June's Pit Fire

Well, I did it, not possibly the best idea to fire the pit in a thunderstorm. In case you didn't catch the hint...IT RAINED! I reached the pit and the skies were light gray, weatherman said i had until 3 pm, it is 9am so I began. I dug out the damage from the cows and began the layers, When I had about half the pit filled, the wind picked up. I was at a point of no return with out losing the chems and other materials so i continued as fast as I could, hoping i could get it lit and fully engulfed in fire before the rain hit. I didn't make it. My son was busy chasing down the tubs and paper as the wind blew them across the county. I lost several newspapers, a box of banana peels, and lots of paper bags. As i put the last of the wood onto the pile I was at nearly at 45 a degree angle against the wind. I tried lighting the paper but the rain had won, i was soaked. I gave up and headed to my parents to wait out the storm.
4 hrs later i was able to return to the pit, the cows that are in that pasture decide the wood pile was fun to climb on, there was a cow standing on top of the pit. It ran off as i got closer. The edge of the pit was caved in with hoof prints, I'm was sure most of the edge pieces were destroyed. There was also plenty of fresh manure on and in the pit, which is good in the storm i didn't throw any in. I did manage to get it to light. I let is burn for about an hour and I covered it since i had to get back to town for kids activities.
We went back this morning, and it was better then expected, there were only 4 broken pieces. Somehow the network of wood held the weight of the cow(s). The color were not as bold as our previous firings, I think the rain had rinsed the colorants either away or diluted them to lessen their potency. I post a few pics next week or so when i get them finished.