Hello!<br><br>I am curious to see what kinds of containers can be found in nature that would be able to boil water. I am primarily interested in the things that could either be found or made in the United States region.<br><br>The most common things I know of are not very useful in a temperate North American climate, ie: bamboo, coconut shells, etc.<br><br>In the past, I have heard that certain kinds of bark would be useful. The problem is that it either burns or leaks.<br><br>If anyone has success stories in this regard, I would love to know!<br><br>Peace and God bless America<br><br>Chris<br><br>

The Indians boiled water in woven baskets. This was done by heating rocks and then dropping them into the basket. Be sure to observe the old warning against rocks from streams or wet locations. They can explode when heated. If you have the time, you could locate a clay source and make pottery. Steatite was used as an early non stick frying pan. The stone expands and conducts heat quite nicely. A hole may be excavated ( dug?) and lined with large leafs or plastic sheeting to make it watertight. Just know your plants and don't use any toxic materials.<br><br>

Ah! Dropping hot rocks in water is something I remember coming across. I would think a possible problem with that is keeping the water at a roaring boil for the 15 minutes that is recommended to kill all the nasties. I suppose if worst came to worst, you could have a pile of rocks in your fire, and just set up a little assembly line of rock dipping. Just remember the improvised tongs!<br><br>Peace and God bless America<br><br>Chris<br><br>

It takes 2-3 baseball sized rocks to initially boil 1 gallon of water. After that a single rock will maintain the boil for a good 15 minutes.<br><br>

Though not quite a direct answer to your question, paper cups will work too. Place them directly on hot coals. The paper will not ignite because of the water in the cup. Boiling water will keep the paper cup at 212 degreed F., well blow the temperature needed for combustion.<br><br>Also, you can make good of other "containers" you may have around, orange rinds or onion shells. Be creative. You may be lucky enough to find a rock with a small hollow in it, but you might end up burning your lips when you try to sip from the hot rock!<br><br><br>BTW, cooking on rocks is fun to do. I've done small cubes of meat and even Bisquick biscuits on rocks. I haven't tried fish, but I'm sure it can be done. I'll have to try that some time. As Chris warned, don't chose river rocks or rocks at water's edge. The heat will turn the moisture trapped in tiny pores into steam and explode like popcorn, spreading rock shrapnel.<br><br><br>Willie Vannerson<br>McHenry, IL