* with the feeling of harmony that comes with accomplishment having descended all around the occupants of the camp , the fires were built up to the level that was just short of an inferno , and once the cooking fire had been allowed to become a bed of coals that was ideal for cooking over , the gentle sounds of bubbling coffee and sizzling cooking grease were the prominent sounds that surrounded them ... that is if you dont count the high-pitched mewing of a cow elk calling for her youngun .