The Lads are back! After the fire lighting failure of last episode the boys had something to prove. The bravado remained as they set out to a local forest with some new kit to attempt to set up a small camp and hopefully light a fire this time.
The two intrepid explorers wondered the forest in search of the perfect area to set up a mock camp. After many disagreements they found themselves on the side of a hill with dark clouds appearing overhead. It was decided that “the side of a hill” was “what we were looking for all along” and camp making was begun.
The lads set out with enthusiasm however, an issue quickly presents itself. Through no fault of either of the “survival experts” present, the tarp they hoped to use to construct their mock shelter did not come with a ridge line. The boys were sure that this was a valuable lesson for anyone attempting to learn bushcraft and were pleased to provide this educational video content. They were also pleased to show that bushcraft is all about improvisation…
The next challenge was to gather fire wood and tinder from the, shall we say, slightly damp side of the hill. Having recently watched an MCQ bushcraft video on “Fat Wood” the two lumberjacks were sure that their new knowledge would ensure them an easy and effective fire lighting. The first hurdle to surmount was getting at that rich, sappy centre. Splitting the fuel soaked logs, however, proved harder than expected.
Having practiced for a whole 5 minutes before today the lads concluded that they were simply “too highly trained” on bigger logs and that the log they were attempting to split was just too small. Jack was sure that a good solid whack with the axe could sink it in far enough that the splitting could then take place. The rivalry from the last video returning, Tom assured the audience that “It wasn’t going to work.” Unfortunately, Jacks usually perfect aim was put off by the slope of the hill resulting in the axe sinking into the hillside rather than the wood.
Finally the two survival experts devised their own hillside wood splitting technique and the succulent Fat Wood centre was revealed. Shavings were gathered and the Ferro rods were brought out to attempt to start the fabled first fire. Tom had also brought some very dry tinder given to him by his Dad and so the two set about attempting to light their new tinder with all their might.
After spending some time with the new tinder (and after the collapse of their “sturdy” tarpaulin shelter) the guys decided to play to their strengths and split up for another fire lighting challenge.
The lads separated to attempt to light a fire using any tinder they could get their hands on. Unbeknown to Jack, Tom had devised a cunning plan using some cotton wool buds he had smuggled along with him. With the artificial tinder he had a mini fire in no time. Jack was called back to observe Toms new masterpiece only to find it extinguished before he arrived. Seemingly (again, through no fault of Toms) the wet twigs he had gathered failed to be lit by the blossoming flames produced by his artificial tinder.
Flabbergasted by Toms rapid success Jack gave the victory to him despite the short-lived fire. The two explorers then grouped together for one last try with some cotton wool buds (that both knew existed) so that the trip was not an utter failure. A fire was lit (without matches) as the clouds opened and the rains began to fall.
The two adventurers egos were boosted higher (if this were possible) by the successful fire-light and the cobbled together hillside camp. They were full of enthusiasm for their next trial; sure that they had all the necessary skills for an overnight bushcraft challenge.
Check in with our intrepid challenge seekers next time for their first overnight adventure. Be assured that the lads will approach it with the slick skills and professionalism they have done for each adventure so far.