I Light the fire that smokes the meat - I am the Nights Watch.

To all the Masters of the Grill, Chiefs of the Charcoal, King of the Pit, Boss of the BBQ - also known as the dude in the apron.

It was hot when we arrived.   Surrounded by snow capped mountains, it was a cruel unpack,  but we eventually got there.

We hung our new logo on our new banner - it looks great right?  Thank you to City Lights Sign Co. For such great work.   Our old banner hangs beside it - granted by Flags from the great state of Montana and the Commonwealth of Virginia.

We were also visited by some old friends from Owens BBQ and Beer Belly BBQ. I got to work trimming the 22 lb Wagyu and afterwards Anabell and I went to socialize with our neighbor.   Soon there after we set up the air mattress in the truck.   Anabell went down for her 4 hour nap and I prepped the pork.  Just after midnight our smoker was ready and we loaded three big ol' butts and our Brisket.

I cleaned up my station and did the dishes.   Last year I received a portable 4 basin sink with water pump and hot water heater for my birthday (thanks mom and dad).  It worked like a charm. 

So now I will sit and wait. I'll probably prep the chicken tonight.  Around 2 AM, I will take a short nap and be back awake around 4 or 5 to prep the ribs. I also will prep my Dinosaur Ribs - SRF - short ribs.  

While talking to my neighbors - it seems most people around these parts are "start at 5 AM - Hot and Fast" kinda people.  Nice to sleep,  but not me - I'm more of the Nights Watch kinda Pit Master.  

Night gathers, and now my watch begins. It shall not end until my brisket is done (or at least 202 degrees). I shall take no wife on these competitions, hold no lands, father no children - unless they LOVE BBQ.  I shall wear no crowns and win no glory (unless called last - fingers crossed) I shall live and die at my post next to the smoker (or be killed by my teammates for letting the fire go out) I am the head band flash light in the darkness. I am the watcher in the pop up. I light the fire that smokes the meat, the light that brings the dawn, the horn that wakes the sleepers (thank you horn that woke me), the smoker that feeds the realms of men. I pledge my life and honor to the BBQ Night's Watch, for this night and all the nights to come.

Time to check the temp!