Wow, I used to live in California and had spent some time in the Sierras - I didn't realize things had gone so far with the regulations and lack of wood. I now live in NM and spend most of my time here and sometimes in Colorado and Utah. While there are places out here that have restrictions they are few and far between. Also, I don't spend any time in campgrounds or popular sites - so wood is always plentiful. So I have become accustomed to cooking over a small open fire. Obviously everyone has to do deal with what they have for local conditions/regulations, but I am saddened to hear your reports. I love a small camp fire. After cooking dinner over the fire - I like to stay up a little bit and watch the "cowboy TV".

rionada