Why did you want to learn how to build a fire?
Claire: Actually, Mykell is the reason this item is on my list. I remember back to when we were all sitting around talking about what we wanted to do and Mykell said she wanted to learn to build a fire. I immediately thought that is something everyone should know how to do... and since I did not yet have that knowledge... there you go.
How was this experience different from what you expected (if it was different at all)?
Mykell: So, when I included "learn to build a fire" on my list, I had a very distinct picture of what it was going to look like... I pictured myself at a place like Golden Gardens at sunset with the sand stretching out in front of me and a fire pit and a bundle of logs all ready to go. Well... let's just say it was just a little bit different.
As you read previously in Jennie's post about camping in the San Juans, we got to experience a truly Washington camping trip, downpour and beautiful sunshine within a 24 hour period. It was quite the challenge putting up our tents and getting everything unpacked... while at the same time keeping it all dry... After we managed getting our campsite all set up (pretty impressive in itself), we were really, really hungry, even though it was only about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. And, we were absolutely soaked... So, nothing sounded better than a roaring, crackling fire... Ahhhhhh... Little did we know that Jennie is quite the fire-making expert, so she offered to teach us how to build the perfect campfire, with the added challenge of everything around us being dripping wet. You are probably on the edge of your seat waiting to hear how we did... Here is a picture montage taking you through the steps.
Jennie helping us set up the pyramid/tripod of logs.
Adding the kindling and newspaper to the center of the pile.
Waiting for the logs to catch fire.
We did it!!! And, even more amazingly, we got it going with only ONE match in the RAIN! WHAT!!! So incredible! So, if you are ever stranded somewhere and need someone to build a great fire, you know who to call.... :) Oh... and here are some fire starting tips...
1) Be patient and keep feeding the fire... it is critically important for each separate piece (starter, kindling, bigger logs) to have the chance to burn long enough to catch the next one on fire. Our first one almost died after the newspaper burned up because we didn't keep it going long enough to catch the wood on fire... Live and learn :)
2) Also... make sure to have enough pieces of newspaper, kindling and logs (or an axe to cut your own if possible). We didn't realize how much newspaper and kindling it would take to catch the logs on fire. Needless to say... we were on the boarder line of not having enough kindling... but we got it.
3) Its not as hard as you think... don't be intimidated or think you have to be a Boy (or Girl) Scout to build a good one. It is actually really simple! It just takes a good structure, enough fuel, and the patience to keep it going.
No comments:
Post a Comment