Think your Fire Kits Work....Think Again !!!

[pitdog]

I had a reality check last weekend. My girlfriend and I decided we'd like to have a beach fire. Roast some brats. Drink some wine. We were on the Washington coast. It wasn’t raining surprising but everything was completely wet. Starting the little fire wasn’t really the problem. The problem was getting the bigger stuff to dry out fast enough to light. I had to split some driftwood with my Delica while my GF feed the fire. It was a little frustrating. We did finally get it to go and had a great evening.

A little history: I’m new to Washington. I’m originally from Utah where it's usually pretty easy to find dry stuff. Even when it rains in Utah it seems like it’s not so hard. I think part of the problem is that it’s been so wet in Washington the wood is really saturated.

Solution: Next time I’m bringing the axe for splitting…

At least you made it work buddy !

As you mention getting a fire going even in rain isn't really the problem it's the fact that the climate is so wet over here that all the wood becomes saturated. Splitting anything under wrist size diameter is futile because it will still be soaked through to the core, even branches still attached to trees turn to mush when you grab them.
As you advise an axe or saw is the only real answer, that way large diameter stuff can be processed which will then have a dry inner.