I got the turkey on the smoker at about 11 am. The fire has been slow to warm up, maybe because I put 16 lbs of refrigerated bird in there. When I inserted the meat thermometer, it was 44°. Also, the charcoal may have been a bit damp.
In the last 45 minutes, the bird has warmed up to 93° and the smoker is now 290° and slowly climbing. I'd like the fire a bit hotter, 325° to 350°, but for now benign neglect should get me there.
The smoker has hardwood charcoal for heat, plus apple and cherry wood chunks for flavor.
Happy Thanksgiving!