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Ottertooth Forums * Temagami canoe routes & backcountry travel * Archive through June 27, 2013 * ALERT-Missing Person Daniel Trask * Archive through November 1, 2012 < Previous Next >

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trasker
Member

Post Number: 162
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Friday, August 10, 2012 - 12:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

NOTE: We have to start a new thread. For the previous one, see ALERT-Missing Person
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 163
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Friday, August 10, 2012 - 2:38 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: Week 40, it has been a quiet week, no news of Daniel. We will be going to Temagami next week to meet with the OPP, so hope to have more to report then. In the meantime, be on the lookout and continue with those rain dances, we certainly need it.
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 165
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, August 16, 2012 - 8:53 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: Week 41, we dropped more flyers off in Temagami and had our meeting at the OPP detachment in New Liskeard on Tuesday. The OPP showed us the grid searches they conducted on detailed maps, very extensive and thorough. After viewing the items found, certainly the snowpants, jacket and scarf (hat scarf) belong to Daniel. The sleeping bag was not familiar to us and showed signs of weathering not consistent with the other clothing.

This was a helpful meeting for Don, Adam and myself. It was good to finally meet everyone in person and discuss search efforts. As a result of our discussion, we have some further areas to check, doing what we can before the snow arrives.

We've learned that bear hunt season is starting already, so much for summer! So, we ask again for anyone in that area to be aware and on the lookout, particularly hunters who will be off the canoe trails.
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 166
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, August 23, 2012 - 7:32 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: Week 42, nothing new this week on the search front. Summer gave us another week of great weather.

Please continue to be on the lookout for signs of Daniel, and be safe out there.
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pfangrad
Member

Post Number: 1
Registered: 08-2012
Posted on Friday, August 24, 2012 - 11:34 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

This is unlikely to be of help but I will mention since everyone is fishing for any clues. We were on a house boat in Sharp Rock inlet (Aug 22) for a swim when we thought we heard rushing water. Went on land to investigate and found a large beaver dam (see map attached). Beside the dam was a green fiberglass canoe turned upside down. It was in pretty bad shape with a lot of duct tape on it. It seemed abandoned. It is possible we may have an unintentional picture of it in the background of some of the pictures and video we took of the area if it would help. I did not see any mention of watercraft that Daniel may have been using.

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curly
Member

Post Number: 375
Registered: 03-2006


Posted on Friday, August 24, 2012 - 8:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

I was up in the Mt. Barmac and Eagle River/Little Eagle Lake areas last week, kept Dan in mind. Great views from Barmac, perhaps the type Dan would like. But it seems his destination was further west.
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 167
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Saturday, September 1, 2012 - 1:57 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: Week 43, another week has passed, still no news or signs of Daniel. Aug. 31st marked my birthday, spent reflecting on special times with Daniel, we all miss him so much. This night is also a "Blue Moon" (2nd full moon in same month), how special is that! Moon photo below is from our back yard, saying a prayer for Daniel.

pfangrad: We were told of an abandoned canoe earier in our search, may be the same one. Since this is within range, if anyone comes upon it, could they please check if anything is underneath it or around it. Daniel did not take a canoe, but may have found an abandoned one and used it in his travels.

curly: Where is Mt Barmac? I'm thinking around Barmac Lake, but can't find anything called that.

We want you to be aware of other areas we want to check out, anticipating Daniel travelled further than expected. The image is from the new FOT map, area is N of Diamond Lk arm between Willow Lake and Lady Evelyn (the Red dot shows where Daniel's winter clothing was found). Areas to check include:
- Crowley L.
- Cleary Pond (292)
- Klutz L.
- No name shown (296).

If you or anyone you know has been or will be in these areas, please be on the lookout and let us know, thanks.

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trasker
Member

Post Number: 168
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Friday, September 7, 2012 - 12:40 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: Week 44, now 10 months since Daniel went missing, no new information or leads. In my update last week, I should have mentioned that we do not know if Daniel was headed north or back to Camp Wanapitei. So, continue to be on the lookout in all areas.

The Fall 2012 edition of Explore magazine is out with an article about Daniel's disappearance written by Conor Mihell. This amazing story captures the essence of Daniel, his love of the Temagami area, and our journey since he went missing.
We are already getting positive outcomes as a result of the article. Two individuals, experienced in the backcountry, have offered to help in future search efforts. They read the article and contacted us via find.dan@rogers.com printed at the end of the story.

With our gratitude and sincere appreciation to Conor:
The personal experience of you and Kim in our search for Daniel, finding his clothing, and connection with us and those involved, adds so much "heart" to the article, making it very real. It is very humbling to have you take the time and effort to tell Daniel's story in such a meaningful way. The title "Into the Light" is a perfect choice!

Don and I are planning to go to Changing Of The Seasons (COTS) next weekend. We are looking forward to the ceremony, visiting the sacred areas, and meeting those who knew Daniel from last year's gathering, and those who are supporting us in our search for Daniel.



(Message edited by trasker on September 7, 2012)
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weepished
Member

Post Number: 18
Registered: 05-2010
Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - 9:45 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Have been following your sons story all year. We have informed several people down this way (windsor) who frequent the area and have had them spread the word as well. We make several trips during the year up north and we are always keeping a look out.
Thoughts with you and your family
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curly
Member

Post Number: 377
Registered: 03-2006


Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - 10:00 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Hi Maureen, sorry I missed your question from Sept. 1. Mount Barmac is up the Eagle Lake Road, between Liberty Lake and Little Eagle Lake. It is immediately west of the road and east of the Eagle River. You have driven by it a number of times I'm sure. It's an easy and quick hike and gives great views in all directions, north, south, east, west. If you're hiking on the Ferguson Trail, from the lookout that looks north to Camp Wanapitei Mt. Barmac stands alone in the sand flats, to the right of Aston Ridge and to the left of the camp.

Look forward to meeting you next weekend.
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chris
Member

Post Number: 126
Registered: 03-2006


Posted on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 - 6:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Hi,

I'm sure this has been mentioned elsewhere, but has the Canton South and Misabi Lk area been checked? In the general area and seldom used routes. Lots of people will be heading near there this week-end...

Chris

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chris
Member

Post Number: 127
Registered: 03-2006


Posted on Thursday, September 13, 2012 - 3:46 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Seems pretty obvious and my apologies if redundant. I just checked the other thread and did not see reference to Canton South (Red Dragonfly) but just to clarify and be to sure:


(Message edited by Chris on September 13, 2012)
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 169
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 2:22 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update Weeks 45 and 46: Where did the past two weeks go? First, in response to posts during this time:

weepished: Thanks for spreading the word to be on the lookout for signs of Daniel and your kind thoughts.

curly: It was nice to finally meet you and your son Matty at COTS, we enjoyed having you as our camping neighbours. As discussed, Mt Barmac is likely further than Daniel would be, but good to know where it is.

chris: Canton South (Red Dragonfly) and Misabi Lk area has not been checked; these are further south of where we have searched. However, people should remain on the lookout for any signs of Daniel, not redundant.

Second, we've been focused on our trip to the 2012 Changing of the Seasons. Don, myself and Michael Messner (he produced a video last year that had a lot of pictures of Daniel in it - see Temagami), left on Wed. Sept. 12th and visited Jeff and the remaining leaders at Camp Wanapitei; it was great to catch up with them, including seeing Dmitri and Kostja. We left for the gathering the next day, arriving mid afternoon. This was a wonderful experience, I even enjoyed camping again! We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to Earthroots Engo for coordinating the gathering at Obabika Lake, and to Alex Mathias for hosting such a moving and meaningful ceremony. We appreciated meeting so many of you and found your kind words and sharing of your experiences with our son Daniel very comforting. We can appreciate why Daniel wanted to be there, it is very beautiful and peaceful. I'm glad we had an opportunity to meet Don Wright who had to leave early, but not until after he shared his original "Doodles" for Daniel and us, as well as a selection of Doodles for others to choose; so talented and so very kind of him.

Special thanks to Karen for recognizing my emotional turmoil and for graciously conducting a healing pipe session with me prior to the ceremony. This was my first experience, very meaningful and soothing. I've learned that the smoke is believed to carry prayers to the attention of the Creator or other powerful spirits. She shared her personal story of loss, gave me words of comfort, and gifted me with a healing stone which I now carry with me. She also agreed to jump in and take over my reading of a prayer, if I was too emotional at the ceremony, led by Alex. When I started reading the prayer, I was overwhelmed by a gust of wind that blew up from behind and around us, giving me strength to complete it, sensing the presence of the spirits, perhaps Daniel. A number of people asked for a copy of the "Prayer to our Creator" by Michael Harris of Vancouver BC, so I've attached it to this posting.

After the ceremony and potluck, we hiked the trails to see the Three Sisters and Spirit Rock, truly a mystical, unique experience. Thanks to Dan for leading us there, pointing out the sites, sharing his knowledge of the area, and getting us back safely.

We had a brief opportunity to visit with Conor and his wonderful husky dog Jack while at the ceremony site. Conor and his wife, Kim, were the ones who spotted Daniel's snowpants from the water on May 20th. After the ceremony he left on a solo trip, hoping to find further signs of Daniel. He updated us as follows: "I got back from Temagami last night (Wed. Sept. 19). I ended up paddling to Wakimika and Diamond lakes and then returned to Obabika and Lake Temagami through Bob Lake and Shishkon. I wish I would've had more time to explore around Lady Evelyn but the winds weren't too favourable for solo paddling and then it started raining like crazy. Definitely feels like autumn has arrived." Once again, we are very grateful for all the time and effort Conor has spent to help find Daniel.

Emotionally drained by Sat. evening, I crashed after dinner, missing the last night of campfire singing, storytelling and star gazing. Luckily, Don and Michael were there to join in the fun. Then it was Sunday, time to pack up, say our goodbyes and head back home to Waterloo. Many photos have already been shared on Facebook, Earthroots and the "rushes" from Michael Artistic Photography ChangingSeasons2012 . I hope to have our pictures available soon in a Smilebox.

So, now back to searching for Daniel. Over the next week, Don will be preparing for our fall search to check out the additional areas discussed with the OPP, including Lk 296. Their journey will take them to Maple Mtn as well. This spot meant a lot to Daniel, he felt a very strong spiritual connection here.


(Message edited by trasker on September 22, 2012)
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 170
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 2:29 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Oops, here is the prayer.
application/msword
Prayer to Our Creator 2012.doc (99.3 k)
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hillbillycanoe
Member

Post Number: 2
Registered: 11-2010


Posted on Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 9:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

I am honored that I met the Trask's at the COTS this year and wish we all could do more to ease their pain.
Bill
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hillbillycanoe
Member

Post Number: 3
Registered: 11-2010


Posted on Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 10:57 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Keep us posted on Don's progress to Maple Mtn.
Bill
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 171
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Friday, September 28, 2012 - 1:17 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: Week 47, The guys were planning to leave today (Thurs.) for our fall search, but plans have changed. Although it was a wonderful sunny day here in Waterloo, the search days up north are not looking as good, particularly early next week when the group would need to get back out of the bush to return home. So, searching will be put off until later in October. Currently 50% of the leaves have fallen; it's best to search when most are off the trees.

Don believes the best area to look would be between where Daniel's winter clothing was found on Diamond and the Red Squirrel Rd along with its off shoots. In the meantime, Graham from the MNR will be checking out some areas where they are working in. Since the window of opportunity for a fall search is shrinking, experiencing Maple Mountain will have to wait for another time. We've become accustomed to change, flexibility, and the fact that our plans are directed by mother nature.

A number of wonderful photos have been posted on Facebook from the gathering last weekend. Here's my 2012 Changing of the Seasons Smilebox.
Be sure to turn your sound volume on, enjoy!

hillbillycanoe: It was great meeting you too! Know that we appreciate all the kindness and thoughtfulness of folks like you who give us strength and do ease our pain in our search for Daniel. The jokes and stories told at the gathering gave us lots of laughter, good medicine for us. I've said it before, and will say it again, Ottertooth is an amazing community helping us in so many ways!
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 172
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 - 10:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Just want to make you aware of information that has come to our attention:

1. In late August a male, dressed in green army fatigues, stopped at Loon Lodge around 7:45pm, ordered food, very famished, very quiet, not certain he came by canoe or land. He had long dark hair and beard, looked like he had been in the backcountry for some time. He appeared happy but had to pull conversation. He ate quickly, paid by cash and left before 8pm closing. There was something about his eyes, like a gleam, thought he was familiar, but didn't think of Daniel until later. We don't believe this was Daniel, but it's good to report any sightings that may cause an inkling of concern, even if not Daniel, since there are a number of missing males from the area.

2. In the Smoothwater Lake area near the portage to Marina Lake some items were spotted that appeared to be very artistic. There was a piece of wood that had the three top inches carved and was stuck in the sand. Directly in front of this was a pile of chopped birch and in front of that there were logs that appeared to have been placed in a formation to be burned but was covered in sand. Approximately 50m from this area, there were a lot of round stones that appeared to be depicting a village and was approximately 15' long to 6' wide. The only footprints seen were that of an adult. Knowing Daniel, these could have been created by him, but the area is much further than we thought he would be. However, it is closer to Ishpatina Ridge, which he said he was interested in going to. If anyone was in this area and spotted these items as well, please let us know. If anyone is planning to go to this area, pictures would be helpful.

Once again, we appreciate any and all information which needs to be checked out, either to eliminate it or to fill in a missing piece to this puzzle and help us find Daniel.
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suekearns
Member

Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2012
Posted on Thursday, October 4, 2012 - 10:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post

My heart skipped a beat when I read about the male diner, and yes there are so many missing males, however, my search by police seemed to have stopped in Ottawa, although, they did say Daves case has gone country wide with the OPP.I feel such a connection with you and all the folks who I have met because we have a loved one missing. We also were in that area this summer and kept our eyes open looking for Daniel, his beautiful face is etched in my mind, I hope and pray you get good news soon...
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 173
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, October 4, 2012 - 9:54 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: Week 48, now 11 months since Daniel went missing, and again, another full moon. Don is arranging for coming up Oct. 14-17 to search specific areas. We have already been informed that hunters in the area are on the lookout for signs of Daniel.

suekearns: Our prayers are with you. With Dave now missing for 2 years today, it must feel like an eternity. We are fortunate to have the Ottertooth community helping spread the word about Daniel missing. If that fellow was not Daniel, could he be another missing loved one? That's why I posted it here, you never know. I've taken the liberty of adding this link to Dave's case David Kearns Missing, Ottawa isn't that far away.

Wishing all of you a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy the fall colours and your special family time together.

(Message edited by trasker on October 4, 2012)
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toddc
Member

Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2012
Posted on Saturday, October 6, 2012 - 10:26 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

trasker, I have just heard of your search and our prayers go out to you. I own the camp on the n/e arm of diamond. could you pm me if you get a chance? thanks
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 174
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, October 11, 2012 - 9:20 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Upate: Week 49, this was our first Thanksgiving without Daniel to celebrate with us. It was difficult, as has every special occasion since he went missing. Again, it was comforting having Adam and Kelly with us, along with loving family members over the holiday weekend, we are blessed.

Don is preparing for our fall search next week. As of Tues. Oct. 9th, the colour report said "The colours are well past peak with considerable leaf fall in the North Bay area and north into Temagami." As of tonight, looks like snow is in play, but hopefully it will not stick around. Plan is for the guys to arrive Sunday Oct. 14, search Monday and Tuesday, and return home on Wednesday. They will be decked out in their hunter orange garb, but, the only hunting for them will be searching for Daniel.

toddc: Thanks for your prayers and getting back to us with your kind support of our search efforts. Your area is of interest, and was covered by Don and Adam in the summer, but may want to check again. Please continue to be on the lookout and inform others who are in the area or at your camp.
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 175
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, October 18, 2012 - 9:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update: Week 50 and Fall Search, both are in the past, still no further signs of Daniel. The guys arrived Sunday late afternoon and setup at Camp Wanapitei. It rained all day and most of the night. Two days of extensive searching was undertaken by Don, Adam, Tom and Graham:

Mon. Search Day 1: With lots of water on the ground and raining for most of the day, they covered the peninsula on Diamond Lake from Sharp Rock to the swamp on the east.

Tues. Search Day 2: With no rain now, they walked for quite a ways from Red Squirrel before Sharp Rock, down some old logging roads east of Mosquito Lake and west of Sir Devon Rd. They did find some recent chopping of small branches, possibly marking a point going into the bush off of the logging road.

Wednesday was spent packing up and driving home, now with sunshine, go figure.

We could not have done this without the help of others. Sincere "Thanks" to:
- Jeff, Woody and Camp Wanapitei for your kind hospitality again, making our search doable and much more comfortable.
- Graham for leading the search and sharing your knowledge of the area with more old logging roads then we ever thought.
- Tom, who helped in our spring search, and was there again for us.
- and of course Don and Adam!

So once again, we ask the hunters and those in the Temagami backcountry to be on the lookout for signs of Daniel.
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 176
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2012 - 8:21 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update Week 51: What a beautiful day, 28C, just like summer again, with spectacular fall colours!
There has been no new information or signs of Daniel.

However, prayers are being answered!
We got a call from "moose" saying Rick's daughter found Adam's BB phone, still in the zip bag, and that the SIM card had photos on it that were OK, although the phone face was broken. So, one phone found, now we just need to find Daniel and his lost phone. I'm praying for 2 out of 3, but not another phone please; hoping the spirits are with us on this!
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trasker
Member

Post Number: 177
Registered: 11-2011


Posted on Thursday, November 1, 2012 - 11:27 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post

Update Week 52: So much can happen in a week. The wrath of Sandy is being felt by so many. We had a two hour power outage Tues. night, small and insignificant to what others are enduring. It did give me a special moment to light a candle not only for Daniel, but for all those who are missing. Daniel has been on our minds a lot this week as we approach one year since his disappearance, hope to do a special posting on Nov. 3rd.

We now have Adam's BB phone and will be transfering the photos from the summer search. No further news or sightings, so, continue to be on the lookout.

(Message edited by trasker on November 1, 2012)

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