Nice looking food. I just recently got a ranch, and my first attempt at using it the temp got a little out of hand due to two bottom vents being bent out of shape and not fitting well (ordered some new ones - should arrive soon). You have any pointers on keeping the bottom vents from clogging with ash. I assume you can build the fire to straddle two of the bottom vents. Any pointers on temp control are welcome.
The only thing that I noticed reduces the ash clogging is to use lump charcoal and like you mentioned, build the fire away from the vents. I haven't tried smoking on it yet so my vents stay 1/2 open my entire cook. I start with two chimneys of hot coals.