h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Not quite the same thing I hear you say, but in a way it is. You see I had to dig one to survive many years ago, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. I was in my late teens and a member of the local mountaineering club, which was attatched to the local RAF mountain rescue team. We had completed some exercises earlier in the season to faliluarise some new RAF members with the local range. We were out on a "shout" with the knowledge that there were dead casualities, so I was detailed to set up base camp near the scene and brew up for the returning team prior to descending the mountain.

It was the first time we had ever used Nylon tents, and the weight difference was the first advantage we noticed straight away. I managed to pitch it quicker as well, despite the strong winds, so all in all this tent was proving to be a success. So after filling the pot with snow I started to light the stove. Now this stove was more like a small jet engine, in as much that it was the exhaust that did the heating, so we always pointed the tail end to the door when lighting.

However the wind being so strong and lashing the tent I could not light the stove, so I shut the tent flap and proceeded to light it. In my haste to get it going I forgot to open the vent prior to giving it full power? there was a very bright flash and a terrible burning smell of hair (mine)and nylon melting! It was all over in a "flash" There was nothing left but a smouldering plie of back mass and the burning guy ropes!

The light was going and the weather was changing to blizzard conditions, I had to do something and quickly. So I put a flag on the radio ariel which stretched out to fifteen feet in height,to show my location and dug myself a survival hole and settled in for the night.I was quite warm considreing, although I must confess to not sleeping much. The next morning the lads came over the crest expecting a warm cuppa and a shelter from the wind. I had some explaining to do! but my story fell on deaf ears, and my punishment was to manhandle one of the sledges containing one of the bodies all the way down off the mountain. Then just to rub salt into my already wounded pride, I had to fill out an accident report explaining what actually happened to our "trial nylon tent" Funny thing though, after that incident I was never asked to brew up again?

Quiet an adventure.
And you survived.
Andrea

Hi Andrea, Yes I was ok, I had been taught how to survive! it was just so embarrasing really after all we were sopposed to be the Rescue Team? for your response BTW
Smudger.

Andrea

Hi Andrea, Ive written other posts, they are in "Alternative & Collaberative W/Shops, Wondered,Why, Moscow& Baku, Fear,15 minutes of fame, chopper jumping, cant remember any more Still that will keep you going for a while!
Smudger.