Let me introduce myself, my name is Thom and my wife and I live in Summit County, Colorado at the 9440' level of the Rockies. Summit County is home to two BBQ events during the summer, The Frisco BBQ Challenge, June 13-15, 2013, and the Krystal 93 BBQ of the Summit in August 2013. I am a retired chef who primary disciplines were French Provincial, heavy and buttery sauces, and Italian Classico. I have always had a grill on our deck and was utilizing the cast iron wood chips smokers boxes for the little bit of smoking that I did. For Christmas this last year, my wife surprised me with a Mastercraft XL propane smoker and and am off and running, (and loving life). I have found smoking meat very helpful and today I found this forum and am hoping to learn a lot from all of you!