Pit Barbecue

My son is in boot camp, expecting to graduate at Christmas. When we get home I want to dig a pit and roast a pig. Tips, hints, and necessary info that I will need as well as how do I go about achieving this noble goal is greatly appreciated.

Although I've never done one in a pit I've done several on the grill. I imagine many of the same principles apply. There is another thread here somewhere about going whole hog. Check it out.
Also do a web search, you should be able to find plenty of info on the basics, if nobody else here replies.
Good luck.
Congratulations to your son!

Here is a link with some info

http://www.geocities.com/NapaValley/Vineyard/5819/

There's some info here at the BBQ FAQ:

http://www.eaglequest.com/~bbq/faq2/toc.html

Look at:
"We're Smoking Meats Now", "Pork", "The Whole Hog"

-egkor (Gary K)

The only suggestion that I would have is when you assemble your strategy, do it once before the big event. You, of course, can get a small hog for the test run, the only real difference will be cooking time. But this might be the difference between a successful celebration, and ordering out.

But then again jumping in with both feet is part of the adventure...

I personally like the challenge of the first time preparation with the pressure of the guests coming - but then again I guess I just like a challenge!

Dkirn likes a challenge? This is the understatement of the year...
Read about his Thanksgiving Tradition and this years feast...
Thats an undertaking of monumental proportions!!
This man is my hero!

Thanks Grand Scale - I am getting a little teary eyed right now

Hey dkirn, how'd those G.S. wings turn out?

The wings were incredible!!! I fixed them once before the big cookoff and loved the results. When I prepared them for the Day After Turkey Feast (as it has now been called) everyone was raving about the flavor of the sauce and even though I wanted to take the credit I hoisted my beer and asked for a moment of respect for the creation shared by Grand Scale (there was a moment of silence and even some tears shed)

Well then, I must give them a try. I like the Buffa-Q wings right now as the best I've ever had, but I will try something different. I find that wings are like pizza and sex. When they're good, they're great. And when they're bad- they are still pretty good.

Chagan - I like your thoughts on wings! And I can't agree with you more!

And just like the pizza and sex, you never turn them down and always finish...

dkirn wrote:

I hoisted my beer and asked for a moment of respect for the creation shared by Grand Scale (there was a moment of silence and even some tears shed)

Perhaps these would have helped:

http://www.barbecue-store.com/images/glasses.jpg

Or next time perform your toasts upwind.