Foil wrapped GBF

[JimMLa]

I made three Aluminum Foil wrapped Petroleum Jelly Cotton balls today. It was storming outside my house when I tested them. I failed to get any to burn. Winds were about 20 mph with higher gust. Rain was relentless. Bic lighter was useless. Mag shavings lit, but did not catch the now water soaked cotton ball on fire.

If this were a true survival event, I would have just waited until the storm passed, or built some kind of rain/windbreak. I really don't think I could have maintained a fire in that storm unless it was sheltered.

The wife was ready to call the “men in white coats” on me, but the shoe sale on QVC distracted her.

 

[Salamander42]

I went out for a couple of hours to a nearby nature preserve (about 145 acres) that has some trails. Weather here in Indianapolis was a mix of rain/snow/sleet with a bit of wind. I managed (barely) to get my cotton balls lit with magnesium shavings and a quite a few more tries with the sparking insert on the mag block than I ever have to use in dryer conditions. I couldn't get anything else to burn tho, so I guess I failed on the fire building front. I think I could have done it if I had put a bit more effort into finding dry fuel under the fallen trees all around, or shaving some twigs down to their dry interiors, but I guess since I was well dressed for the weather I didn't have the right mindset. Since I didn't really need the fire I gave up fairly quickly.

It was a rather nice walk tho. I like going out in less than perfect weather. . . there are fewer other people out. I had the whole park to myself today.

 

[FoxholeAtheist]

I took my PJ-soaked dryer lint and stuffed it into short lengths of cut-up plastic drinking straw, then sealed both ends with a lighter. No way they can leak, and they are guaranteed to stay dry until I open them up. I imagine you could do the same thing with cotton balls, but haven't tried it yet.