Drowning doesn't look like drowning

I have learned to drownproof myself since then. Back then, I was a skinny little kid with no buoyancy so I sank quickly. The first thing that was taught to me was how to "dog paddle". Since I am not a dog, I did not have that instinct but once you learn it, it cannot be forgotten, like riding a bicycle.

I also learned not to panic, even with the cramps, and learned to respect the sea.

Nowadays my attitude is, drowning is still a possibility but I take precautions. I dare venture the deep sea water only if armed with a set of fins, snorkel, and mask. And I have gained some fat. Natural reserve buoyancy.

 

I say that is a 50/50 chance. I am not volunteering.

 

They tend to frown on Viking funerals these days, but I might do a downscale, pre-cooked version: have a scale model of a longship built and ready to go before I die. Out of very flammable materials, of course.

My family can just pour my ashes into it, set the sail, point it towards the middle of Lake Mohave or one of the other Colorado River lakes, and push a button to light it off when it's far enough from shore.

 

The human body and mind are a fantastic design. Pain is a warning to stop doing what your doing. Too much pain, mind shuts it off, or you pass out.
With the exception of being shot in the kidney. THAT HURT!

 

Troy2000,
If you want to create a mystery, buy some cheap desert dunes and build a full scale longship. Have a cement sarcophagus made in your likeness to contain your ashes and install aboard. With shield and sword.. Bury it in the sand dunes and someday, when it gets discovered....

 

That sounds like fun. It also sounds like a lot of work...

The more I think about it, the more I like my idea. The little longship could be rigged to go up in an explosive ball of fire (manually or automatically), about the time the flames hit the waterline and slow down....

 

primercord for rigging! lol

 

Pre-soak the wood (after assembly) in stump remover and it will become very flammable. After it has dried just seal it to keep it dry. It will burn like a torch.

http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/2011-07/gray-matter-fire-hole

 

stump remover is potassium nitrate. salt peter. the major ingredient in black gunpowder.

 

That is why the wood will burn like a torch. You will of course want to keep the vessel away from heat and sparks until you are ready.

 

Black powder and gunpowder are two different things.

-Tom

 

Yobarnacle refers to that made from sulfur, charcoal and KNO3. The mixture gets the black in the name from the charcoal.

This is not the same as modern smokeless gunpowder or cordite.

 

Ahhhhh...

-Tom

 

I do know the difference SubdriverTom.

I hand load my shot shells and rifle rounds. I fire form my rifle cases for a bit more capacity. Fire a .223 in an AI reamed chamber and get back .223 Ackley Improved case. Shoulder angle increased from 30 degrees to 45 degrees and room for 3 grains more powder. I also have black powder arms.

 

Then you should know better!

-Tom