Bushcraft Fire-making Attempt #1

I've become intrigued in learning some bushcraft skills. Today I decided to try my hand at fire-making. So with just my Swedish Mora Knife and a length of paracord I headed off to the woods behind my house.

Lots of pine but I did locate some dead soft wood of some sort. (I've realized how important tree identification is to be successful at this endeavor).

I was very comfortable with the knife and soon was using the baton method for cutting and trimming. It was actually easier than I thought it would be to shape the three pieces of wood for this technique.

My goal this time was to simply produce a gloawing coal. It took some practice to keep the spindle turning and for the cord not to slip. I realized I was pressing too hard on the hand-piece.

I did find my groove and before too long I actually had some smoke going! I managed to create a nice pile of dark dust, but no ember... According to my book I didn't go at it long enough. And I'm not confident about my wood selection either. The materail I've read on the topic recommends wood that isn't indiginious to this area. I need to find out what to use around here AND learn how to identify it!

I ran out of time and had to stop. I did feel good about my abilities to shape the wood into the necessary parts and about getting lots of smoke going. I think I'll get it... eventually.

SCORE!

Heet for 25 cents! Regular $1.37!
Put me down for four.

The Braves are in Gwinnett!

I've watched this sweet stadium literally come up out of the ground during my commute this year. Now I gotta get in one of those seats and eat a hot-dog.

I'm not really getting old

Even though I'm excited about my new multi-grain hot cereal with milled flaxseed and soy. And I added some apples I just dehydrated. Very good! I believe I've found my new go-to breakfast for backpacking.

Scott Hearn
From my mobile device

Have you tried one of these yet?

This is the Excelerator. It's a new type of hand dryer in bathrooms. This is about the fourth one I've seen. They definitely get your hands dry.

Ouch

Of all the times I've worn trail-running shoes backpacking, this is the first time I've done anything like this. The bummer is I did it before we even got on the trail! We still did 10 miles. It really didn't bother me until I looked at it.... after we got back.

Yeah, it does kind of look like your aunt's ankle.

Hanging Out

I finally had a chance to use my new MacCat Deluxe Tarp from Outdoor Equipment Suppliers with my Hennessy Hammock. I was a little concerned becuase it was forcast to be the low 40's and I'd never used my hammock when it was that cool. I took alony my "silver burrito" emergency bivvy-sack, my double-wide 1/4" closed-cell pad and a cheap fleece throw, all to use as insulation underneath me. I took my 40 degree Ray-Way homemade quilt to cover up with.







The tarp worked great, especially with my new homemade tensioners. The tarp stayed taunt all night! And even though the temperature got down in the mid to upper 30's I stayed toasty all night.

The more I hang, the more I like it. For me is really beats the ground.