not yet ready for Survivor

In which this whole "making fire" thing turns out to be just as hard as we thought.

I had hoped we would attempt only one method.



We gathered the necessary objects.



String and sticks and a plank.



There were many discussions.



But we had instructions to keep us on track.



It was tempting to get a lighter and burn the book.



We only succeeded in warming the wood.





It was tiring.



But our spirits remained high.



Even sewing a parachute and building a tent with it would have been easier.

We moved on to the soda can method.



We had great difficulty keeping the dog away from the chocolate required to polish the soda can.



The sun was not as strong as we needed it to be.



It became tiresome and Middle called for a magnifying glass.



K and I attempted the eyeglass-with-a-drop-of-water method.



But Middle got close - and we even saw some smoke.



As the sun moved, so did we -



and then K brought out the big guns.



But it was a lost cause.
Our enthusiasm waned.
And though Middle claimed to have flint in his room, if you saw his room you would understand how he was unable to locate it.

Gasoline was considered. A blowtorch was offered. Wine was poured and we resolved to try again. At noon. On another day.

Happy birthday B - we gave it our best shot.