This pic launched me off int a memory, and memories are interesting things. I went back to the 1970s when I was doing a lot of hiking and read Colin Fletcher's book, The Complete Walker. He used a Svea 123 white gas stove. I needed a backpack stove so I went shopping for a 123. All the local climbing store had was an Optimus 80, so I bought it, took it home, and learned to "work" it:


I've had that stove ever since and it still fires right up for me. I've used it on countless hikes and climbs and even when power has gone out after a storm. A few years back when I heard that Colin Fletcher had died I went out in front of my garage, set up a camp stool and the stove, brewed a cup of tea, and toasted him. I love that stove, even though I once got second degree burns off it in the middle of a hike. The chuffing sound it makes fills up those cloudy, wet hiking days with the comforting promise of coffee, cocoa, or a warm meal. And when you shut it off, the sound of the world rushes in once again.

I still want to pick up a Svea 123. They just seem a little more self-contained. And they are still being made!



Bob