Rediscovering the flame...

Week Twenty-Eight:Start a Fire Without Matches

Hiking is one of my all-time favorite activities. I just love being out in the wilderness enjoying nature, getting some exercise and of course being with friends. However, despite this passion for hiking, I’ve never been terribly ambitious, usually limiting my treks to several hours or less. While someday I’d like to attempt a longer trip, perhaps the Appalachian Trail or some other expanse of wilderness, I want to make sure I’m prepared with all the crucial survival skills necessary for the long haul.

Now, I’m no expert but I’ve watched enough episodes of Man vs. Wild to know that the ability to make a fire is among the most important of these skills. Additionally, creating fire without the aid of matches or flint is a critical ability in case you find yourself in such and undesirable position. Also, to really drive the point home, it would just be super cool to start a fire with nothing more than a few sticks.

Therefore, with my task laid out before me, I started scouring the Internet for tips and information about starting a fire without matches. Despite seeing it done countless times on television, I wanted to ensure I gathered the appropriate techniques and materials for doing it correctly. Naturally, the materials needed were as sticks and some dry kindling. However, there was a bit of variation when it came to the process.

While the bow method seemed quick and effective, I decided to bypass it because of the additional material needed – string. Sure, I’ll most likely have shoelaces available for this purpose but I’d like to keep the process a little more basic. Thus, I decided on the technique of spinning a stick into a notch on a larger piece of wood to create a spark, which ignites the kindling (it’s not the most clever name but it gets the point across).

After finally stringing together a few dry days I gathered the necessary materials to start my fire, including directions and the knife I usually take along on hiking trips. To observe and provide any needed assistance, Jackie and my brother Pat decided to join the adventure (along with several curious nieces and nephews).

Setting up shop in the middle of the driveway I started by cutting a notch into the larger piece of wood (to be used as a base) and whittled the end of the stick to a dull point. I then started spinning the stick between my hands to create friction at the connecting point on the base piece. It was immediately evident that I would have trouble building up a rhythm since my hands were quickly sliding down towards the base. Therefore, each time I got to the bottom I had to stop spinning to move my hands back to the top.

Pat and I took turns with this method for about ten minutes before realizing it was useless. Thankfully, however, my brother is a devoted follower of the TV show “Survivor” and therefore suggested a similar technique we could try. By cutting an angled notch on one end of the base piece we could build the friction much faster by moving the stick back and forth very quickly. This way, we would have a much better grip on the stick while keeping a more consistent pace.

Within minutes we surpassed our previous progress and really started to notice the results. The initial evidence of our improvement was the distinct smell of burning wood – not necessarily a campfire but similar to the scent of wood shop in high school. Needless to say we were pumped!

(Now, if you have a mind even remotely similar to mine, you are noticing the ridiculous level of sexual innuendo involved in this process. Giggles followed nearly every motion and sentence as we discussed rhythm, pace, wood, grip, strokes, etc, etc. Perhaps when I turn thirty at the end of this long adventure, I’ll finally grow up and not find such things so funny. Hopefully not.)

After continuing at this pace for several minutes we noticed some smoke rising from the contact point and made sure our kindling was in position to catch any sparks. Unfortunately, after much more enthusiastic pumping, this is where our progress began to stall. Even though we could still smell the burning wood and the base was hot to the touch we were unable to create the spark necessary to ignite the kindling.

Overall, we spent nearly an hour trying to start a fire with sticks but all we had to show for it was a pile of sweat and our raw, carpal-tunneled hands - it certainly wasn’t for lack of effort. In fact, we were still toying with ideas as we packed away the materials but were just physically unable to continue. With a little more research, experimentation and shear force of will, I’m confident this experience will be revisited very soon with much more successful results. Stay tuned.

CULTURAL UPDATE:

Watching: Eastbound & Down

Listening: Johnny Cash: American IV

Reading: John Adams, Party of One by John Grant

It's all about the climb...

Week Twenty-Seven:Rock-Climbing

Of all the outdoor activities and various action sports I’ve participated in through the years, rock climbing is one I’ve never really attempted. Even when I’m hiking and encounter a large cliff or rock formation I am always the least daring of my usual cohorts (most likely Terry and Jason) in our attempts at scaling the obstacle. I’m not sure if I’m just a wuss or if it’s my general distaste for pain and/or death that keeps me from wedging myself into tight crevasses, but I’m always content to take the easy way and enjoy the surroundings rather than tempt gravity with my potential broken body.

Of course, aside from the literal activity of climbing a rock, there is also the more established sport of rock climbing. Complete with ropes, harnesses, and various other pieces of safety equipment, this established practice of rock climbing can be performed on natural surfaces (cliffs, boulders, etc.) or in a specifically designed gymnasium. Therefore, in an effort to minimize the possibility of the previously mentioned pain/death scenario, I decided the latter would be way to go.

When considering rock climbing for 52to30, I received a recommendation for the Niagara Climbing Center in North Tonawanda. After checking out their website, I decided it would be the place due to their reasonable prices and the fact that it’s the only such place I know of locally. You can’t argue that logic.

My good friend Terry agreed to join me on this adventure and Jackie also came along in the role of photographer. (For the record, she was not interested in climbing but was happy to take the pictures. I would hate for anyone to think I’m keeping her down.) We arrived at Niagara Climbing Center early Saturday evening and filled out some clearance forms while looking over the place.

The climbing center is located in the gymnasium of an old school and has all the musty charm you would expect in such an environment. Surfaces are erected along the walls and in the center ranging from flat, vertical faces to jagged or crooked forms, jutting out at various angles depending on the level of difficulty. Each surface is similarly speckled with assorted shapes and sizes of artificial rocks laid out in various patterns to further establish complexity. Along each wall there are climbing ropes every couple of feet, suspended between the ceiling and floor through carabiners and a ratchet system that prevents climbers from freefalling to the ground.

Our instructor Beth was explaining how this system worked as Terry and I slipped into our harnesses. Beth seemed nice and was very informative while (very literally) showing us the ropes. After her brief and rapidly paced tutorial she watched us climb one of the beginner walls to ensure we were doing things correctly. I was very eager to begin so I volunteered to go first and, once properly strapped in, I quickly started climbing. I did pretty well for a first timer but there really isn’t too much to the process, especially at the level Beth started us off with. So after we each took our turns on the beginner wall, Beth left us on our own and we started making our way around the gym.

When one person is climbing, the other has the task of belaying the rope. This refers to the process of tightening the rope through the ratcheting device to ensure there is no slack in the line. Therefore, if the climber loses their grip they do not fall, instead dangling from the rope at the same height with minimal drop off. At the end of the climb, the person belaying the rope must wrap it around their waist and lower the climber by slowly releasing a trigger on the ratchet.

As a result of this process Terry and I took turns climbing and belaying as we made our way around the gym. Gaining confidence after each successful climb we quickly worked our way to the more complex routes. Additional inspiration was provided by the Ozzy greatest hits collection that was being blasted through the gym’s sound system the entire time we were climbing.

It’s a pretty incredible feeling when you push your body as far as it will go. Several times, as I was splayed out across some wall, feeling the burn in muscles that have been hibernating for years, my legs would start to tremble from the unnatural extension and pressure. Once it got too hard to hold on I had to let go and dangle from the rope in total dejection. In fact, the only thing that kept me going was Jackie telling me I looked like Spiderman. Probably the best compliment I’ve ever received.

Of course I’m being overdramatic about not being able to scale every wall on my first ever rock-climbing adventure. It would take much more than that to deter me. In fact, the sensation of letting go was actually one of the most exciting aspects of the whole experience. It’s difficult at first because it goes against every natural instinct to let go when you’re that high in the air. However, once you’re confident in the fact that you won’t plummet to your death it’s kind of cool to float there weightless before repelling down like Danny Ocean into the Bellagio vault.

After about an hour of climbing I was totally spent. The amount of energy rock-climbing requires is astonishing and my forearms and shoulders are still sore three days later. My first experience with this sport was totally awesome and while I don’t see myself becoming a regular it’s definitely something I look forward to revisiting a few times a year – particularly as an option during the winter months. If you’ve never been rock-climbing I highly recommend it as a new experience that’s fun, affordable and great form of exercise. It’s also great for kids because it’s very safe and relatively easy - trust me, those are two of the reasons I gave it a try.

CULTURAL UPDATE:

Watching: Sportscenter

Listeing : Queen City Station

Reading : John Adams, Party of One by John Grant

I've got some good news and some bad news...

Midterm Report

First the good news: we’ve made it to the halfway point of Fifty-two to Thirty! Last Friday was June 5^th which marks the unofficial holiday I like to refer to as my “Half Birthday.” Therefore, with six months down and six more to go until I hit the big 3-0 I need to head into the locker room to reflect on what I’ve done and make any necessary changes to the game plan for the second half.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little impressed with myself at this point. I think I can honestly say this is the longest I’ve ever stuck with anything that requires so much energy and attention. Even the average college semester only lasts sixteen weeks so at twenty-six I’ve far surpassed that mark.

I’m not saying I doubted myself but I’m a realist. If even half of my best intentions were actually realized in life I would be the most prolific human being since Leonardo da Vinci. I mean I’m usually pretty good about sticking with something once I’m committed to it but admittedly this is quite a daunting undertaking. Thankfully, however, I’ve been able to maintain my focus on this task thanks in large part to all the positive feedback and attention I’ve received from everyone out there that has taken time to read my weekly updates.

This experience has been tons of fun and I feel a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment from everything I’ve done so far. I’ve gained a lot of useful knowledge, discovered many new hobbies and even faced a bit of failure (not that I needed any practice with that). However, I don’t want it to sound like I’m done just yet. We’re only halfway there and after all the Bills were winning at halftime of both Superbowl XXV and XXVIII before falling short. As a long suffering Buffalo sports fan I know not to count any victories before the clock hits zero.

Which brings us to the bad news. Due to some unforeseen events, including discontinued services and inclement weather, I was unable to accomplish either of the tasks I was considering for this week (I don’t mean to sound so cagey but I like to keep things somewhat of a surprise). Therefore, in the midst of all my back-patting and talk of accomplishment I have experienced the first real letdown of 52to30.

However, if I may sugarcoat the situation a bit, I did not want to post about a meaningless or otherwise half-ass experience just for the sake of filling up a week. Earlier in the year, scheduling issues forced me into a similar situation but I quickly compensated with a last second idea that, although interesting, wasn’t quite as satisfying as the original.

Therefore, in an effort to keep things as interesting as possible this time around, I have moved one of the activities to this weekend with plans of posting two separate entries by next Thursday (Weeks 27 and 28). So while it won’t fall within the previously specified time frame, there will still be an equal number of adventures when all is said and done (Isn’t time relative, after all?).

So here’s where we stand - at this point I have looked back on what I’ve done so far, analyzed my accomplishments and disappointments and formulated a game plan for the next twenty-six weeks. I’ve adjusted some of my loftier plans due to the current economic climate but I’ve also been flexible enough to shuffle my schedule when new and unexpected adventures present themselves. I hope to build on the successes I’ve had so far, learning from any shortcomings and really bring this thing home in a big way. I appreciate your continued support and look forward to winding down my twenties in style. Hopefully you’re there for the ride.

CULTURAL UPDATE:

Reading – John Adams, Party of One by John Grant

Watching – The Simpsons, Season Four (Episode: Selma’s Choice)

Listening – Toad the Wet Sprocket, Dulcinea

I don't know art, but I know what I like...

Week Twenty-Six:Paint a Landscape

I was naturally inclined to pursue art during school since I was always the artistic and creative type. These classes allowed me to practice a wide range of styles and methods and though drawing has long been my favorite medium, I enjoyed experimenting with various others. Among these methods, painting always stood out as a particularly fun activity. Aside from the natural thrill involved in creating art, it’s fun to lose yourself in the process while really making a mess. However, due to the lack of available materials I’ve never actually taken the opportunity to practice it outside of art class.

Unfortunately, despite a reoccurring desire to get back into painting, I haven’t touched a brush since high school. In fact, after articulating this aspiration several years ago, Jackie surprised me with a beginner’s paint set just to get me started again. However, in keeping with my most popular theme, painting was merely added to the long list of things I want to try but never take the time for. Therefore, once again, 52to30 becomes the impetus for me to do away with the excuses and procrastination in favor of giving it a try.

For this endeavor, I was specifically inclined to paint a scenic landscape due to my personal appreciation for nature and all its glory. Even when I was painting regularly in high school this is one subject matter I never really attempted. Instead, per the assigned task, most of my time was spent creating still life and expressionist pieces along with the random second-rate reproduction of album covers (naturally).

However, despite my own admiration of nature, I never had the opportunity to recreate is scenic wonder on canvas. Quite frankly, despite being a fan of art, I actually prefer to view photographs of such vistas. As impressive as these realistic depictions can be artistically I always figure, “why not look at the real thing?”

This opinion was altered, however, when I was introduced to the work of renowned local artist Charles Burchfield. Much of Burchfield’s work is nature themed but it’s more expressionist than realistic and this really appealed to me. I love the way he depicts scenic views through a more creative and personal style, reflecting his emotion and attachment on the landscape.

However, at the risk of turning this into an art lecture, I’ll stop pretending to know what I’m talking about and simply say I’m a big fan. Therefore, I decided to emulate Burchfield’s style (with much less talent, of course). Not only will this make the piece more personal to me but it will also take off the pressure of trying to paint a realistically accurate scene. It’s a win-win situation.

Setting out on this adventure, my first mission was to decide on my subject matter. Ideally, painting a landscape would require me to actually be outside, in front of the scene I’m trying to create. However, with a decade of inactivity and more than a little self-consciousness I decided to start by working from a photograph of the chosen setting. Eventually, I’ll work my way up to that point but I’m taking baby steps here.

After taking pictures of several possible landscapes I finally decided to choose a road near my work that cuts through a heavily wooded area. The road quickly disappears into the horizon and I thought it perfectly fit several themes I enjoy. Not only was it very naturally appealing with many thick, vibrant trees but I also like the image of the road as it symbolizes various appealing themes - from the desire for travel to the overall journey of life with all its uncertainties. (Do I sound like an artist yet?)

Next, I had to dig out the art set that Jackie bought me to ensure it was still usable. Thankfully, everything was in order even though the set itself was rather basic – it is a beginner’s set after all. There were six tubes of paint, mostly blues and yellows, which would require a lot of mixing to create the colors I need (many shades of green) and several pieces of watercolor paper, about 6x9 inches. Also, there were only two brushes and they weren’t the greatest quality. Again, I don’t claim to be Picasso but I’m experienced enough to know the difference. That said, however, I’m hardly such a demanding artist that I can’t work with what’s available.

In preparation for my painting I decided to peruse the instruction manual that was included in the set as a quick refresher. Also, I went online to check out some of Burchfield’s work for some influence and inspiration (even if you’re not trying to imitate his style I highly recommend giving him a look yourself). My next step was to actually sit down with the picture and canvas to sketch out a basic guideline for my painting. Nothing too detailed just a few contour lines and reference points to keep it balanced before putting any paint down.

I then started mixing up a few different shades of green as I knew it would be the dominant color in this piece. Once I had what I was looking for I started to fill in the scene with the appropriate colors and contrast. I used brighter greens for the right side of the scene and the grass as that’s where the sun was shining. Next I added some darker green to outline the trees and provide depth along various edges, repeating this step with each darker shade.

Although I was discouraged for a time during this process, I continued what I was doing confident in my original plan. Thankfully, this confidence paid off and the trees turned out with a rather nice range of depth and color. They’re not terribly realistic but they’re fun and that’s really what I was aiming for anyway.

Next, after diluting a small amount of blue paint with plenty of water I took to the sky. Leaving out only the areas taken up by clouds was challenging but by this point I had grown very comfortable with my small brush, gliding along their sweeping edges. Keeping the sky an even tone of blue was also difficult but I managed that with relative success as well.

Overall, I’m very satisfied with how my first landscape painting turned out. It’s far from perfect but it’s a fun combination of cartoonish scenery done through a blend of pleasant blues and greens, all of which I love. Also, I’m pleased with the relative accuracy achieved between picture and painting but what’s most important to me is that I can look at it and feel happy. It successfully conveys everything I was aiming for from the warmth of nature to that whole road analogy I broke down earlier.

While I’m not quite ready to quit my job, rent a loft and make painting my life’s work I really enjoyed getting back into the process. I hope to make it a regular hobby in the future and though I realize I could use more practice, as long as I’m having fun I’ll keep trying. For now, I’ll continue with the Burchfield-esque landscape scenes but if there’s ever a market for substandard recreations of album covers, I’m all over it.