Not lame at all, Jim! I've always recommended testing outdoor skills in the back yard, especially survival skills. Things like emergency fire building take on a whole new slant when there is cold wind/rain/snow involved. Its always nice to have a warm home just a few steps away in the event your ideas or equipment fail to measure up. I spent many nights in the back yard perfecting hammock camping when things like Hennessey's weren't available. Good post!