most of the fellows that I camp with, are using oak or hickory wood, and not the briquettes. I find it easier to fire up a couple dozen briquettes though for practice cooking, rather than build a fire, and wait for the coals to develop.
At the camp, I am always first up. My first chore is to rake the previous night's fire, add wood and get it burning.
When the others get up, the coals are just right for cooking a big breakfast casserole, or a pot of sausage gravy. Oh, and eggs in the skillet.
