Scrounging for Wood

Ah, the sights, sounds, and smells of a fire crackling in a fireplace. I miss that romanticism and at the same time, recognize that for many people the functionality is more important than the aesthetics.  

I grew up in a farmhouse that used a wood stove for heating the downstairs of the drafty old house. As a kid I didn’t realize how much effort it took to maintain that wood stove. As I got older, I often had the responsibility of assuring plenty of wood in the bin on the porch so that dad could get it started every morning before the family stirred.

My mom was not thrilled about that stove with all the work and cleaning it took. She couldn’t wait to remodel the kitchen and get rid of the wood stove. However, within a couple years she realized the ambience (and economy) of the heat source and a newer version that was far less intrusive was installed.

Until I moved to Colorado, I lived in houses that had wood burning fireplaces. I didn’t use them as a heat source, but they added greatly to the coziness of my home. During those years I learned the art of “scrounging for wood.” Keeping alert for anyone who had wood to give away became an occupation. With the help of friends, I was able to saw, split and haul wood to prepare for the winter fires. If all else failed, I could buy split wood but that was not nearly as gratifying as scavenging.

In my Colorado townhome, I flip a switch to start a gas-burning fireplace. It is easy and tidy, but not nearly as much fun. Fortunately, I have friends who have real fireplaces and I seek opportunities to help them find wood and get it ready for the winter so I can enjoy it when I visit.

Scrounging for wood does not appear on any list of leisure activities but I relish the task. An older woman in Estes Park relies on a wood stove to compensate for the costs of her furnace system. I am part of a community that supplies wood. I continue to experience the unusual thrill of cutting, splitting, and stacking wood for someone besides myself who appreciates scrounging on many levels.