I was away this weekend apple picking, it involves picking apples (duh), and pressing them for juice, possibly for cider. That's the official line. It also involves lots of chilling out, music sessions and of course, the camp fire. We managed to come away with a few bottles of juice for making cider with, but my biggest sense of achievement was that fact that I have put to use some of the knowledge I have gleaned from TV.

Sunday morning, whilst I was scratting apples, I noticed Pip getting the fire going again. I suddenly remembered Ray Mears talking about using the hot embers in the middle of the ash to start a fire up again. I duly went and found some dry grass, built up the main fire using some 1/2 burned bits (I remembered they light well), and found a hot ember. I made the nest of grass in my hand, popped in the ember, closed it all up and started blowing. Low and behold, smoke, then some more, then more, then warm hands, then FLAMES!!!! . It took some coaxing but I managed to get the main fire going. I was pleased with myself. See, TV *is* good