VIDEO: Close to Dead

**Arson** · 03-10-2012, 22:03

My overnight hang turned into a nightmare last weekend. My friend and I were lucky to escape with our lives.......

**Strung out** · 03-10-2012, 22:40

WOW,

Amazing adventure man.

Very glad that you are here to tell the story, and thank you for doing so.

You made it out, and that is what matters.

I travel waters in remote areas just after ice-out most every year, as well as some times when the ice is forming for the winter. I have not had any similar misfortunes.

This is a great message to me and anyone else who plays in the cold waters.

I've had body parts in very cold water before, it hurts.
You guys are tough to make it through the swim and everything else.

This video will help many people I am sure.

**JayS** · 03-10-2012, 22:42

Thank god you are both okay! Thanks for sharing your story.

**Amelander** · 03-10-2012, 22:49

Scary story. Very glad you both made it out.

**dammfast** · 03-10-2012, 23:08

Holy crap Arson!

I am glad you made it. I can't imagine going through something like that. I am in the boat that it won't happen to me. Your experience will make me think more about all of my trips not just my over nighters.

Thank you for sharing this experience.

DammFast

**Jason in Tn** · 03-10-2012, 23:10

Thanks for sharing your story. Been in a couple tuff spots my self in the great out doors. Keep your head up and get back out there as soon as you can. Life is fragile but you made it and have learned a great but tuff lesson. Hope to here a good trip report soon.

Jason

**Chard** · 03-10-2012, 23:14

I'm glad everything turned out okay for you guys...

For years I've been going out canoeing and trout fishing every spring right after ice out up here in Ontario, and your video was sobering. The water is as cold as it gets and it's merciless.

You're right, all too often our survival gear is packed away. Although I always have my leatherman & firesteel on my belt, and usually fixed blade knife as well (and a bic lighter in my pocket but it's not waterproof), but I've often wondered just how much dexterity I'd have to start a fire after I had to swim 100 yards. Not much.

Stay or go.. that's a really tough call as well.

**Knotty** · 03-10-2012, 23:16

****. That's one scary story. Thank God you guys survived. Puts things in perspective for sure.

**BillyBob58** · 03-10-2012, 23:32

Arson, that is one of the most incredible- and moving- stories I have heard. Praise be to God that you are both alive and apparently on your way to full recovery.

I have never been that close to game over- that I was aware of- on my outdoor adventures. Though there have been a few close calls, and some very stupid moves by me and my buds. Some of these have been quite scary. And I have been severely hypothermic a time or two. But that was one scary tale I'm here to tell you. I'm hoping you will both be getting back out there. But just as some of my less life threatening experiences have done for me, this will no doubt affect your thinking and planning for all future trip planning. There is nothing like experience to open your eyes. Some of my personal experiences- and the experiences of my friends- have led me to adopt the slogan: stuff happens.