A few years back, we picked up a Yukon Solo Stove when they were still new to the market. Ours has a lid and a stand underneath. We also added the spark screen, as I don’t enjoy popping embers from the fire. The arms for lifting the screen, I keep on top of the cover (they weigh it down during windstorms).
We enjoyed having fires outside on it so much that we moved it with us across the US. While it’s full-size, it’s actually easy to bring along on RV trips. (You can see the arms for lifting the screen below)
I had to get a new cover this year, after we moved. A cover is definitely a worthy investment, as it protects your stove from the sun, rain, and snow. Keeps everything dry inside. Our old one had finally failed due to UV exposure from the years of being outside in the sun on the island.
I made a home for it behind our garden, out of sight from the road but easy to reach from our house. Because it wasn’t sitting on a patio anymore, I picked up 12″ pavers at Home Depot and made a platform for the stove. The pavers were the most affordable part of the build-out, at $1.78 each.
I added more to have a wider setup and for the wood to sit on. Did I do a pro job? No, but I wasn’t worried. I can always go back and level the ground under…if I care that much.
I love cooking outside, whether in camp or at home. This time around, I wanted a complete setup, where I could cook whenever I want.
As we clean up all the trees on our property, I have been collecting the really dead parts to make wood piles.
After a few shake outs from the windstorms of early fall, the pile is bigger. It is covered by the few evergreens we have, and stays dry even in downpours.
The piles are growing. And that is what matters – building it up, so that we can have fun.
I picked up a grill top for the stove. This allows you to cook over open flame, but have it up high enough that you don’t start burning food.
There’s not much better than eating outside. Wherever you are. And if the stove makes it easy, that is what matters.
~Sarah
