Why it's also known as the volcano kettle...

[f4f3]

Dalriada was doing one of its many days of mists today, with the cloud ceiling about brushing the trees in some places. It was barely raining, more like a macho mist, so M and I decided to go out for a cuppa.
No, we didn't head into Lochgilphead's coffee shop (honestly, it does have one) we grabbed the dog, a box of tea cakes and our Kelly Kettle and headed for the hills at Ardcastle point.
The KK is a thing of beauty and the best piece of outdoor kit I've ever bought. It's a hollow-walled chimney, basically, which sits on its own little fire-pot. You build a fire in the bottom with kindling, old bird nests, bracken, whatever, feed it through the chimney, and it will boil a litre of water in about three minutes.
It looks like this when it gets going:


There are two things you must never do when using it: don't pick it up by the handle alone when it's working, as the handle will swing over the chimney and your hand will go all bubbly (you use the cork on the chain to hold it at an angle) and never, ever pop the cork in when you've filled the kettle and forget to take it out before you start the fire. And if you do, don't sit facing the cork.
Because if you do, after around 2 and a half minutes the cork will come flying out, as from a well-shaken bottle of champagne. Only instead of being followed by a sticky stream of bubbly wine, it will geyser boiling water on to your face and lap.
Well, that's what happened to me today.
Very spectacular, but no real harm done. I feel like I've been sunburnt around the eyes, and my jeans haven't dried out yet. Oh, and Mikey heard me use the F word at full volume.
We Scots are a hardy breed, though, and I really enjoyed my cup of tea.

Comments

[deililly.livejournal.com]

O.O

Ow!

Mikey heard me use the F word at full volume.

Only once?!

[nicnac.livejournal.com]

Jaysus! Sounds like you got off lightly!

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

I think I really did.

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

But very loudly.

[pshtaku.livejournal.com]

Cheesus! Will you take care? You shouldn't be allowed out alone.

I hope you put something cold on it when you got home and that you've not done any permanent damage!

[unblinkered.livejournal.com]

I can't leave you alone for two minutes, can I??? Sheesh!

[zantic.livejournal.com]

I laughed so hard I think I pulled something. You eejit. Hope you are not permanently injured. And I'm sure Mikey will recover from hearing you use the F word... ;)

Z

[kittenexploring.livejournal.com]

It reminds me of this:


Given your current record with firepots, I wouldn't suggest you start building your own jet engine, by the way. Even if it is quite easy.

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

I think I'm recovered except for a little stinging on my right eye.

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

Maybe I could use one of those to stop my cat eating me...

[kittenexploring.livejournal.com]

If you did that you would have to keep going out to buy cat food. It's easier to just let them eat your flesh. It grows back, after all.

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

Oh, she doesn't actually eat me for sustenance, just fun. I need to feed her too.

[made-of-paradox.livejournal.com]

Aloe is very good on burnt skin, of all sorts of burns. :)

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

I'm thinking of planting some up here!

[f4f3.livejournal.com]

To my face or my lap?