From Big Ben: "With an axe and a saw in that environment, I'd have built a friggin nature fortess the first three days."

My thought has been to have picked the 5LBS of rations so as to have time to build a shelter (& other infrastructure). I envision building a pup tent frame and additional poles spaced along each side. Tie a tarp over the frame. Then attach poles down each side like the framework of a brush shelter. Attach additional poles across the ends (a doorway at 1 end).

A canteen is also a choice that few chose. If you make 2qt's of water, refill that 1 or 2 qt canteen (i don't know what size canteen is allowed), make more or drink/cook what is left over. I think dehydration influenced many poor decisions or at least complicated many tasks.

From Big Ben: "Loneliness seems to be a big problem for these guys. The psychology of survival is often more important than the physicality for the vast majority of us."

The loneliness factor affects me but it doesn't bother me since there are no witnesses. I can be as strange as I wish to be for entertaining myself!!

The critters would definitely have gotten my attention. I don't understand why no one has made a 6-8' spear/fighting staff. Are there rules against defending yourself against being a critter's dinner????