Woodlife Trails

Oh no!! Here he comes.

We all know someone like this. I call him Two-sheds. If you’ve got a shed, he’s got two. If you’ve got a new car, he’s just bought one bigger.
I looked around to see where I could hide, but unfortunately I was exposed. No where to run. I was trapped!

“Hello,” he said. “You don’t need a coat. The weather’s not that bad.”
“I’m old and I’m cold,” I replied tersely.

“Made of hardy stock, that’s me. Outdoors type you know.”
“Oh yes?”
“You should get out more,” he said bombastically.
I didn’t reply.
“It’s all about getting to grips with the elements. All about survival,” he said.
This should be good.

“A good fire will keep you warm. Not easy to make one in this weather though, but if you cut down to the inside of a branch you’ll find it’s dry. You can then cut thin shavings on the stick to help it catch alight.”
“A featherstick?” I muttered.
“It’s called a featherstick. But the real trick is to find some tinder.” Pointing at a plant he said, “Now that would do nicely.”
“Old Man’s beard?” I said.
“Old Man’s beard it’s called. That and a bit of birch bark. Goes up in no time. But you still have to ignite it. You can get a steel rod…”
“Firesteel?”
“It’s called a firesteel. More reliable than matches or a lighter. But of course the traditional way is making a fire by friction.”
Here it comes…

“Most people find it difficult, but I can get a burning ember within a minute.”
“Is that right?” I muttered.
“Easy when you know how. Anyway must go. Keep warm now.”

I visibly relaxed and unclenched my teeth. Had he been watching too much “World of Survival” or did he really know what he was talking about? I suspect the former, but at least he talked about something useful for a change!

See you next time.

Pablo.