's activities.

But make sure you don't drink to much as you discuss the vast array of important world topics. Otherwise, you might have a hard time remembering all the great conversation!