The "survival story" thread reminded me of something I read once. Two men were traveling by snow machine somewhere in the frozen north. They were cruising along on a frozen river when the ice broke. One of them managed to get out of the water, while the other was stuck. The sled he was pulling floated, and he was able to rest his chin just out of the water. The man that made it out ran several miles to town and returned with help (that by itself is impressive). By the time they got back, the water had frozen around the swimmer and they had to chip him out. After they pulled him out, he said he survived by imagining that he was a walrus. I believe he said this was an Inuit technique, to visualize yourself as something else that could survive in your situation.

Anyone know more about this?

Disclaimer - it was around ten years ago so I could have it mixed up, but I've related it by my best recollection. I think I read it in Field & Stream, and they referenced a book called "Alone". I bought the book, but it had nothing to do with the article. It was an analysis of the coping mechanisms of people that had spent long periods of time alone. It was fascinating, but a different topic. I don't want to hijak my own thread!