Like Chris and others mentioned you can use animal sources for boiling water. I one saw a tripod with an extra leg (a quatrepod) a fresh rabbit skin was tied by each corner to the pole. This managed to hold water. Rocks were heated and dropped in the filled-up water container (with sticks). Wait for boiling water. Problem solved.

Given that I grew up in northern forests, I'd use what is present: along rivers there are often depressions ( puddles) in the rock. Heat rocks, boil puddles.

Fish while waiting.

Another downside is that I need to get the water from the original water source to wherever I found soil suitable for digging the hole. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Not a bad plan provided ypu have such puddle in rock dpressions.

As usual Chris, you come up with solutions to even the most difficult scenarios. Not only does this sound feasable but it sounds like fun to practice as well. I cant wait to get out in the woods now and try molding and firing my own clay bowl! This of course is one of those situations where I tell the wife I'm going "hiking" rather going to "make clay bowls and attempt to boil water in them" <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

The only thing I can think of would be really thin wood (which is basically paper I guess) but constuction something like that would probably exceed the time limit.

Im guessing (I could certainly be wrong) that the skin would need to be tanned and have the furr removed in order to work properly and this would exceed the time limit.

Why not use a hollowed out stump. There are always stumps in our part of the country that are from hollow trees.

"Another downside is that I need to get the water from the original water source to wherever I found soil suitable for digging the hole."

Clay is often found near riverbanks (etc). Otherwise, it often isn't even recognized as clay when it's dry.

Sue

The fur side is turned towards the fire. The inside holds the water well enough. Just add hot rocks.