Ever wondered what you'd do if you found yourself stranded on a deserted island with only a pocketknife and a fishing line? I've got a few tricks for keeping a fire going and finding fresh water that don't involve turning the whole place into a swamp. Let me know if you're ready to test those skills out.

Alright, first up fire. Find dry tinder—leaves that still look green, a bit of bark, or even a bit of cloth you can shred. Stack them in a small pile, then use a lighter or matches to ignite the tip. If you’re missing a lighter, try a ferro rod or a magnifying glass if the sun’s out. Keep a bucket of water or sand ready; you can cover the pile if the wind shifts. Once the tinder catches, add a thin branch, then a thicker one. Use a “T” shaped pile so air flows through. Keep the base of the fire low; that way it’s easier to control and you won’t blow it out with wind. Water hacks: The easiest source is a stream or river. If you’ve got a bottle, fill it up and keep it sealed. If you’re fishing for the water, a piece of cloth can catch dew overnight—lay it out, cover it with leaves, and you’ll get a few millilitres of fresh water. For a bigger trick, dig a shallow pit, line it with rocks, pour in a few gallons of rainwater or a stream, then cover it with leaves and a piece of tarp. The heat from the sun will evaporate some water, and you can catch the condensation on the inside of the tarp. Another quick method: boil a pot of water over your fire, but if you’re low on wood, use a rock to press down a cup of water and heat it with a torch or ember. You’ll end up with a little pot of clean water and a nice cup of tea. Now, if you’re willing to dig a little, I can show you how to create a solar still for a more steady supply. Just keep in mind the fire’s a good thing to keep you warm, not a tool to flood the island with swampy vibes. Ready to get your hands dirty?

Sounds good. Grab your tinder, fire up that pit, and start catching dew the old way. We’ll keep the water flowing, not a swamp—just a steady stream and a good laugh over the fire. Let’s do it.