Terri - I hit the WALL! Part 3

So Sunday morning finally came, it started to warm up.  We'd worked through the day on Saturday, stoked the fire all night.... Our big task for day was to make fire using the Bow and Drill approach.  Before we got to that however, Mark wanted us to boil creek water - to have the experience of putting our canteens in the fire to a rolling boil - and removing it!! While waiting for the "big bubbles", he showed some techniques to make a snare to catch such things as squirrels and chipmunks.  He also showed us the "Paiute Dead Fall" to catch other animals.  Mark is a wealth of information and excellent instructor - But my back hurt sooo bad and I was soooo tired, I hit the wall! All I could do is lay down right then and there!  I actually made my way up to where our shelter had been (we had dismantled it and put out our fire) and laid down.  I couldn't help but think about the survival challenges people have faced and gained a whole new appreciation.

BKJN Pat did have an aspirin she shared with me - which got me up off the ground and back in the swing of things.  But it was time to build the fire with the bow and drill.  Finding the right balance, controlling the cord, the right speed, the right stroke, the right pressure - I would hit it, start to smoke and ..... I'd run out of steam..... or the drill would slip .... or the cord would ride up and come off.  BKJN Pat and I worked together - she had greater stamina than I, but I was able to lend a hand by applying some pressure with her on the rock holding the drill in place.  FINALLY - an ember! With careful handling and blowing it was brought to a full flame!  Each team had done it.  What an accomplishment!

With that done, we had one last test, to splint and carry.  SBN Wes was our victim - we found the appropriate supports, wrapped them up and worked together to carry him away!  We did it, we had survived and completed our training!

There was so much more we learned and experienced! I wanted to capture it all!  Once again, I'm so grateful for the time and the 360 Mastery team.