We all sat hypnotized, our eyes gazing into the jumping fire, squinting to block out the stinging smoke that drifted our way as the breeze switched directions.

The air was filled with the smell of firewood, which crackled once in a while just to remind us it was still alive.

And when there was a lull in the smack-talking among family members, or the endlessly embarrassing stories from childhood, we’d just sit there, in a trance.

A few months back, we lit up a bonfire at a campsite at Doheny State Beach during a family barbeque. My little bro’ Jaered hooked up the grub, taking wire hangers we had straighten earlier in the day and sticking gooey marshmallows onto the tip, crisping the white puffs on the outside just enough to call it burned, then squeezing it between two graham crackers and a chunk of chocolate for the perfect S’more.

While I was with my family on this latest bonfire  adventure, it’s also a great way to spend a romantic evening with a loved one, cuddled up under a blanket and the stars. (And it’s a pretty cheap date too, fellas!)

Regardless of the occasion, lighting up the fire rings at the beach is one of those annual rituals that you have to do at least once a year, just as a reminder of how lucky you are to live here.

Since traveling seems to be not on many people’s itinerary this year because of wallet-crunching gas prices, this is a great way to feel far away from home while spending time with family and friends.

Sure, your clothes might stink like smoke in the morning… but it’s totally worth it.
Read the rest of this entry »