I use pine punk now, about half rotted, and very slightly damp.  It's easy
to handle, lights very easily, holds a fire well, and smells sweet and very
pleasant, almost like pipe tobacco.  I find that I don't mind it's odor on
my clothes, and I've also noticed that my bees seem to "like" it better than
some of the other materials I've used (burlap, brown paper, sumac pods,
etc.) - it may be that it has sufficient moisture to cool the smoke, and
it's not harsh.  I'ts easy to obtain in quantity, if you live near some pine
forest.

If I need a longer burn, I throw in a knot or two, as it's much harder than
the sapwood.

FWIW - punk is what Native Americans used to keep a portable fire for days
while traveling.

Regards,


Todd.

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