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trasker
Member

Post Number: 220
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Sunday, June 30, 2013 - 11:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

NOTE: We have to start another thread (3rd). If you want to review the previous ones:

1st - ALERT-Missing Person Nov. 15, 2011 - Aug. 3, 2012

2nd - ALERT-Missing Person Daniel Trask Aug. 10, 2012 - June 27, 2013

3rd - ALERT-Missing Person Daniel Trask-3 starting June 30, 2013 (this page)

June Search Update, Day 5 Guys made it home safe and sound (on Fri. June 28). Other than a lot of rain on the way home, especially in K-W. "Thanks" to the guys (Tom, Ken, Adam, Don) for your search efforts and to Jim, Todd, Rick, Kevin and Robert for helping to make this possible, easier for us.



(Message edited by trasker on June 30, 2013)
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moose
Member

Post Number: 34
Registered: 04-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 - 6:05 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

I did see the guys fishing
I don't think your husband knew who I was at first
but next night I think he knew
he caught a really nice walleye
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 221
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Wednesday, July 3, 2013 - 10:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: 20 Months now since Daniel went missing. The months keep adding up, without any further signs of him. We remain hopeful and determined to continue searching while we can. We will post when our next search is set. In the meantime, continue to be on the lookout and spreading the word to those planning trips in this area.

Ottertooth ("Thanks" Brian) has provided an update, see the July 2013 News Brief .

moose: Don mentioned meeting up with you. Adam was there too, the BB you kindly arranged to get back to us, belonged to him. The guys managed to get some fishing in, giving them a well deserved break from their strenuous search efforts.


(Message edited by trasker on July 3, 2013)
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 223
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Friday, July 12, 2013 - 4:25 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Search Update: Our sincere "Thanks" to Keith L. and his son Kevin who took 4 days out of their busy lives to search for Daniel.

They focused on the 3 small water areas we wanted to check (Cleary Pond, Crowley Lake, Klutz Lake). They did find a discarded, moss covered, blue duffle bag (side blown out), but this was not Daniel's. There were no other signs. They were able to get to Cleary Pond (portage was marshy but pond was clear, beautiful), tried to cross to Crowley but couldn't find it (portage was overgrown). They ended at Klutz, smaller, not clear water. Keith asked if there were any clear cuts done in this area, all grown back up now.

They travelled to Willow Island Lake from Evelyn, bush wacked looking for the "tomb-like" caves Daniel mentioned to us, but didn't find any. Quite thick undergrowth, perhaps better to search in the spring.

They met "Portage Bill", who's working on a pictograph inventory for 8 weeks, accompanied by 2 husky dogs. Also, a father/daughter from Pennsylvania, travelling in a restored cedar canoe from the 1940's, heavy but a beauty. They shared their campsite on Cleary Pond and had great conversation and fabulous food, including a chocolate cake. For those bug watchers, the mosquitoes were fierce, relentless and very active.

We appreciate Keith reaching out to us and helping in our search for Daniel; yet another new friend in our extended firefighter family. Hope we can meet in person sometime too!
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 224
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Saturday, August 3, 2013 - 10:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: 21 months missing. Daniel was dearly missed last Saturday at his cousin's wedding, Kristy Trask, to Barry MacFadyen. It was a beautiful celebration but, also very emotional without Daniel.

We are so fortunate for the generosity of others. Todd C. who was up with his family in July, searched for signs of Daniel close to his cabin including some small caves in the area, and the point area near the liftover.

Michael Neiger of Michigan Backcountry Search and Rescue (MibSAR) learned of Daniel`s disappearance and has reviewed his case and investigative information. We are humbled that he and his team are planning a search operation with his team Aug. 9-18. They are driving all the way from Michigan, amazing! MibSAR is a non-profit organization conducting their search in collaboration with us and the officials involved. They are a self-sufficient team, non-motorized, a boots on the ground team, with experience in searching remote backcountry.

Michael has setup a website to assist their SAR team as well as to help share information with the public Daniel Trask Missing. This is something I've been wanting for a while, one spot for all information. It includes information of Daniel's case, media coverage, photos, and search details useful for the SAR personnel. One of our challenges was having one map of the area where Daniel`s winter clothing was found (NE arm of Diamond Lake, across from the pictographs, just before the liftover into Lady Evelyn Lake). Michael had the Federal Government Maps produce a custom 1:20,000 map covering this area, which is noted on the website.

Don and I will be up Aug. 8-19, and hope to meet the team at some point. We will be staying at Camp Wanapitei the night before (Thurs. Aug. 8) and then head to the cabin the next morning. During our stay, this will give me an opportunity to see where Daniel's winter clothing was found and any remaining signs of the tree choppings. We will be conducting some searching on our own. This will give me a better appreciation of the area, the remoteness, and a sense of what Daniel was seeking.

Social media plays a big role in our search for Daniel. For those on Facebook, I've setup a page Daniel Trask is Missing. This was something I've been putting off, thinking we would have found him by now.

(Message edited by trasker on August 3, 2013)

(Message edited by trasker on August 3, 2013)
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 226
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Monday, August 26, 2013 - 8:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Summer Search Update - Aug. 8-19, 2013 has taken some time to prepare, condense down with excitement about an amazing find, Daniel's back pack, by the MibSAR search team (Michael, Chris and Cathy).

On Tues. Aug. 13th in the morning, we were greeted by Chris coming up the path to the cabin, calling out to us, in the pouring rain. He explained that they had found a back pack, a couple hours after we left them the day before. This was unbelievable news. Trying not to get too excited, we notified the OPP who recovered the pack later that day. I stayed at the cabin, while Don and Chris and the team went to meet the OPP officer. Upon inspecting it, the "Northern Escape" black back pack contained the following items:
- Atlas 9.25 dark aluminum snow shoes
- Painted steer skull with horns
- Grey boxer shorts, medium
- Blue rope
- Birch bark pieces in the bottom
- a live green snake inside the back pack
- a small compass and carabiner flashlight, both attached on the outside.

We are certain the back pack and contents are Daniel's. The steer skull was a gift to Daniel from close friends. After getting home we confirmed it was not here. We are still checking about the snow shoes, since we thought his were grey/white. Finding the live green snake was errie; Daniel shared his experience with us about having a bright green snake with him when he was on Maple Mtn. So, quite amazing that there was a live green snake in his back pack, so many coincidences.

The search team joined us for a steak dinner on Wed. giving us time to enjoy their company and learn more about them, amazing folks. Although we could not entice these hard core searchers to stay the night, it was nice to have some time together. The remaining days zipped by, filled with our own shoreline searching efforts and meeting up with the team to get their updates and share some snacks. One day in passing the area where Daniel's winter clothing was found, from the water, I spotted something shinny. Don checked it out; finding 2 Carling Lager cans (blue and silver). Likely not Daniel's, since the OPP would have found them in their search last year. We did not make it to the caves Daniel talked about, so still an area to be checked out. Although bear hunting season opened Thurs. Aug. 15th, we did not see any bears during our trip. With the exception of two cabin mice, there were no other critters of concern.

Many of you have been praying with us for answers in 2013. Finding Daniel's back pack is HUGE, another piece to the puzzle in finding Daniel. However, it also raises questions about why his bag would be where it was, at least 5km SSE of where his winter clothing was found. There was no note or information indicating Daniel's intention. His purpose and destination is still not answered, but we do believe he is here, an area he loved and felt comfortable in.

We are grateful to the MibSAR team for their search efforts who are planning to return in Sept. (13-22). A Case Update has been posted to Daniel's site along with a picture of the team. Photos below are of the back pack and area where it was found. A detailed investigation report has been provided to the OPP and further discussion will take place as fall search plans are laid out. Don is planning to be up there during this time as well, with others who may be available to come up.

Once again, our sincere "Thanks" to those who continue to assist us in our search efforts for Daniel, we couldn't do it without you! (Woody, Jim, Todd, Rick, Robert, Kevin, OPP, and our new MibSAR friends).

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brian
Moderator

Post Number: 1583
Registered: 02-2004


Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 6:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

The Nugget story:
http://www.nugget.ca/2013/08/28/trask-backpack-fou nd
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 227
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 - 11:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Thanks Brian for posting the link to The Nugget news article published today by Jennifer Hamilton-McCharles titled "Trask backpack found". Note that the pack was found south of the winter clothing, not north.
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 228
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 5:36 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: Daniel has been missing for 22 months as of September 3rd. Not a day goes by that we don't think of him, wondering what happened to him. Don, Adam, Kelly and I were fortunate enough to get away together and enjoy an Alaska cruise, it was amazing, hence the delay in this update.

An investigation report has been submitted to the OPP by MibSAR with details of their initial search and evidence found. They are heading up tomorrow (Fri. Sept 13) from Michigan for further searching. Don and I will be up as well, leaving early tomorrow morning. We plan to meet up again with the team (Michael Neiger with two partners Todd and Charlie). We are cognizant of keeping our expectations in check, knowing we are still looking for "a needle in a haystack", so to speak. With prayer, support and assistance, we remain optimistic that more answers will come our way.

Searching for Daniel is our priority so we will not be able to attend COTS this year, but will be thinking of Alex and all the terrific folks we met last year.

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mic_mp
Member

Post Number: 8
Registered: 11-2011
Posted on Friday, September 13, 2013 - 7:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Wishing you the best of luck on the September search. I hope the weather stays nice for you. As always, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
xo
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 229
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 11:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Fall Search Update - Sept. 13-23, 2013 has concluded. Don and I arrived home Monday night after a very long day. The MibSAR search team (Michael Neiger who we met in the previous search, and two other searchers Charlie and Todd) covered the remaining area between where Daniel's backpack was found and where his winter clothing was found. Although nothing further was found, we are confident the team executed an extensive and very thorough search. We were not involved directly in the searching but, were able to assist the team by moving them by boat, giving them more time to focus on boots on the ground searching. A Case Update is posted on Daniel's site with a picture of the team at the cabin and search plans for spring 2014.

mic_mp: The weather was amazing. It only rained a couple of times, no bugs, no bears, leaves were quickly changing colour and a full moon on Thursday, so beautiful and peaceful.

The team joined us a few nights for supper, giving us an opportunity to learn more about them. This time, we even convinced them to sleep over, although they insisted on being outside. They left Sharp Rock on Sat. for their return on Red Squirrel Road via their mountain bikes and then a much longer drive back to Michigan.

There are a number of people who were instrumental in making our search logistics easier and more convenient. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to:
- Woody and Camp Wanapitei, for parking spots each time and canoe use when needed
- Robert Baker and Kevin Pinkerton, for access approvals to crown lands and parks
- Todd Chunick, for use of his cabin on the NE arm of Diamond as our home base
- Rick Lockhart, for lending us a boat to get back and forth from Sharp Rock to the cabin
- Jim Sanderson, for transporting us and our gear from Camp Wanapitei and back each time.

We are extremely grateful to Michael and his search team for all their time and effort. This year's searching would not have been possible or executed as professionally without your assistance.

For our friends on this forum, please continue to keep our message out there that Daniel is still missing. We thank you too for your ongoing input, support and prayers.



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trasker
Member

Post Number: 230
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Friday, October 4, 2013 - 12:03 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: Today it's now 23 months since Daniel went missing. This is such a long time and we miss him so very, very much.

We remind ourselves that we are so fortunate having found some items already. Too many families with missing loved ones search for so many years and find nothing. Some even have no idea where to search. Sadly, some have noone to look for them. So, we are very grateful to those who are helping us in our search journey for Daniel. "Thanks" to all of you!
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 231
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Sunday, November 3, 2013 - 6:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update 2 Years Missing: Our family is still on an emotional roller coaster ride with Daniel missing now for 24 months; some days are better than others. Nothing in our lives prepared us for a challenge as big as this one. But, we're learning how to carry on and find a new normal, a new balance in our life; some days it's easier said than done.

In tribute to Daniel on this milestone date, I've written him a message, as best as I can. By reflecting and sharing, it brings me some sense of comfort on this journey of uncertainty, this living in limbo, this experience of ambiguous loss.

Through the ongoing support and assistance of family and friends, we are able to remain hopeful and continue our search efforts when Mother Nature allows. What else can we do? Any thoughts or ideas are always appreciated.

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twidderfield
Member

Post Number: 2
Registered: 09-2013
Posted on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 - 7:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Sorry to bother you Maureen, but I was just watching a show about missing people and a thought struck me. Did Dan talk about his plans/Temagami trek with any friends, family or anyone before he left? I've followed all the posts since he went missing and read all the stories, but there was never any mention of the days leading up to that Thursday. The reason I ask is that he might have wanted to "rough it", but I don't think he'd head up there without SOME gear. What he had with him seems more like he had plans for somewhere to stay. The steer's head strikes me as a "regift". I'm sure you've thought about just about every possibility. I was just wondering. He must have said something to someone. Anyway you are often in my thoughts. I can't imagine what it's like for you not knowing what happened. I was up in Temagami last summer, but didn't see anything, though I was mostly in the southeast. I'll keep praying for answers for you.
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 234
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 - 7:45 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: 25 Months missing, how can this be? We may never know, but still need to know what happened to Daniel. Perhaps Daniel is trying to tell us...that leads me into the green snake story that is mysteriously unfolding before us.

For those of you following this blog, you will know a live green snake was found in Daniel's back pack when the contents were searched by Don with the MibSAR team and OPP officer present. I stayed back at the cabin. When Don returned and told me about the green snake, we both had an unspoken eerie feeling, knowing Daniel had told us about his summer experience with finding a live green snake on Maple Mountain. I was disappointed there was no photo taken of the snake from the pack, but found a nature book in the cabin. As I opened the book to learn more about this snake, it opened exactly at the page describing a smooth green snake, identified as indigenous to this area. Another coincidence?

Since our searching is on hold again until next spring, Don has restarted our home renos, this time the upstairs bedrooms, one being Daniel's room. So, now the inevitable task of packing up Daniel's belongings, not an easy task, cannot be put off any longer. While emptying out drawers, I found a phone SIM card and asked Adam if he could check the contents. There was a profound picture, as shown below dated July 3, 2011, 28 months before today, 28 years old when he went missing. We are fortunate to have found this and now have a picture of Daniel holding the green snake he discovered, with the Maple Mountain tower in the background. This is truly a gift to us from Daniel. Another coincidence?

So, I reached out to learn more, what might this mean? We are grateful to Gary Potts for sharing with us: "I am a citizen of the Teme-Augama Anishnabai ( Deep Water by the Shore People ) and our People called Maple Mountain “ Chee-Bai-Gin “ ( The Place where The Spirit goes after The Body Dies ). It was the belief by our People that the body will always die but the spirit never will. Many of our People hold those beliefs to hold truth today and I am one of those, “ Gary Potts “. From my experience Daniel has sent a spirit message, via the green snake, that he is Spiritually at Peace and is with our Peoples Spirits at Chee-bai-Gin. I have followed Daniel / your Family postings on ottertooth and hope that the sharing of my experience is helpful and peaceful to you."

We too believe spirit never dies. We take comfort in knowing Daniel is where he would want his spirit to be; there is no other place he loved as much as this spiritual land. Can we find peace with this truth?



"Thanks" Brian for posting the news brief about Families of missing live in limbo describing what it's like living with a missing loved one (in limbo, ambiguous loss, an uncertain loss).

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trasker
Member

Post Number: 235
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, December 5, 2013 - 12:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

tridderfield: No bother, thanks for your questions and thoughts. When Daniel came back from his summer trip in July 2011 and again from Changing of the Seasons and his tripping after that in Oct. 2011, he had spoken of going to Temagami to stay a winter. We were supportive, provided he had communications and would connect with friends up there, since he would be on his own. He had started to put things together, but then put them away, learning later that he did have some things like the back pack in his car. So we thought he had changed his mind about Temagami. We did not expect him to leave early that morning without taking or saying anything, and thought he was just going to spend some time with his friends. That was early in the morning of Thurs. Nov. 3, 2011. When we still didn’t hear from him by Monday, we contacted the police. Finally, 10 days after leaving home, Daniel’s car was located in the parking area for Camp Wanapitei off Red Squirrel Road. In hindsight, it made sense that he would go to Temagami, but at the early point of Daniel missing, we had no idea and focused on contacting all his friends. He had talked about going snowboarding out west again (stay with a friend in Whistler) and we thought of Temagami, but since his things were still at home, we didn't focus on this and we had no contact information of the friends he made up there. In getting on the internet and phone, I was successful in contacting someone who was able to connect me with other folks which lead to Daniel’s car being found. This was now Nov. 13, 2011. We try not to second guess or beat up on ourselves over the number of days between when he left the house and when his car was found but, this is our reality that we must deal with.

So, we are still trying to determine his intentions and what we believe was a solo journey/quest. The painted steer’s skull was a surprise to us when found in the back pack, we thought it was still at home, but not. Your thought of a “regift” as a possibility, Daniel was very giving, it was his nature to give, but it was a gift to him from dear friends, so hard to imagine him parting with it. Perhaps he intended to use it as a symbol to take and mark where he went or wanted to be, he has left other symbols/items in his earlier trips. I would like to know if there is a spiritual significance to this that someone may have spoken to Daniel about. But, from the people we have talked with, he has not made contact with anyone up there since he disappeared. Daniel was friends with Jeff at Camp Wanapitei, having parked his car there before. There is evidence that he was in the yurt, a small distance from there, but again, he was not there when it was searched in the fall. It’s been suggested he may have been there, left, and came back. But again, that would be speculative at best. He knew the yurt was empty until the spring, so made sense to look there for him. He’s not there now.

Did he say something to someone? The night before he left, we learned after the fact, he did call someone about going to the caves. He mentioned this to us as well, earlier, after he was back from his summer trip. When his winter clothing was found in 2012, searching focused on the NE arm of Diamond. When MibSAR got involved in 2013, they attempted to retrace Daniel’s possible journey, starting from Red Squirrel Rd, leading to finding his back pack. They then closely searched the shoreline, walking to where his winter clothing was found, and further north to Lady Evelyn. Now, with this area covered and based on his strong focus on wanting to go to the caves, this will be the focus of the searches in 2014, north of where his clothing was found. The area he spoke to us of is between Willow Island Lake and a smaller unnamed lake. If we find the “tomb like” caves he spoke of, then maybe we will find him. Our challenge is, no one is aware of caves in that area, but we must look, it’s our only clue to go on, our thread of hope. There are other possibilities, but for now, we need to focus on this unless further evidence comes forward.

Many have said it’s hard to know what we are going through. Believe me, no one can prepare a parent, this is not about death, not about traditional grief, not about closure; this is about living with uncertainty by trying to find some meaning. I came upon a poem When Someone you Love goes Missing by Tom M Brown. It says it like it is, what he goes through with a missing sister, what our family is up against, what far too many families are still struggling with after too many years with a missing loved one.

We appreciate all the prayers and support. Please, do continue to share any questions, thoughts or information that will assist our search to find Daniel. Anyone who had contact with Daniel during his time up there, please let us know if he mentioned caves to you, any further information will be helpful.
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pine_sap
Member

Post Number: 88
Registered: 05-2004
Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 - 11:06 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Are there gps coords for where Daniels Clothing and Backpack were found? If so could you post them?
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pine_sap
Member

Post Number: 89
Registered: 05-2004
Posted on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 - 11:27 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Never mind, the search and rescue website has them. Just now saw the link. Sorry.
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pine_sap
Member

Post Number: 90
Registered: 05-2004
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 - 12:18 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

I have been looking but can't find what the weather was like in temagami between Nov. 3rd and Nov. 13 2011. Does anyone know?

(Message edited by pine_sap on December 11, 2013)
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concerned
Member

Post Number: 1
Registered: 12-2013
Posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 - 12:59 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Here is a great website for tracking past weather conditions.
http://climate.weather.gc.ca/
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 236
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2013 - 9:51 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

pine_sap: Yes, the UTM coordinates are shown on the MibSAR Evidence Scatter Map, Sept. 22, 2013 on Daniel's page under Case Updates.

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trasker
Member

Post Number: 237
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, December 12, 2013 - 10:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

concerned: The details for these dates are not available via your link, I've emailed to find out when they will be available.

pine_sap: Here is weather info for Nov. 3-14, 2011. "Thanks" to fallguy1000 (Daniel Fall) for preparing this.

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trasker
Member

Post Number: 238
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Friday, December 13, 2013 - 10:47 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Here's the reply and link from Ontario Climate Centre:

"There is very limited data available for the area. The closest hourly observing site would be Earlton. Link

These hourly observations provide the elements that you have mentioned. I hope this helps."

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trasker
Member

Post Number: 239
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Friday, December 13, 2013 - 11:20 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Also Nov. 2011 Climate by Day
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pine_sap
Member

Post Number: 91
Registered: 05-2004
Posted on Saturday, December 14, 2013 - 5:09 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Few more questions... Daniel wanted to spend a winter "living off the land", yet as far as we know he took no fishing pole, tent or canoe or other important gear. Were matches or lighters found amongst his belongings? He had birch bark in his backpack i'm assuming that was for starting a fire, but no signs of campfire have been found along his alleged rout, right? Have we confirmed if the sleeping bag and underwear, and toiletries found were Daniels? They were found relatively close to his snow pants and Jacket. Possible first campsite? Also, do we know what provisions Daniel bought at the store? were any of them canned goods, or items that would leave a sign even if animals were to get to them i.e. plastic bags? I dont recall seeing anything found that would leed us to think he had food with him.

When Daniel arrived, probably early afternoon of Nov. 3rd, it was chilly, but not cold enough to feel uncomfortable going for a walkabout in the bush. According to my data, as the crow flies, his snow pants and jacket were found approx. 8.5 miles from his car. I plotted a possible land rout between his car and snow pants at about 12 miles. Depending on Daniel's arrival time, it would be plausable to discern that he could have made it, on his first day,to where his snow gear was found. This is assuming he embarked toward Diamond lake relatively soon after his arrival to the parking area at Wanapitei. However, his caretaker friend says he was missing some knives and firewood. If it was Daniel who used these items, he could have waited til the following day. Based on his fondness of Maple Mountain and the location of his belongings it is reasonable to assume Daniel's destination was Maple Mountain. If this is true, here is my scenario...

Daniel leaves car and makes it to where sleeping bag etc. was found. He is cold and miserable, but makes it throught the night. I doubt Daniel was intending to walk around Lady Evelyn Lake to get to Maple Mountain. The most Logical place to cross would be at the narrows just north of where Daniel's snow gear was found between Diamond and Lady Evelyn Lakes. The narrows normally arent quite narrow enough to jump accross, but it could be possible in the fall when water levels are typically lower. Daniel attemps this but fails and ends up in the water. Daniel gets back to shore and takes off his wet snow gear, and walks back to where sleeping bag etc was found. He cannot get fire started to warm up. Hops into sleeping bag to warm up, but doesn't work. He decides to call it quits and head back toward Wanapitei with early symptoms of hypothermia setting in. He decides to ditch wet snow gear. Makes it as far as creek near where his backpack was found. It is possible, in a hypothermic state to seek warmth in the water. That time of year the water temp Is much warmer than air temp and can be inviting to someone suffering from hypothermia, but ultimately fatal. Or he succumbed to the effects of hypothermia somewhere on land near where the backpack was found.

This seems to be the only logical scenario as I dont think Daniel would have left his Backpack where it was found on the way out to his destination, Unless the items were deliberately strewn about by someone else which is whole other scenario.

If i were the guys from Michigan that will be searching in the spring, I would concentrate on a .5 to 1 mile radius from where backpack was found.

I pray every day you guys get some closure and find out what happened to your son. I hope it comes for you next year, or sooner. God Bless and stay strong.

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