September 29, 2009
My plan all along was to try to start a fire with a magnifying glass. Although striking two rocks together would be more impressive, using a magnifying glass was one of the “approved” ways of starting a fire, so I decided to try what I thought every other kid had been able to do.
I don’t know if it was my technique or just how long it takes, but after 20 minutes, I still didn’t have smoke. I was beginning to think that maybe striking two rocks together would be more efficient. Besides, I don’t know what kid has the patience to stick around for 20 minutes for anything.
My eyes were hurting from staring at this little bright spot and I looked away to give my eyes a break; it was about that moment I smelled smoke and looked down, and sure enough, there was a little smoldering circle. I continued focusing the magnified light in the area and succeeded in burning through several layers of notebook paper and paper towels, but never saw a flame. After about five minutes of smoking, the clouds that had been absent the entire day moved across the sun, squelching my magnified light for some time. After a few minutes when the sun came back out, the heat had died down and I realized it may take another 20 minutes for me to build back the intensity again. Clouds were now passing over regularly and I was only getting intermittent sunlight.
Although I burned a hole through the paper, I don’t count this as I never saw actual fire. I may have to put this one off til next summer as I’m not sure I’ll get too many other sunny days for the remainder of the year. I’m mad at myself for putting this one off as I had so many opportunities to complete this one over the summer. And afterall, that’s really the point of doing this list: to not postpone things til “later” as later may not come.
Anyone out there started a fire with a magnifying glass and been more successful than me?
I haven’t tried this one yet, but thanks for saving me a bunch of time
I’ve been told that the two sticks together thing actually works and works quickly. I’ve also been told that I should have used dried leaves, rather than paper. I’ll keep trying.
Now does starting a fire in your dryer while drying your new fluffy towels count? Cause if so I totally got this.
THAT takes skills! I would totally count that.
Lol, I’m not sure Miranda. After all, it WAS without matches AND oddly enough, one of the ways listed is lightning, which I don’t think you have any control over either.