How to Stay Alive in the Woods by Bradford Angier

Author:Bradford Angier
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
Published: 2001-09-18T04:00:00+00:00

Begin construction of the frame first by stabilizing the largest of switches into a point on the ground. Do the same for another switch at the opposite side of the perimeter, and then tie the ends together at the top. Repeat this with another pair of switches to intersect the joint, and then tie all tops together.

The base of such a structure may be oval. It may be rectangular, in which case the final shelter may well resemble a barrel split lengthwise. Whatever the general conformation, in other words, we will find it advantageous structurally to employ rounded sides and roof.

Let us commence by securing the larger end of one wand in the ground on the outline there scratched, which for purposes of illustration let us assume is a circle. Opposite the first wand on the round line, let us set the bigger end of the second switch. We can then draw the two tops together in the middle and tie them with roots, string, vines, rawhide, or any convenient material.

Let us similarly set and bend another two wands so that above the center of the circle they cross the first arch at right angles. At this apex we will lash all four together. The curve of the dome roof, now defined, will govern the decreasing size of subsequent arches.

A few inches away, or perhaps as much as a foot or so if our covering is to be canvas or light skins, we may make a slightly lower arch parallel to the first. This we may cross at right angles with a similar arch. This crisscrossing operation we may continue in such a fashion except to allow for an entrance, tying each of the numerous joints, until the frame is sufficiently sturdy.

There need be no particular method, however, for creating functional variations as they will be as numerous as the materials available. If additional supports are later needed, these can be added as necessary.

We may weave moss or grass through the final basketlike framework in lieu of anything better, perhaps laying on a second coat which can be secured and insulated with a thick plastering of mud and snow.

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