Inchworms Journal during 26 days lost...newest report [Archive]

WhiteBlaze

07-26-2013, 06:00

<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="7" style="vertical-align:top;"><tr><td width="80" align="center" valign="top"></td><td valign="top" class="j"> <div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="lh"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGUKCO7pfn2BC_NPgH05O1SzMPqWg&url=http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/d97d404cd37c457da136b56489de7b92/ME--Missing-Woman/">Maine authorities say Tenn. woman missing on Appalachian Trail seen Tuesday ...</a> Daily Journal SANDY RIVER PLANTATION, Maine — Maine authorities are continuing their search for a Tennessee woman who went missing while hiking the Appalachian Trail. A spokesman for the Maine Warden Service says 66-year-old Geraldine Anita Largay of ... <a class="p" href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dFc-a9GkrCJHuAM&ned=us"></a></div></td></tr></table>

More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGUKCO7pfn2BC_NPgH05O1SzMPqWg&url=http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/d97d404cd37c457da136b56489de7b92/ME--Missing-Woman/)

WhiteBlaze

07-26-2013, 14:00

<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="7" style="vertical-align:top;"><tr><td width="80" align="center" valign="top"></td><td valign="top" class="j"> <div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="lh"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGNDnj3zaevlb6B1Sx9BN-IB3RJdg&url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/26/news/lewiston-auburn/more-than-60-searching-for-missing-hiker-along-appalachian-trail/?ref%3Dlatest">More than 60 searching for missing hiker along Appalachian Trail</a> Bangor Daily News CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — The search for a missing Tennessee woman hiking the Appalachian Trail continued Friday morning with about 60 game wardens and searchers looking for Geraldine Largay. Largay failed to meet her husband as planned ... <a class="p" href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=d_A5ROie7nkkURM&ned=us"></a></div></td></tr></table>

More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGNDnj3zaevlb6B1Sx9BN-IB3RJdg&url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/26/news/lewiston-auburn/more-than-60-searching-for-missing-hiker-along-appalachian-trail/?ref%3Dlatest)

WhiteBlaze

07-27-2013, 05:20

<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="7" style="vertical-align:top;"><tr><td width="80" align="center" valign="top"></td><td valign="top" class="j"> <div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="lh"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHeVDR-KOjZy_mOStX96HQPhzZcWA&url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/26/news/lewiston-auburn/more-than-60-searching-for-missing-hiker-along-appalachian-trail/">More than 60 searching for missing hiker along Appalachian Trail</a> Bangor Daily News CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — The search for a missing Tennessee woman hiking the Appalachian Trail continued Friday morning with about 60 game wardens and searchers looking for Geraldine Largay. Largay failed to meet her husband as planned ... <a class="p" href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dY7uTfx_jVI27KM&ned=us"></a></div></td></tr></table>

More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHeVDR-KOjZy_mOStX96HQPhzZcWA&url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/26/news/lewiston-auburn/more-than-60-searching-for-missing-hiker-along-appalachian-trail/)

WhiteBlaze

07-27-2013, 05:20

<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="7" style="vertical-align:top;"><tr><td width="80" align="center" valign="top"></td><td valign="top" class="j"> <div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="lh"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGU4LLYGpWsKEj1fOCV_gGx_UYjpw&url=http://www.sunjournal.com/news/franklin/2013/07/26/wardens-continue-search-missing-hiker-along/1398889">Wardens continue search for missing hiker along Appalachian Trail</a> Lewiston Sun Journal CARRABASSETT VALLEY — The search for a missing Tennessee woman hiking the Appalachian Trail continued Friday morning with about 60 game wardens and searchers looking for Geraldine Largay. <a class="p" href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dbOvvRpo0BpsfgM&ned=us"></a></div></td></tr></table>

More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGU4LLYGpWsKEj1fOCV_gGx_UYjpw&url=http://www.sunjournal.com/news/franklin/2013/07/26/wardens-continue-search-missing-hiker-along/1398889)

Danl

07-27-2013, 08:53

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article/251123/2/Husband-of-missing-hiker-remains-hopeful

Believe she is still missing this morning. Hope she is okay.

HikerMom58

07-27-2013, 09:31

Thanks for the post Danl... I pray she is OK.

WhiteBlaze

07-27-2013, 10:10

<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="7" style="vertical-align:top;"><tr><td width="80" align="center" valign="top"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHsT5sHkNGn8_Kv4ozAnqFvjBqVxA&url=http://www.wbir.com/news/article/282009/2/Search-underway-for-TN-woman-lost-on-Appalachian-Trail-in-Maine"><img src="//t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ0cqdYD20oEOZ5sNB61uYpaI0kUsaRP 2Q6dx-yi-w5lJT92PiJ6l3H_iJaaXvTIxL3RGaWtpU" alt="" border="1" width="80" height="80" /> WBIR-TV</a></td><td valign="top" class="j"> <div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="lh"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHaOVqD591VuKHiDFcU1krvJzCTSQ&url=http://www.kjonline.com/news/Wardens-seek-hikers-aid-in-finding-woman-lost-from-Appalachian-Trail.html">Wardens seek hikers' aid in finding woman lost from Appalachian Trail</a> Kennebec Journal As the search resumed today for missing Appalachian Trail hiker Geraldine Largay, wardens renewed and expanded their call for the public's help determining her last known whereabouts. The Maine Warden Service was specifically looking for hikers who ... <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGNDnj3zaevlb6B1Sx9BN-IB3RJdg&url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/26/news/lewiston-auburn/more-than-60-searching-for-missing-hiker-along-appalachian-trail/?ref%3Dlatest">More than 60 searching for missing hiker along Appalachian Trail</a>Bangor Daily News <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHsT5sHkNGn8_Kv4ozAnqFvjBqVxA&url=http://www.wbir.com/news/article/282009/2/Search-underway-for-TN-woman-lost-on-Appalachian-Trail-in-Maine">Search underway for TN woman lost on Appalachian Trail in Maine</a>WBIR-TV <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFtcxIUxCUgW5p4SvLmVjmkiefmFA&url=http://www.11alive.com/news/article/300388/40/Husband-of-missing-hiker-searches-hopes">Husband of missing hiker searches, hopes</a>WXIA-TV <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHkqieAHzdp531Mpk-NrlRV5-5_4g&url=http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Search-for-missing-Tenessee-hiker-back-underway-.html">Morning Sentinel</a> <a class="p" href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dkkKl4-9cPSzlUM3WHKDNGmRx-BVM&ned=us">all 24 news articles »</a></div></td></tr></table>

More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHaOVqD591VuKHiDFcU1krvJzCTSQ&url=http://www.kjonline.com/news/Wardens-seek-hikers-aid-in-finding-woman-lost-from-Appalachian-Trail.html)

SawnieRobertson

07-27-2013, 11:01

CNN.com has a whole interview article about Inchworm's missing. Although the news is frightening, it also confirms that she is well stocked with what she needs and that she is a veteran AT backpacker with good sense. It lists the other hikers whom she might have encountered before she got off trail. The husband who was to meet her for resupply is interviewed as he awaits her arrival days late. It contains an interview of a hiker about conditions that day as well as a photo of those conditions. It mentions other trails that intersect which she might have accidentally followed. Don't we all relate to that! God be with her.

WhiteBlaze

07-27-2013, 12:10

<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="7" style="vertical-align:top;"><tr><td width="80" align="center" valign="top"></td><td valign="top" class="j"> <div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="lh"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFhC8C8sgmjylraQ5CExE7rmewHvg&url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/27/news/lewiston-auburn/game-wardens-seek-hikers-who-may-have-information-on-missing-appalachian-trail-hiker-largay/">Game wardens seek hikers who may have information on missing Appalachian ...</a> Bangor Daily News CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — Maine game wardens are searching for several hikers who may have information concerning missing Appalachian Trail hiker Geraldine Anita Largay. Largay, 66, uses the trail name “inchworm,” and game wardens are ... <a class="p" href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dOo65JVj_ALjbbM&ned=us"></a></div></td></tr></table>

More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFhC8C8sgmjylraQ5CExE7rmewHvg&url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/27/news/lewiston-auburn/game-wardens-seek-hikers-who-may-have-information-on-missing-appalachian-trail-hiker-largay/)

Rain Man

07-27-2013, 13:48

Wow... Brentwood is right down the road from me. It's also where the "Nashville" REI is. I sure hope they find this lady all right.

Rain Man

.

Alligator

07-27-2013, 14:26

<tbody>
http://www.whiteblaze.net//t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ0cqdYD20oEOZ5sNB61uYpaI0kUsaRP 2Q6dx-yi-w5lJT92PiJ6l3H_iJaaXvTIxL3RGaWtpU
WBIR-TV (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHsT5sHkNGn8_Kv4ozAnqFvjBqVxA&url=http://www.wbir.com/news/article/282009/2/Search-underway-for-TN-woman-lost-on-Appalachian-Trail-in-Maine)

<img alt="" height="1" width="1">
Wardens seek hikers' aid in finding woman lost from Appalachian Trail (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHaOVqD591VuKHiDFcU1krvJzCTSQ&url=http://www.kjonline.com/news/Wardens-seek-hikers-aid-in-finding-woman-lost-from-Appalachian-Trail.html)
Kennebec Journal
As the search resumed today for missing Appalachian Trail hiker Geraldine Largay, wardens renewed and expanded their call for the public's help determining her last known whereabouts. The Maine Warden Service was specifically looking for hikers who ...
More than 60 searching for missing hiker along Appalachian Trail (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGNDnj3zaevlb6B1Sx9BN-IB3RJdg&url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/26/news/lewiston-auburn/more-than-60-searching-for-missing-hiker-along-appalachian-trail/?ref%3Dlatest)Bangor Daily News
Search underway for TN woman lost on Appalachian Trail in Maine (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHsT5sHkNGn8_Kv4ozAnqFvjBqVxA&url=http://www.wbir.com/news/article/282009/2/Search-underway-for-TN-woman-lost-on-Appalachian-Trail-in-Maine)WBIR-TV
Husband of missing hiker searches, hopes (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFtcxIUxCUgW5p4SvLmVjmkiefmFA&url=http://www.11alive.com/news/article/300388/40/Husband-of-missing-hiker-searches-hopes)WXIA-TV
Morning Sentinel (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHkqieAHzdp531Mpk-NrlRV5-5_4g&url=http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Search-for-missing-Tenessee-hiker-back-underway-.html)
all 24 news articles » (http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=dkkKl4-9cPSzlUM3WHKDNGmRx-BVM&ned=us)

</tbody>

More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHaOVqD591VuKHiDFcU1krvJzCTSQ&url=http://www.kjonline.com/news/Wardens-seek-hikers-aid-in-finding-woman-lost-from-Appalachian-Trail.html)This article has a list of hikers that they want to contact to see if they have seen her. If you know any of them let them know in case they can help with information.

coppertex

07-27-2013, 16:36

I went to the ATI with her and her husband in Sept '11. This is so sad - I hope they find her safely :(

WhiteBlaze

07-27-2013, 19:10

<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="7" style="vertical-align:top;"><tr><td width="80" align="center" valign="top"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHsT5sHkNGn8_Kv4ozAnqFvjBqVxA&url=http://www.wbir.com/news/article/282009/2/Search-underway-for-TN-woman-lost-on-Appalachian-Trail-in-Maine"><img src="//t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ0cqdYD20oEOZ5sNB61uYpaI0kUsaRP 2Q6dx-yi-w5lJT92PiJ6l3H_iJaaXvTIxL3RGaWtpU" alt="" border="1" width="80" height="80" /> WBIR-TV</a></td><td valign="top" class="j"> <div style="padding-top:0.8em;"><img alt="" height="1" width="1" /></div><div class="lh"><a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFNOR9gh5OckhxpXVvvjFavCWH_3g&url=http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/130-search-appalachian-trail-brentwood-woman-missing-maine">130 search Appalachian Trail for Brentwood woman missing in Maine</a> Nashville City Paper CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine (AP) - About 130 people, some with dogs, horses, ATVs and aircraft, searched Saturday for a Tennessee woman who disappeared while hiking the Appalachian Trail in Maine. Maine Warden Service Corp. John MacDonald ... <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGNDnj3zaevlb6B1Sx9BN-IB3RJdg&url=http://bangordailynews.com/2013/07/26/news/lewiston-auburn/more-than-60-searching-for-missing-hiker-along-appalachian-trail/?ref%3Dlatest">More than 60 searching for missing hiker along Appalachian Trail</a>Bangor Daily News <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHsT5sHkNGn8_Kv4ozAnqFvjBqVxA&url=http://www.wbir.com/news/article/282009/2/Search-underway-for-TN-woman-lost-on-Appalachian-Trail-in-Maine">Search underway for TN woman lost on Appalachian Trail in Maine</a>WBIR-TV <a href="http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHaOVqD591VuKHiDFcU1krvJzCTSQ&url=http://www.kjonline.com/news/Wardens-seek-hikers-aid-in-finding-woman-lost-from-Appalachian-Trail.html">Wardens seek hikers' aid in finding woman lost from Appalachian Trail</a>Kennebec Journal <a class="p" href="http://news.google.com/news/more?ncl=d2ILfYo11Q3_JaMkkKl4-9cPSzlUM&ned=us">all 31 news articles »</a></div></td></tr></table>

More... (http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNFNOR9gh5OckhxpXVvvjFavCWH_3g&url=http://www.nashvillecitypaper.com/content/city-news/130-search-appalachian-trail-brentwood-woman-missing-maine)

Green Bear

07-27-2013, 22:21

If you have any information to share with Maine Game Wardens and searchers associated with Maine Association of Search and Rescue (MASAR)........ Please note that there seems to be an intermittent problem with the phone number(s).

It's probably best to call the numbers if you can. I was able to successfully get through on the 800# earlier today without any problem. However, at times before and after my own call, some folks have reported experiencing problems with the phone numbers, including getting out of service messages. So if you are trying to share information and can not get through, another possible contact point is the Facebook Page for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
https://www.facebook.com/mainefishwildlife Updates on the search are posted there also.

Jan LiteShoe

07-28-2013, 08:36

http://www.kjonline.com/news/Wardens-seek-hikers-aid-in-finding-woman-lost-from-Appalachian-Trail.html

rustmd

07-28-2013, 09:25

i was at the lean-to sunday night w/ inchworm, and have shared my info w/ maine detectives. inchworm is well-prepared and very experienced, i'm surely hoping & praying for a good outcome in this.

i'm home now, hiked 252 miles SOBO from katahdin, an amazing hike! met lots of wonderful hikers, like inchworm.

.com

ElephantEater

07-28-2013, 15:00

The phone number that they sent out on the release has a typo. It should read 207-624-7076(not 6076). Also, Koda's post that she has been found is incorrect (as of 3pm Sunday). They found Janet Post, not Gerry Largay. Please keep spreading the word until she is found.

Also, as an update, they found hiker Crunchmaster and have now determined that she is most likely in a 4 mile area (versus the original 21 miles). They are going to fan out from the trail to see if she may have had an injury or medical issue when she ma have stepped off to attend to business. They have dogs and horses, plus ATV's and over a hundred people searching and hopefully they'll find her today.

ElephantEater

07-28-2013, 15:01

There was a typo on the 207 number. THe proper number to call is 207-624-7076 (not 6076). As of 3pm she still has not been found. (friend of Gerry's)

ElephantEater

07-28-2013, 15:02

Hi,
It's Kit(also at ATI with you). They sure are doing everything humanely possible to find her. Hopefully, today!

Green Bear

07-28-2013, 15:46

To Kit,
I am spreading the word about the correction for the 207 phone number. Thanks!

coppertex

07-28-2013, 19:02

Hi,
It's Kit(also at ATI with you). They sure are doing everything humanely possible to find her. Hopefully, today!

Hey Kit, great to hear from you again on whiteblaze and thank you for your updates on Gerry. I'm in complete shock over this and having been praying for her to be found quickly and safely.

TOW

07-29-2013, 07:41

Just over on Maine Inland Fisheries page, no new developments as of yet. Wow, this is sad.....

HikerMom58

07-29-2013, 09:08

Oh no... was hopeful for good news this morning! :(

Goonky

07-29-2013, 09:09

Have faith. Donn Fendler was missing 9 days and he was found alive. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donn_Fendler

Praying for good news today.

rocketsocks

07-29-2013, 09:12

Kinda surprised I'm not hearing about this in the main stream media, been plenty of stories ran about missing hikers in the past...maybe they ran it and I just missed it...

can't even imagine what her family must be going through...this just sucks big time!

Slo-go'en

07-29-2013, 09:39

Kinda surprised I'm not hearing about this in the main stream media, been plenty of stories ran about missing hikers in the past...maybe they ran it and I just missed it...

It's been on the local Maine TV news. No new info as of the 11 pm news last night.

I was flipping channels and I thought I heard she was found, but it was some other lady - an 81 year old who wandered off and spent the night in the woods and came out okay.

rocketsocks

07-29-2013, 09:44

It's been on the local Maine TV news. No new info as of the 11 pm news last night.

I was flipping channels and I thought I heard she was found, but it was some other lady - an 81 year old who wandered off and spent the night in the woods and came out okay.
Well that's good to hear...that this other lady was found, and that they are running the story.

Goonky

07-29-2013, 10:09

Update here:

https://www.facebook.com/mainefishwildlife?hc_location=timeline

I wish I could go search. I wish we could get some local hikers up there to help, you know?

Green Bear

07-29-2013, 10:31

LARGAY SEARCH UPDATE
Monday, July 29, 2013: The search continues today for Geraldine Largay. Several search assignments have been completed which are contained within two points on the AT. Several more assignments will be given today as well. The high probability search area is approximately eight miles on the AT and begins about one-half mile south of the Caribou Valley Road and extends south to Route 27, near Rangeley. The search area encompasses roughly 81 square miles. Weather conditions are cloudy this morning with a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. It is unlikely aircraft will be utilized today.

Largay search log to date in miles:
Canine teams - 56.2 miles
Hasty/Grid Teams (ground searchers) – 300.2 Miles
Horse Teams – 26.9
Aircraft/Helicopter – 338

Approximately 30 searchers will be out today to include Maine Game Wardens , Mahoosuc SAR, US Border Patrol, and the Maine Forest Service. Those with any information should call the Maine State Police Communications Center in Augusta at (207) 624-7076 or 1-800-452-4664 (Maine only).

Green Bear

07-29-2013, 10:41

This source of my last post is the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/mainefishwildlife

Green Bear

07-29-2013, 10:44

Sorry, I had not seen Goonky's post.

SawnieRobertson

07-29-2013, 11:25

She had with her what she needed to survive alone as long as she did not fall into a situation that was beyond her obvious capabilities. In a survival course I took, we were told that children tend to head up a mountain' grownups, down. Most important, of course, was to stay put. From her husband's comments, it seems that she would be sure to handle her situation well if she were physically capable. Those orange, loud whistles are important to have. A real investment, but those SAR satellite devices can make a big difference. Prayers are important too, both to the lost hiker and to the searchers. I hope good news comes today. Blabbering, Kinnickinic

Hill Ape

07-29-2013, 12:07

i pray she's found, and is safe. but i have a bad feeling this isn't a lost, injured, or survival situation. it seems to be the general concensus that she is experienced and well equiped. accidents happen though. has there been any indication or evidence of foul play? in addition to SAR efforts, is there any sort of criminal investigation going on?

Green Bear

07-29-2013, 12:43

Here's an article with maps of the search area. Thanks to Kit for alerting me to this.
http://www.dailybulldog.com/db/features/the-search-continues-for-missing-at-hiker-today/

ElephantEater

07-29-2013, 20:47

Here's a link to an interview with the ranger on TV this evening with the latest on missing AT hiker Gerry Largay: http://www.wcsh6.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=2572963462001

Turtle Feet

07-29-2013, 23:45

RustMD - was her husband George with her at the lean-to on Sunday night? I know that another hiker (Walker) wrote in his blog last week that he passed Gerry AND George on the trail Sunday morning. Just wondering if how far he may have traveled with her on that Sunday...

i was at the lean-to sunday night w/ inchworm, and have shared my info w/ maine detectives. inchworm is well-prepared and very experienced, i'm surely hoping & praying for a good outcome in this.

i'm home now, hiked 252 miles SOBO from katahdin, an amazing hike! met lots of wonderful hikers, like inchworm.

.com

nu2hike

07-30-2013, 00:20

In the interview the officer stated that "there was no reason to suspect foul play!" I wonder how they could possibly rule that out at this point!
Im not familiar with this area but I would think that any area near a road could present the possibility of an abduction. Not saying that's the case, I just believe it could be possible! Would she have been near a road crossing?
I'm surprised this story isn't being carried on any of the major networks.
I pray she will be found soon!

rustmd

07-30-2013, 05:17

no, inchworm was alone. she says she meets her husband at road crossings. according to other news reports, there is another woman hiking who resembles inchworm (in age if nothing else) and she was asked manyu times if she was "inchworm". maybe she hikes w/ her husband, maybe that's who Walker saw.

.com

QHShowoman

07-30-2013, 09:02

Maybe I watch too many Lifetime movies, but I wish we knew more about the unidentified female SOBO hiker who called the Stratton Motel to report she had spent the night at a shelter with Gerry. I'm having a hard time sorting out the timeline of events, but that call seems to have been made prior to it being widely publicized that Gerry was missing. What prompted the call? Was it really a fellow hiker who called or is it some sort of alibi?

Koda

07-30-2013, 10:46

To QHShowoman, I have been wondering the same thing about the call to the motel.. I follow AT news closely, especially in New England and the first I heard about Gerry was on Thursday night. I hate to think it, but something doesn't feel right. I so hope I am wrong.

moytoy

07-30-2013, 11:05

Whatever the reason is, it's not going well. Too much time has passed without any word. In my workaday world I drive around a lot and all I can do is think about this woman and her husband.

Goonky

07-30-2013, 11:39

I've personally fallen on the trail before a few times and it's always been on a steep descent. She had a steep descent down to the Carrabasset River. When you fall on a descent, your pack tends to land on you. It hurts. One time my head landed 6 inches from a rock. It was humbling. I can totally imagine a scenario where she fell, hit her head, became disoriented and wandered off trail. It's just my opinion, but I think that's more likely than foul play.

Certainly they can't rule anything out, but I can see an injured person wandering off trail.

I continue to pray they find her safely.

Turtle Feet

07-30-2013, 11:51

It sounds as though Walker is very familiar with Gerry & George. I'm guessing George must have hiked a little ways with her on Sunday, then turned back around before the summit of Saddleback. Here are a couple of his blog entries from Walker.

http://walkerat2013.wordpress.com/2013/07/22/its-walker-again-this-time-from-stratton-maine/

http://walkerat2013.wordpress.com/2013/07/28/still-searching-for-inchworm/

no, inchworm was alone. she says she meets her husband at road crossings. according to other news reports, there is another woman hiking who resembles inchworm (in age if nothing else) and she was asked manyu times if she was "inchworm". maybe she hikes w/ her husband, maybe that's who Walker saw.

.com

rustmd

07-30-2013, 12:08

thanks TF for the clarification re: Walker. i read his posts, he saw inchworm & husband sunday--my hiking partner & i met up w/ inchworm at poplar ridge lean-to late that afternoon; early next morning, we left SOBO, inchworm left NOBO, she was excited, in great spirits.

i too have been thinking about inchworm all day, all night. . .praying hard that she be found, safely.

.com

HikerMom58

07-30-2013, 12:11

thanks TF for the clarification re: Walker. i read his posts, he saw inchworm & husband sunday--my hiking partner & i met up w/ inchworm at poplar ridge lean-to late that afternoon; early next morning, we left SOBO, inchworm left NOBO, she was excited, in great spirits.

i too have been thinking about inchworm all day, all night. . .praying hard that she be found, safely.

.com

Me too... I can't stop thinking about her & praying hard.

modiyooch

07-30-2013, 12:17

This section isn't necessarily close to a road. When I hiked this section, I did get to slackpack with some effort. At one point, we drove for an hour on a remote dirt road to intersect the trail. It was almost impassable. I'm wondering if she tried to come out on that road, not realizing that she was still deep in the area. I'm also wondering about the water crossing area. Could she be downstream?

Turtle Feet

07-30-2013, 12:24

Koda & QHShowoman - I've been trying to rationalize that same information. The only way that makes sense is that Gerry asked to have a call relayed. But why? She had a phone, was her battery dead? Did she lose the phone? And why, if she was at Spaulding that Tues. night (already her second night there, because we know she was spotted between the two shelters on Monday), would she ask for a message to be relayed? She was only a day's hike to the road where she would meet George. Seems to me that unless she planned to stay a third night at Spaulding, she would see her husband before the caller would get a call out (supposedly, the caller said she was headed SOBO). AND, if she wasn't planning on making it to the road, wouldn't Gerry probably have indicated to this mystery woman that there was a problem?

We don't know enough about this mystery caller and precisely what was said during the call, but I can't think of another way that mystery woman could have known to call the motel already on Wednesday.

QHShowoman

07-30-2013, 13:13

Turtle Feet -- that's been exactly my thought process on this as well. I wish I knew more info about that area of the trail -- but I also thinking that since the weather was bad (as has been reported), she ended up staying at the shelter longer than expected and didn't have cell service (or battery) and asked the SoBo-er to relay her whereabouts to the Motel. But the only way this mystery hiker could have known George was staying at that motel was if Gerry told her.

I really hope she's alright. I've been completely preoccupied with this case. But something is definitely amiss when an experienced hiker -- who has presumably enough gear to survive in the wild for at least a week -- just disappears like this.

Goonky

07-30-2013, 13:44

Glad to know I'm not alone worrying about her and following the story so closely. I just wish I could do something, you know?

Will they let anyone join the search? I could go up this weekend, I'm nearby.

joshuasdad

07-30-2013, 14:24

I really don't have any factual information to add, other than yesterday's conversation with a thru-hiker that met her a week before she went missing (see below). I should also mention that the parking lot near Gulf Hagas had a poster mentioning Gerry's disappearance, and asking for assistance from hikers with actual knowledge.

I am a bit surprised that I have not yet seen a consolidated timeline as to Gerry's reported locations.

It is my understanding that Gerry was supposed to be at Spaulding Mountain Lean-to on Monday night--a distance of 7.5 miles from the Poplar Ridge Lean-to that she supposedly stayed at on Sunday night. Would she then hike 13.7 miles over very difficult terrain on Tuesday to meet her husband at Route 27?

My understanding--supported in part by yesterday's conversation with a thru-hiker (near Gulf Hagas) that had met her--is that Gerry usually hiked short distances, like about 7 miles per day.

Accordingly, Gerry probably already suspected that she would be a day late at Route 27, and possibly relayed that message to the SOBO hiker. In other words, because she was a two days' hike from her spouse with one day to go for the planned pickup, she probably knew that she would be one day late, i.e., arriving on Wednesday instead of Tuesday.

If on Tuesday it was raining heavily, I think it is very possible that Gerry would stay at Spaulding Mountain Lean-to for another day. If the meeting with the mystery hiker happened on Tuesday night, her anticipated arrival at Route 27 would correspondingly be on Thursday. As one who often meets my spouse or a shuttler at trailheads, I can also see her trying to do something out of the ordinary to get to the planned pickup ASAP, for example, trying to get a message to her spouse, or hiking too fast/too far for the conditions. I have for one have had too many close-calls trying to meet deadlines, and have a few more scars because of those close-calls.

I'm sure that the searchers have considered this, but she could have headed up to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain (4 miles from Spaulding Mountain Lean-to), in the hopes of taking the chairlift or a trail (hiking or ski trail) down to the Sugarloaf base area. Alternatively, it also would make sense to me that Gerry might have hiked down Caribou Valley Road, or even past Caribou Valley Road and on to Crocker Cirque Campsite (about a mile away), or even up/over Crocker Mountain (another 8 miles) in an attempt to get to Route 27 ASAP.

I would also be willing to assist in a search as early as this coming weekend, if only to hike sections between Rt 27 and Rt 17 in the hopes that Gerry would emerge from the woods. I might be able to hike that trail that connects Sugarloaf Mountain to the base area as well. Feel free to PM me if you would like to join me. Also, if anyone has any information as to whether we are even allowed to hike the section that is being searched, please let me know.

Koda

07-30-2013, 14:26

You are not alone in worrying. For some reason this particular missing hiker is weighing heavy on my mind. To see a woman of her age gives me hope that I still have a chance. I understand it is confirmed that she spent Sunday night at the Poplar Ridge Shelter, but has it been confirmed the she spent Monday night and Tuesday nights at Spaulding Shelter...and if so, how was it confirmed...log book, scent, another hiker?

joshuasdad

07-30-2013, 14:35

You are not alone in worrying. For some reason this particular missing hiker is weighing heavy on my mind. To see a woman of her age gives me hope that I still have a chance. I understand it is confirmed that she spent Sunday night at the Poplar Ridge Shelter, but has it been confirmed the she spent Monday night and Tuesday nights at Spaulding Shelter...and if so, how was it confirmed...log book, scent, another hiker?

See http://www.kjonline.com/news/Search-for-missing-Tennessee-woman-enters-7th-day.html

"While MacDonald said search crews continue to work with hikers on the trail, no contact has been made with a hiker who said she saw Largay last Tuesday night.

The Maine Warden Service said the female hiker, whose name they don't know, called the Stratton Motel, where Largay's husband George was staying, and said that she was traveling in the opposite direction as Largay and they both spent last Tuesday night the Spaulding Mountain lean-to."

Koda

07-30-2013, 14:47

I agree Joshuasdad, a timeline of her confirmed whereabouts would be very helpful. I have to assume that the SAR have this but it might be helpful if they would post this.

QHShowoman

07-30-2013, 14:48

News articles have confirmed that Gerry texted her husband that she was spending Sunday night, 7/21, at Poplar Ridge lean-to in Reddington Township.
In the morning hours of Monday, 7/22, she sent her final text saying she was heading north -- her next stop would be the Spaulding Mountain Lean To, 8 miles away. Assuming she made it to Spaulding Mountain, the mystery female hiker spent Tuesday night with Gerry in that shelter.
On Wednesday, said hiker called Stratton Motel. It's almost 14 miles between Spaulding Mtn and Stratton -- I concur that this is double the distance that Gerry would've typically hiked in a day.

Koda

07-30-2013, 14:50

Thanks all for the clarification

JustaTouron

07-30-2013, 15:06

In the interview the officer stated that "there was no reason to suspect foul play!" I wonder how they could possibly rule that out at this point!

The statements:

1) "we have no reason to suspect foul play"

and

2) " we have ruled out foul play"

Are two entirely different statements that mean two totally different things.

The first simply means there is an absents of any evidence suggesting foul play. The second is much definitive statement and means that there is strong evidence that foul play did not exist. (Usually because you have determined what has happened)

Here they are simply saying there is no evidence to suggest foul play at work (someone following her, a threat, a know predator in the area) they aren't ruling it out.

max patch

07-30-2013, 15:12

This makes no sense to me:

"...The Maine Warden Service said the female hiker, whose name they don't know, called the Stratton Motel, where Largay's husband George was staying, and said that she was traveling in the opposite direction as Largay and they both spent last Tuesday night the Spaulding Mountain lean-to..."

I hope I'm wrong, but this raises a lot of questions and none of them are good.

SawnieRobertson

07-30-2013, 15:48

We are all thinking constantly about Inchworm's predicament and wondering what happened. Every day we read about some woman's or some child's disappearance. We read it, have a moment of sadness, maybe say a little prayer, and then go about our lives, shaking it off. This is different. This is family. There's no shaking it off. Inchworm has got to be found. She did not vaporize. At least, I hope not.

joshuasdad

07-30-2013, 15:54

This makes no sense to me:

"...The Maine Warden Service said the female hiker, whose name they don't know, called the Stratton Motel, where Largay's husband George was staying, and said that she was traveling in the opposite direction as Largay and they both spent last Tuesday night the Spaulding Mountain lean-to..."

I hope I'm wrong, but this raises a lot of questions and none of them are good.

The quote makes sense to me. If the two were together Tuesday night, the SOBO hiker could have hiked to an area which in which she had cell phone coverage, or in the alternative, if fit, could have made the 18.5 miles to Rt. 4, from which she could have made the call. Spaulding Mountain Lean-to appears to be in a small valley/notch on my topo map, and might not have had good cellphone coverage on Tuesday night, so the call could not have been made then.

Again, an accurate timeline could clarify this. If the call was made on Wednesday morning, the SOBO hiker just hiked into cell phone coverage, then made the call. If the call were made on Wednesday evening, she may have made the call from the road or a town nearby.

It seems to me that Gerry may have been doing fine on Tuesday evening, but may have just been running late, and had hiked out of cell phone coverage and/or had low battery power, and thus asked the SOBO for a little assistance in contacting her husband.

Migrating Bird

07-30-2013, 16:42

We all are holding our collective breaths and praying for a positive outcome. FWIW, during a recent hike in NH and VT, I could send and receive text messages, but not make or receive calls (Verizon) until I was south of Smarts Mt. The coverage was very spotty although I did manage to get through to a Verizon tech who sent an e-mail to my wife for me. According to the tech there should have been no reason I could not make a call with my IPhone 5 but I could only get though to Verizon. In 2010 when I hiked SOBO through ME, I could only get reception on Mtn. Tops, nothing in the below treeline or in the valleys with a Verizon dumb phone but it seemed much better than the IPhone, if I had 1 bar I could call out.

ElephantEater

07-30-2013, 16:47

Here's another good article with some new quotes and info from the searchers: http://www.sunjournal.com/news/franklin-maine/2013/07/30/search-missing-hiker-enters-day-6/1400731

QHShowoman

07-30-2013, 16:55

That's a great article -- thanks for posting it. It gives me a little bit of hope, although I did notice the mention of not ruling out foul play.

hikerboy57

07-30-2013, 16:58

its a real mystery,that area is not the easiest to bushwack with heavy brush and undergrowth, so its difficult to think shes lost off trail, and there doesnt seem to be any sign of her on the at or connecting trails.

ElephantEater

07-30-2013, 16:58

Here's what I think, because I was puzzled about this too, and here's what I have concluded: Gerry was due to meet George on Tuesday. Due to the heavy rain, she ended up taking shelter at the Spaulding Mtn lean-to instead, and was thus late meeting George, which had happened in the past since she had often run into rain this whole hike. Since she had no reception, she tells SOBO hiker to please let George know that she spent the nite at Spaulding. George would not have been worried since he was aware of the heavy rain, and Gerry would not have worried that George was worried because this had happened in the past. Gerry had to have spent the nite there or else a). how would she have known about George, and b) where he was staying and what number to call. When SOBO hiker gets into an area with cell phone reception, she places the call. She's not panicky, because there was no reason to be. It's possible that the SOBO hiker may not have been a thru hiker, but just someone doing a section, and unless you know about Gerry's plight or live up there, you would have no way to know that people were looking for you. I think it's unfortunate that they haven't been able to reach the SOBO hiker, but I don't think that there is any reason to suspect that she was up to no good.

Alligator

07-30-2013, 17:43

If they haven't already, they should pull the cell tower records in that area and maybe get a better idea about the caller.

firestarter

07-30-2013, 18:38

Knowing the extreme remoteness of that section of trail, I genuinely do not think that fowl play is involved. Yet having recently whacked my leg open in a freak bike accident, I think it is more likely that she could be injured or significantly veered off the trail. I accidentally veered off the trail near Pierce Pond Stream and spent an afternoon bushwacking through bogs where no one would have found me before I managed to find my way back. In Maine, the abyss of wilderness is closer than anywhere else on the trail. A 60 person search effort? Sorry, but this effort needs hundreds of people.

As someone mentioned in a previous post, the section of trail before you descend to the Carabassett stream crossing is particularly daunting. I remember looking down the steep drop-off, and simply thinking that I best not take a wrong step. The stream crossing can also be problematic. Then I also think if I were running late meeting my husband and I hit the Caribou Valley Road, I may be tempted to skip the Crockers and attempt to walk to Route 27 along the Caribou Valley Road. Has that been thoroughly searched? Just thinking out loud, my imagination runs wild.

I only recall cell reception on top of Saddleback Junior, south of Poplar lean-to....

Much love to the trail community and thoughts and prayers to inchworm and her family,
Whoopie Pie

Goonky

07-30-2013, 19:16

Here's what I think, because I was puzzled about this too, and here's what I have concluded: Gerry was due to meet George on Tuesday. Due to the heavy rain, she ended up taking shelter at the Spaulding Mtn lean-to instead, and was thus late meeting George, which had happened in the past since she had often run into rain this whole hike. Since she had no reception, she tells SOBO hiker to please let George know that she spent the nite at Spaulding. George would not have been worried since he was aware of the heavy rain, and Gerry would not have worried that George was worried because this had happened in the past. Gerry had to have spent the nite there or else a). how would she have known about George, and b) where he was staying and what number to call. When SOBO hiker gets into an area with cell phone reception, she places the call. She's not panicky, because there was no reason to be. It's possible that the SOBO hiker may not have been a thru hiker, but just someone doing a section, and unless you know about Gerry's plight or live up there, you would have no way to know that people were looking for you. I think it's unfortunate that they haven't been able to reach the SOBO hiker, but I don't think that there is any reason to suspect that she was up to no good.

This is exactly what I think about the SOBO hiker. Exactly. She may be off trail now and unaware anyone is searching for her. I wish it would go national on the news.

Goonky

07-30-2013, 19:18

Knowing the extreme remoteness of that section of trail, I genuinely do not think that fowl play is involved. Yet having recently whacked my leg open in a freak bike accident, I think it is more likely that she could be injured or significantly veered off the trail. I accidentally veered off the trail near Pierce Pond Stream and spent an afternoon bushwacking through bogs where no one would have found me before I managed to find my way back. In Maine, the abyss of wilderness is closer than anywhere else on the trail. A 60 person search effort? Sorry, but this effort needs hundreds of people.

As someone mentioned in a previous post, the section of trail before you descend to the Carabassett stream crossing is particularly daunting. I remember looking down the steep drop-off, and simply thinking that I best not take a wrong step. The stream crossing can also be problematic. Then I also think if I were running late meeting my husband and I hit the Caribou Valley Road, I may be tempted to skip the Crockers and attempt to walk to Route 27 along the Caribou Valley Road. Has that been thoroughly searched? Just thinking out loud, my imagination runs wild.

I only recall cell reception on top of Saddleback Junior, south of Poplar lean-to....

Much love to the trail community and thoughts and prayers to inchworm and her family,
Whoopie Pie

Totally agree. We need hundreds of people up there looking.

And interesting that you mention that section near Pierce Pond Stream, I was just up there 2 weeks ago and that whole section north of the lean-to was a nightmare in my opinion. Not blazed well and downright dangerous. So much so that I wrote to the MATC.

Continuing to hope and pray for a good outcome.

ElephantEater

07-30-2013, 19:49

One thing we can do, is if anyone has connections with the media, especially national media, try to get them to cover the story. I hear it is in the news in Boston and of course, Maine. I also heard Indianapolis was covering it, and I assume Tennessee and Georgia where they have family connections, but it would be great if Gerry's story could get traction on the news throughout the land. I also helps I think, if we use social media. #findgerry What do you think?

JustaTouron

07-30-2013, 20:33

I genuinely do not think that fowl play is involved.

So, no birds were involved. :)

joshuasdad

07-30-2013, 20:48

If I can, I'm planning to hike the AT and a couple of side trails in the search area this Saturday through Tuesday--if any one wants to join me, please feel free to PM me. I almost never hike with anyone, but would probably feel more comfortable diverting my eyes off the trail if I had someone around to assist in case of missteps.

Goonky

07-30-2013, 22:51

One thing we can do, is if anyone has connections with the media, especially national media, try to get them to cover the story. I hear it is in the news in Boston and of course, Maine. I also heard Indianapolis was covering it, and I assume Tennessee and Georgia where they have family connections, but it would be great if Gerry's story could get traction on the news throughout the land. I also helps I think, if we use social media. #findgerry What do you think?

I think that could help at the very least locate the SOBO that called Stratton. THAT'S who they really want to talk to. But if that person was a section hiker and got off trail, they may be unaware of what's going on.

Rain Man

07-31-2013, 08:08

I think that could help at the very least locate the SOBO that called Stratton. THAT'S who they really want to talk to. But if that person was a section hiker and got off trail, they may be unaware of what's going on.

A very good reason to sign registers with both trail AND real name and city & state.

Rain Man

.

Majortrauma

07-31-2013, 09:07

Permanent personnel from the SERE school in Maine are also involved in the search. Some signs were found indicating a less than hopeful outcome but people have endured and survived in worse conditions. There is still hope and God willing, she will be found alive.

moytoy

07-31-2013, 09:16

Permanent personnel from the SERE school in Maine are also involved in the search. Some signs were found indicating a less than hopeful outcome but people have endured and survived in worse conditions. There is still hope and God willing, she will be found alive.
Do you have a link to anything current? This lady and her family are in my mind constantly. I'm sure others here on WB are hoping for current info as well.

rocketsocks

07-31-2013, 09:22

Permanent personnel from the SERE school in Maine are also involved in the search. Some signs were found indicating a less than hopeful outcome but people have endured and survived in worse conditions. There is still hope and God willing, she will be found alive.Major, I gotta assume that if it were appropriate you would have elaborated, and so not to speculate i'll just echo your sentiment...still hoping and praying this turns out well. For some reason this situation has really got me bothered and reflecting, again, thoughts are with the family for a safe homecoming.

TOW

07-31-2013, 09:27

Here's another good article with some new quotes and info from the searchers: http://www.sunjournal.com/news/franklin-maine/2013/07/30/search-missing-hiker-enters-day-6/1400731
excellent article, i too have had her on my mind.....this just does not feel right but i think about that hiker seabreeze that went missing from the PCT back in '05 and a couple of years later a couple of hikers got lost and came across his backpack and his body was found a short distance from there. at this point i do not believe she is alive....

Majortrauma

07-31-2013, 09:37

"Major, I gotta assume that if it were appropriate you would have elaborated..." A correct assumption.

Goonky

07-31-2013, 09:41

I know it is easy to be very worried at this point and speculate that the outcome will be bad. I am worried and am following this story closely. But I think we would be wise to remember that members of her family and friends are probably reading this thread. Let's be sensitive to that and remain hopeful and vigilant about a positive outcome until clear, documented facts are presented that suggest otherwise.

Donn Fendler was missing 9 days and found alive. He had no experience and no supplies. Have faith! There is still hope. :)

atmilkman

07-31-2013, 09:41

Do you have a link to anything current? This lady and her family are in my mind constantly. I'm sure others here on WB are hoping for current info as well.

Shellie asks me every half hour if anybody has heard anything.

Slo-go'en

07-31-2013, 09:54

Sad to say, but at this point there isn't much hope of finding her. Searchers on the local news where quoted as saying they are puzzled that they have not yet found her or even any signs of her. Were she on any of the trials in the area, she would have been located by now.

That rises the distinct possibility that she might have slipped and fell down a cliff or was swept down the river at the ford.

A bit over 10 years ago, a woman from Montreal stopped at Pinkham Notch and went for a walk - never to be seen again to this day. It is possible for people to simply vanish into the woods, even in areas which are fairly high traffic and after an extensive search.

modiyooch

07-31-2013, 10:56

A very good reason to sign registers with both trail AND real name and city & state.

Rain Man

.I always sign registers and shelter log books, even if I don't stay at the shelter. that way the search area is reduced.

modiyooch

07-31-2013, 10:59

there is still hope!

hikerboy57

07-31-2013, 11:03

there is still hope!yes there is. they havent found any of her gear yet either, so even if injured, she at least has her tools with her

peakbagger

07-31-2013, 11:13

Rarely does S&R call in the general public to "blanket" the woods and I expect they would not appreciate folks running their own private searches. If they need help they will ask for it. Unfortunately the logistics for a S&R is quite extensive and the possibility of the searchers needing rescue themselves is significant and will divert resources from the primary search. The one and only road into the search area is a one lane logging road with some bridges on the verge of collapse. Clogging it up with well intentioned individuals will not accelerate the search and will divert the professionals from their tasks. Many of the search dogs used are trained to locate scents of anyone not in their party, they don't follow a scent like a bloodhound in the movies as much as they follow scents that they don't recognize. Once folks are in the woods, the dogs effectiveness is far less.

The US border patrol has a regional headquarters nearby and they are supporting the search effort as well as the Navy personnel from the adjacent survival facility. To date, I haven't seen any public comments that the searchers are hampered by resources.

The area was extensively logged 30 years ago due to a spruce budworm epidemic and has been patch cut since then, there are numerous vintages of logging paths and roads that crisscross the area but most are grown up in dense softwood and blackberries. The roads tend to be used in winter only so they tend to be covered with tree tops during winter road construction which turns into a very difficult walking conditions in the non winter season. When bushwhacking in similar conditions, I wear Eye protection, leather work gloves and long sleeve pants and shirt. A very optimistic speed is 1 MPH with potentially much slower going when getting in tthe steep stuff.

Jeff

07-31-2013, 11:21

Some hikers say there is no wilderness along the AT anymore. This episode points out there is certainly plenty of rugged, remote terrain.

Goonky

07-31-2013, 11:30

A very good reason to sign registers with both trail AND real name and city & state.

Rain Man

.

Thank you for this reminder. I plan to sign registers more diligently in the future.

Majortrauma

07-31-2013, 11:37

Thank you for this reminder. I plan to sign registers more diligently in the future.
Ditto. Sure will weigh heavy on your mind if one actually is lost/injured and all you can think about is "Damn, really wish I had signed that last register."

hikerboy57

07-31-2013, 11:41

Ditto. Sure will weigh heavy on your mind if one actually is lost/injured and all you can think about is "Damn, really wish I had signed that last register."
i am now considering getting a spot.

Goonky

07-31-2013, 12:10

i am now considering getting a spot.

Same. I'm doing 30 miles in the Barren Chairback range in a few weeks. I'm going to pick up a spot before then for sure.

Pedaling Fool

07-31-2013, 12:27

Some hikers say there is no wilderness along the AT anymore. This episode points out there is certainly plenty of rugged, remote terrain.
That's true. You want to get away, you can do it, even on the east coast. Just walk off trail.

max patch

07-31-2013, 12:33

In the comments section of one of the newspaper articles someone wrote that everyone on a medium to long hike should be required to purchase rescue insurance and carry a locator beacon.

QHShowoman

07-31-2013, 12:38

I have nothing more to add. Just wishing there was more we could do to help.
I know that all the local SAR groups have been involved, but articles have said that they are lacking coverage on weekdays. These groups are volunteer-based, so not everyone can take off work at a moment's notice to help.

Ktaadn

07-31-2013, 12:53

In the comments section of one of the newspaper articles someone wrote that everyone on a medium to long hike should be required to purchase rescue insurance and carry a locator beacon.

This is ridiculous. Is there any evidence that people on "medium to long" hikes get lost more than people on short hikes? My money would be on inexperienced day hikers. Do I really need to be required to buy another form of insurance? It's bad enough that I am required by law to buy car and health insurance. I don't know a lot about locator beacons but don't they have to be turned on to work? I'm not sure who would be able to do that while falling off a cliff or being swept down a river.

As to the search itself, has anyone considered the possibility that this person does not want to be found? People leave their lives all the time. If the person is a minor then they have to be found. If it is a consenting adult, they don't have to come home.

Hill Ape

07-31-2013, 13:03

and so it begins

hikerboy57

07-31-2013, 13:06

In the comments section of one of the newspaper articles someone wrote that everyone on a medium to long hike should be required to purchase rescue insurance and carry a locator beacon.

This is ridiculous. Is there any evidence that people on "medium to long" hikes get lost more than people on short hikes? My money would be on inexperienced day hikers. Do I really need to be required to buy another form of insurance? It's bad enough that I am required by law to buy car and health insurance. I don't know a lot about locator beacons but don't they have to be turned on to work? I'm not sure who would be able to do that while falling off a cliff or being swept down a river.

As to the search itself, has anyone considered the possibility that this person does not want to be found? People leave their lives all the time. If the person is a minor then they have to be found. If it is a consenting adult, they don't have to come home. it doesn't sound very likely

QHShowoman

07-31-2013, 13:23

I think the best case scenario is that she indeed walked out of her life. But considering that her husband was supporting her hike, I don't think that's very likely. If you want to disappear, you don't have your husband tag along.

Ground Control

07-31-2013, 13:34

If you want to disappear, you don't have your husband tag along.

Nor do you have another hiker call with a message to allay the concerns of people that might worry...

It stands to reason that the clue MajorTrauma referred to is the reason for limiting the search area to a more specific region, the "14-mile stretch" that was mentioned in yesterdays news reports.

I'm still hopeful. ((Vibes)) for the family; you remain in my thoughts.

Carry-On

07-31-2013, 16:03

I've been following this on FB and it reminded me of a discussion my hiking buddy and I had while hiking the area about how you could fall off the side of Sugarloaf Mountain and just disappear forever. The river was low when we crossed it, but still intimidating. If it had been wet and muddy on Sugarloaf or if there had been more rain and the river was higher..... It just makes me shudder. I hope they find her. I've been sharing the story on FB, and checking regularly for updates.

I had so many close calls, and many falls that were not serious only because I didn't land wrong or on rocks. I send out my good thoughts to Gerry, her friends and family and everybody who is searching for her.

Majortrauma

07-31-2013, 16:17

and so it begins Surprised it took so long Hill Ape.

yellowsirocco

07-31-2013, 16:21

I wonder how far downstream they have searched. That is where I would be looking. The rivers on both sides of Sugarloaf are not that easy when the rivers are low.

nu2hike

07-31-2013, 20:42

Like most everyone else,I just can't get this out of my mind! Even though I don't know this lady, she's a member of the hiking community and it seems so personal!
My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family as well as those putting themselves at risk searching for her!

TOW

07-31-2013, 20:57

This is from their Facebook page...
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (https://www.facebook.com/mainefishwildlife?hc_location=timeline)
UPDATE GERALDINE LARGAY SEARCH, July 31, 2013: The Maine Warden Service continues to investigate search related information and organize search efforts for Geraldine Largay. At this time, the Maine Warden Service seeks searchers who are only affiliated with MASAR (Maine Association of Search and Rescue *see below) as we move forward. Those people are to contact the MASAR duty officer.

We also continue to seek information from anyone who stayed at the Spaulding Mountain Lean-to on the night of Monday, July 22. We have been utilizing national cell phone analyst experts and have taken all leads to this point as far as we can go. Those with any information should call the Public Safety Dispatch Center Augusta at (207) 624-7076 or 1-800-452-4664 (Maine only).

(Maine Association for Search And Rescue (MASAR) (https://www.facebook.com/MaineSAR?directed_target_id=0) is a non-profit organization that promotes and develops search and rescue resources for the state of Maine. MASAR provides training and certification for search and rescue volunteers using nationally-recognized standards. See mainesearchandrescue.org for more information.)

TOW

07-31-2013, 21:04

http://www.sunjournal.com/news/franklin-maine/2013/07/30/volunteers-make-search-lost-hiker-possible/1401184

Migrating Bird

08-01-2013, 06:14

thanks TOW

fins1838

08-01-2013, 07:07

This is just too strange. Very odd she was seen the night before & now hhundreds of people can't find her in that small of an area. Hate to bring it up, but have they questioned the husband?

Tuckahoe

08-01-2013, 07:44

What's with all of the speculation folks? Some of them may be plausible and it sure is easy to let imaginations run wild sitting at the computer halfway across the country, but they accomplish nothing. We are not there and we are not detectives.

Sly

08-01-2013, 07:58

What's with all of the speculation folks?

You need to ask? The story has been suspect from the beginning. Seen on the road Sunday, texted her husband Monday, possibly saw in a shelter and called into the Stratton Motel? Nothing adds up.

speedbump

08-01-2013, 08:09

Was the woman from Montreal Sharon Caput ? She was found, deceased, right off the trail. Or was there another incident?

speedbump

08-01-2013, 08:11

Sorry I meant Louise Chaput.

moytoy

08-01-2013, 08:24

This is just too strange. Very odd she was seen the night before & now hhundreds of people can't find her in that small of an area. Hate to bring it up, but have they questioned the husband?

What's with all of the speculation folks? Some of them may be plausible and it sure is easy to let imaginations run wild sitting at the computer halfway across the country, but they accomplish nothing. We are not there and we are not detectives.
Look at a topo of the area and the possibilities of getting lost and or hurt are endless. On top of that she had a least one water crossing that was over it's normal water level. Crunchmaster ( a SOBO 18 year old and two other young guys) saw her on the trail and doubled back to show the rangers exactly where they saw her. And again on top of all that she is 66 and was hiking alone. I can speak directly to the age thing since I'm also a very fit 66. I'm fit but in no way am I as strong as I was even just 5 years ago. To me this adds up to a woman who has probably had an accident and all we can do is hope and pray that she is still alive and waiting for someone to find her.

Hill Ape

08-01-2013, 08:29

call off the search, the great and powerful moderator of a website doesn't buy it. what in hades do trained SAR personnel and police investigators know anyway?

Goonky

08-01-2013, 08:40

Look at a topo of the area and the possibilities of getting lost and or hurt are endless. On top of that she had a least one water crossing that was over it's normal water level. Crunchmaster ( a SOBO 18 year old and two other young guys) saw her on the trail and doubled back to show the rangers exactly where they saw her. And again on top of all that she is 66 and was hiking alone. I can speak directly to the age thing since I'm also a very fit 66. I'm fit but in no way am I as strong as I was even just 5 years ago. To me this adds up to a woman who has probably had an accident and all we can do is hope and pray that she is still alive and waiting for someone to find her.

Agree 100%. Continuing to have hope for a good outcome.

Tuckahoe

08-01-2013, 08:51

Look at a topo of the area and the possibilities of getting lost and or hurt are endless. On top of that she had a least one water crossing that was over it's normal water level. Crunchmaster ( a SOBO 18 year old and two other young guys) saw her on the trail and doubled back to show the rangers exactly where they saw her. And again on top of all that she is 66 and was hiking alone. I can speak directly to the age thing since I'm also a very fit 66. I'm fit but in no way am I as strong as I was even just 5 years ago. To me this adds up to a woman who has probably had an accident and all we can do is hope and pray that she is still alive and waiting for someone to find her.

call off the search, the great and powerful moderator of a website doesn't buy it. what in hades do trained SAR personnel and police investigators know anyway?

+1
Good to know there are grounded folks. And here's to the tier 1 internet commando detectives;)

Sly

08-01-2013, 09:14

call off the search, the great and powerful moderator of a website doesn't buy it. what in hades do trained SAR personnel and police investigators know anyway?

You have a problem with me? (why are you getting personal?)

I never said call off the search, just that there's reason for lots of speculation. The same as you

i pray she's found, and is safe. but i have a bad feeling this isn't a lost, injured, or survival situation. it seems to be the general concensus that she is experienced and well equiped. accidents happen though. has there been any indication or evidence of foul play? in addition to SAR efforts, is there any sort of criminal investigation going on?

Drybones

08-01-2013, 09:45

This is just too strange. Very odd she was seen the night before & now hhundreds of people can't find her in that small of an area. Hate to bring it up, but have they questioned the husband?

A person could step off into one of those deep ravines not paying attention and never be seen again. She could have taken a wrong trail and ended up in the next county...hate to admit it but I did that...dont know if it was the next county or not but it added 10 miles I didn't need...and yes, there was no excuse for it, not paying attention and trying to cover long miles that day, could have speeded up by slowing down that day....leason learned.

nu2hike

08-01-2013, 10:29

I must say I still don't understand why this isn't being broadcast on national media! I live in Mississippi and if not for this forum I would be unaware of this incident!
It appears that they're still unable to find the young lady that made the call and left the message for her husband! If she got off the trail and like me doesn't live within the local broadcasting area she would be unaware that she is needed!
How difficult is it to get the major networks to carry this story? What steps would need to be taken?

Second Half

08-01-2013, 10:31

What's with all of the speculation folks? Some of them may be plausible and it sure is easy to let imaginations run wild sitting at the computer halfway across the country, but they accomplish nothing. We are not there and we are not detectives.
I agree. The negative speculation is at best unhelpful and at worst grossly insensitive and hurtful to her family and friends. I for one am certain she will be found alive and will soon return to the embrace of her loved ones. There can be no other outcome.

Majortrauma

08-01-2013, 10:38

"How difficult is it to get the major networks to carry this story? What steps would need to be taken?"
Agreed, very disturbing actually that this is not being watched on a larger scale. If someone can link it to melting ice caps, sleazy politicians, gun control or some miscreant pop star then it will certainly get the attention it merits. Until then though, she is just an other low level person of no real interest to the MSM. Sad.

Sly

08-01-2013, 10:46

I'm sure there are 100's of people missing daily. I'm not trying to be insensitive but what good would it be to have a story anywhere outside of the local area? It's not like someone from Mississippi is going to offer any help with a missing person in Maine.

Goonky

08-01-2013, 11:05

I'm sure there are 100's of people missing daily. I'm not trying to be insensitive but what good would it be to have a story anywhere outside of the local area? It's not like someone from Mississippi is going to offer any help with a missing person in Maine.

I see your point, but I know they are still looking for the female hiker that called the Stratton Hotel. If that hiker was a section hiker - from somewhere outside of Maine (maybe Mississippi :) ) and has left the trail, then they may be home not seeing the local news.

Sly

08-01-2013, 11:13

I see your point, but I know they are still looking for the female hiker that called the Stratton Hotel. If that hiker was a section hiker - from somewhere outside of Maine (maybe Mississippi :) ) and has left the trail, then they may be home not seeing the local news.

Thats true. It's on the ALDHA group and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Facebook pages as well as many personal pages

JustaTouron

08-01-2013, 11:27

A very good reason to sign registers with both trail AND real name and city & state.

Rain Man

.

Also vital that people (or at least one person) back home knows your trail name and any distinguishing characteristics other hikers might know you by.

Ewker

08-01-2013, 11:46

Thats true. It's on the ALDHA group and the Appalachian National Scenic Trail Facebook pages as well as many personal pages

you do know that lot of folks don't use FB

nu2hike

08-01-2013, 11:50

People from all over the world hike the AT! It's not just limited to locals! My point being that if you're looking for someone to gather information you have to reach out by all methods of media available and to the world if necessary! Not everyone subscribes to WB or FB.
I agree that it may not seem news worthy to everyone but I've seen this same sort of incident aired in the past!

Hill Ape

08-01-2013, 12:14

SAR authorities made a public call for help to our community. they complimented us on our unique and effective forms of networked communication. here in this forum of appalachian trail enthusiasts, we can't even offer that level of assistance without descending into childish bickering. for whatever reason, there is an elderly woman missing. she may be injured, she may be abducted, she may be murdered, and she may have simply walked away from her life. whatever the reason, she is one of us, and she is missing.

old geezer

08-01-2013, 14:22

Add Content

SawnieRobertson

08-01-2013, 15:00

The first thing in the morning routine has changed for me and many others of you to check our computers for news about Gerry Largay. I first read about it on CNN.com, certainly a national broadcaster of news. It was actually carrying news provided by another national broadcaster. It has also been on NPR. What is happening now though is a lack of developing news that is newsworthy. From the first though, I have simply gone to WhiteBlaze.net I, like you, have had my suspicions about whether this was an intentional disappearance. I would include in that foul play by some demented soul. (Thank goodness, Gary Hilton is out of circulation.) So, now, interspersed with news statements from those who are on the scene, searching, the posts have sunk to our mere speculations--not about where you think her accident occurred but whether she or her husband is responsible for her disappearance. This happens about all people who have disappeared. It can almost be counted on as step one, step two, step three, etc.
Given what we are exposed to daily about such situations, it seems to me to be all right for people to use their brains and even their voices to speculate. The only real tragedy beyond never finding her is to lose interest, to stop caring.

Sly

08-01-2013, 15:04

you do know that lot of folks don't use FB

It's possible more people (1 billion) use Facebook than watch the news.

nu2hike

08-01-2013, 15:08

I'm glad to read that the story is being carried by CNN.

TD55

08-01-2013, 15:09

It's possible more people (1 billion) use Facebook than watch the news.

That means they have 1 billion "channels".

Ewker

08-01-2013, 15:37

It's possible more people (1 billion) use Facebook than watch the news.

anything is possible but that doesn't mean it happens

gypsy97

08-01-2013, 15:55

I don't have TV and don't use FB. Hiking has a way of making it so unimportant most of the time.

da fungo

08-01-2013, 19:19

SAR authorities made a public call for help to our community. they complimented us on our unique and effective forms of networked communication. here in this forum of appalachian trail enthusiasts, we can't even offer that level of assistance without descending into childish bickering. for whatever reason, there is an elderly woman missing. she may be injured, she may be abducted, she may be murdered, and she may have simply walked away from her life. whatever the reason, she is one of us, and she is missing.
"Elderly" has nothing to do with it. She's not that old, and she must be in fair shape to have made it as far as she did. What concerns us is the fate of another human being, not distractions about her age and your condescending attitude toward those older - and arguably wiser - than you.

Hill Ape

08-01-2013, 19:24

um yeah, seriously, i meant nothing by it, honestly i was thinking of my own grandmother and how i would feel if she was missing. from everything i've read about inchworm she is more than capable

if i offended her, i hope i get the opportunity to apologize. if i offended you, i'm much less concerned

QHShowoman

08-01-2013, 19:38

Hill Ape - for what it's worth, I didn't think your post was offensive or condescending in the least. Nor did I find your use of the word 'elderly' a distraction from the very critical issue at hand.

oruacat2

08-01-2013, 23:38

Hill Ape - I didn't see any problem with your post, either. I'm not sure about da fungo's malfunction, but I'd say he/she pretty much proved your point about childish bickering.

atmilkman

08-01-2013, 23:41

Hill Ape - I didn't see any problem with your post, either. I'm not sure about da fungo's malfunction, but I'd say he/she pretty much proved your point about childish bickering.

Didn't bother me either and I'm pert near elderly. At my age it's like a Mounds bar, sometimes yer elderly sometimes yer not.

SawnieRobertson

08-01-2013, 23:49

To me, "elderly" is the E-word, a label that creates an image that is fragile, too old, probably senile, etc. I know that Hill Ape meant nothing negative by choosing that description, but "a 66-year-old woman" would be less judgmental and more informative. The E-word is a no-no in my book.

TD55

08-02-2013, 00:08

To me, "elderly" is the E-word, a label that creates an image that is fragile, too old, probably senile, etc. I know that Hill Ape meant nothing negative by choosing that description, but "a 66-year-old woman" would be less judgmental and more informative. The E-word is a no-no in my book.

I was starting to worry. At 62 I figured I had plenty of time before I became "elderly". Now all I have to worry about is the Politicly Correct reference for what in the hell I am from year to year. Don't want to get insulted and not know I've been insulted by anyone who does'nt know they insulted me with a reference that someone just decided was in insult.

Hill Ape

08-02-2013, 01:09

thanks everyone, but this thread isn't about me, at all. my apologies to any women i may have offended. that was not my intention. beyond that, i think i'm going to back out of this thread.

moytoy

08-02-2013, 05:36

To get this thread back on track here is the latest I can find on the search. Posted yesterday at noon.
http://www.sunjournal.com/news/0001/11/30/maine-wardens-ask-more-volunteers-search-missing-h/1402058

I read that not much searching was done Wed. and I can't find any information on the searching done yesterday.

WorldPeaceAndStuff

08-02-2013, 08:12

She had a water crossing? If it's rained there like the southern end of the trail I could see her getting swept away. I'm 32 and was swept myself. If not for one small rock I grabbed my third time I would not be alive. Things can happen quickly even when you think you're well in the safe zone.

moytoy

08-02-2013, 08:31

She had a water crossing?
In the area they are searching she would have had to cross the South Branch of the Carrabassett River. In researching some recent TJ I didn't find anyone having trouble with the crossing but you never know.

peakbagger

08-02-2013, 11:32

The south branch of the Carrabassett River is known rise rapidly after a rain storm and folks have been stranded on one or the other side in the past. There used to be a plank that was laid across and attached by cables to a tree to keep it from washing down the river. Not sure if its still there but I have used it in the past and appreciated it was there and would not have wanted to wade the river as its quite boney with a fast flow. Usually the best approach is to wait it out as the stream drops quickly once it has stopped raining. There really isn't a good way to skip it unless a hiker hikes back up Sugarloaf. The downstream is somewhat accessible and I expect it has been searched. It flows out across a state highway after a few miles and then intersects the river which widens out.

SawnieRobertson

08-02-2013, 11:50

What an informative post, Peakbagger! It answers many speculations that might come up. I wonder if the island between the flows is where Stitches was stranded for three days.

Meg Wilson Author

08-02-2013, 11:52

http://megwilsonauthor.com/?p=1136 (http://www.megwilsonauthor.com/blog) By the author of Wander Women. Today's offering is about how easy it is to get disoriented out there.

Crabapple

08-02-2013, 13:57

I was section-hiking in Maine (in the 100-mile wilderness) a couple weeks ago. According to (much faster) NOBO's I met somewhere around Monson (don't remember where), that plank was washed away after a major storm, after I had crossed it. Apparently there were some SOBO's camped on the north side of the river, and after the storms they had to turn around and go back to Stratton. I don't know if they replaced the plank soon after or not, but I second Peakbagger's opinion about crossing that river without the plank! I hope they find her soon.

moytoy

08-02-2013, 14:06

I agree with SR . Great insights to that water crossing Crabapple and peakbagger.

moytoy

08-02-2013, 14:08

I hope they find her soon.
Yes, I think we all wish we could be there helping.

Turtle Feet

08-02-2013, 14:26

Am I the only one troubled by this "mystery caller"?

I know that finding this person is a priority for the wardens - it's been more than a week of trying to track the caller down. We all know how familiar hikers are with each other in our respective "bubbles". Chances are pretty good you know who is hiking a day ahead or behind you. The fact that this is a female SOBO narrows the possibilities down to just a handful of women - right? Why has this caller not been located?

The other thing that occurs odd to me - why did she call the motel? If I'm Gerry, and I'm asking to get a message to my husband, wouldn't I simply give this SOBO'er my husbands phone #???

My heart goes out to her friends and family. I don't know Gerry, but I know what a wonderful person she must be to have such a loyal bunch of friends and family. I wish for nothing more than her safe return!

max patch

08-02-2013, 14:36

Am I the only one troubled by this "mystery caller"?

I am. Several days ago I posted how none of this made sense; I did get a couple replies which made the scenario possible so I hope that my initial thoughts were wrong.

And do we really know (I'm asking in all seriousness) if the call was actually made by a woman?

kerosenehat

08-02-2013, 14:41

Turtle feet well said.

moytoy

08-02-2013, 14:44

And do we really know (I'm asking in all seriousness) if the call was actually made by a woman?
That's just it, "facts" are so easily confused by reporters.

FarmerChef

08-02-2013, 14:48

Am I the only one troubled by this "mystery caller"?

I know that finding this person is a priority for the wardens - it's been more than a week of trying to track the caller down. We all know how familiar hikers are with each other in our respective "bubbles". Chances are pretty good you know who is hiking a day ahead or behind you. The fact that this is a female SOBO narrows the possibilities down to just a handful of women - right? Why has this caller not been located?

The other thing that occurs odd to me - why did she call the motel? If I'm Gerry, and I'm asking to get a message to my husband, wouldn't I simply give this SOBO'er my husbands phone #???

My heart goes out to her friends and family. I don't know Gerry, but I know what a wonderful person she must be to have such a loyal bunch of friends and family. I wish for nothing more than her safe return!

One possible explanation is similar to what I would do in the same situation. For privacy reasons, I'd much rather give a stranger the number for the hotel rather than a personal cell phone number, if possible. I rarely give out my family's or others cell phone or home phone number without their permission. Perhaps she was thinking along the same lines.

rustmd

08-02-2013, 15:13

plank was still in place, secured w/ wire & bolts, when i crossed july 21. the "island" is just a large patch of green growth. . .and i think it's in orberton stream. the northside of orberton is quite steep. i too have been checking the news & WB several times daily. . .i don't want to give up hope for inchworm.

.com

peakbagger

08-02-2013, 16:00

I think they have established that the hiker had stayed at Stratton Lean to which is north of Orbeton Stream. It too can fill up quickly during a storm and could be difficult at high water (less so than Carrabasset stream). One thing I need to temper the discussion is that my familiarity with the area goes back 30 years to the aftermath of the spruce budworm epidemic which required the entire drainage to be clearcut, with few trees in the area, I suspect the flash flows due to rain are less now than when they were. The last time I did this stretch is about 8 years ago and the area has definitely grown in over the years.

As an aside there was actually a small village on Reddington Pond and a narrow gauge railroad that serviced it. There is no trace of the town and the dam has been removed from Reddington Pond, but the narrow gage road beds are used for snowmachine routes.

Green Bear

08-02-2013, 16:12

I think they have established that the hiker had stayed at Stratton Lean to which is north of Orbeton Stream.
.

I do not show a "Stratton lean-to" on my AMC Rangely/Stratton region trail map. She did stay at Poplar Ridge. Is that what you meant?

Sly

08-02-2013, 16:30

Am I the only one troubled by this "mystery caller"?

I know that finding this person is a priority for the wardens - it's been more than a week of trying to track the caller down. We all know how familiar hikers are with each other in our respective "bubbles". Chances are pretty good you know who is hiking a day ahead or behind you. The fact that this is a female SOBO narrows the possibilities down to just a handful of women - right? Why has this caller not been located?

The other thing that occurs odd to me - why did she call the motel? If I'm Gerry, and I'm asking to get a message to my husband, wouldn't I simply give this SOBO'er my husbands phone #???

My heart goes out to her friends and family. I don't know Gerry, but I know what a wonderful person she must be to have such a loyal bunch of friends and family. I wish for nothing more than her safe return!

The news story has been puzzling from the beginning and has continued to be confusing. It seemed to me she was seen on the road to Rangeley on Sunday (by whom?), texted her husband on Monday (to meet him Monday), was reported to be at the Poplar Ridge or Spaulding Mnt Lean-to on Tues. or Wed. by a woman who called a motel. Why, it's not likely anyone on the trail knew she was missing. Why did Inchworh keep hiking if she was supposed to meet her husband Monday? To make matters worse they use townships, and never give the name the town or the road crossing where they were supposed to meet.

I saw a brief video with the husband and I'd be horrified if he were involved. He certainly seemed sincere, concerned and loving.

elainefrommaine

08-02-2013, 16:40

I do not show a "Stratton lean-to" on my AMC Rangely/Stratton region trail map. She did stay at Poplar Ridge. Is that what you meant?
It's Spaulding Mtn. Lean-to

Bluebearee

08-02-2013, 17:55

The news story has been puzzling from the beginning and has continued to be confusing. It seemed to me she was seen on the road to Rangeley on Sunday (by whom?), texted her husband on Monday (to meet him Monday), was reported to be at the Poplar Ridge or Spaulding Mnt Lean-to on Tues. or Wed. by a woman who called a motel. Why, it's not likely anyone on the trail knew she was missing. Why did Inchworh keep hiking if she was supposed to meet her husband Monday? To make matters worse they use townships, and never give the name the town or the road crossing where they were supposed to meet.

I saw a brief video with the husband and I'd be horrified if he were involved. He certainly seemed sincere, concerned and loving.

Here's the deal. The photo of her at the AT sign is from Sunday @Rte 4 (road to Rangeley). She texted husband that day on way to Poplar Ridge LT where she spent Sunday night. She texted husband next day to say she was heading north to Spaulding Mt LT. Crunchmaster saw her somewhere between the two lean tos on Monday. From there it is over 13 miles to Rte 27 which is in Wyman Township (I has a major accident there in 07 + I know this area very well) which is where she was meeting her husband TUESDAY not Monday which has not been reported well. It rained here in Maine Tuesday but not torrential. I read Cozy's journal from Thursday and she said the Carrabassett River stream xing was not bad at all. Yes MATC puts in place a plank each spring which usually washes out anyhow. http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=427742.

The biggest question is did she zero Tuesday at Spaulding LT as would indicate by unknown SOBO female caller. I don't find any of this that odd. I think they both did not have cell coverage Tuesday (tho from the Sugarloaf side on the ski mountain & at the base there is very good cell service from a Summit tower) and perhaps Gerry ran out of battery and so the woman didn't place the call til Weds @5 which would have been approaching the time Inchworm would have come out to 27. I can also say there is very sketchy Verizon coverage in Stratton village and Rangeley (again I visit this area frequently and know the cell coverage well) so maybe that's why she called the motel (which I saw on one report might have been the Spillover not Stratton Motel) instead. Folks you have to remember this is Maine where we have very spotty cell service all over the state.

My guess? She fell coming down the Sugarloaf cirque loosened by the rain Tuesday. It's steep and loose and even for Maine rugged. I did this precise 13+ mile stretch on my thru hike and including taking the blue blaze to Sugarloaf summit and back I came out at dusk. She would have done well to make it judging by what I understand was her typical pace.

HTH, BB

DaTwiztedOne

08-02-2013, 17:57

what i dont understand is why they dont make it a "law" or whatever you want to call it, that in order to hike on the trails you have to have one of them "spot" or that kind of tracking GPS this way if you are reported lost or missing they could find you dead or alive and in just a few hours you could be found, i have the SPOT gos and i like it a lot and they arent that expensive. just my thoughts......

Tuckahoe

08-02-2013, 18:09

what i dont understand is why they dont make it a "law" or whatever you want to call it, that in order to hike on the trails you have to have one of them "spot" or that kind of tracking GPS this way if you are reported lost or missing they could find you dead or alive and in just a few hours you could be found, i have the SPOT gos and i like it a lot and they arent that expensive. just my thoughts......

Maybe because we are supposed to be a free society and we should not be babysitted by a nanny state. Being free means sometimes bad things will happen to us because of our choice.

moytoy

08-02-2013, 18:10

Crunchmaster writes in his trail journal the he and two other hikers saw her between Poplar Ridge lean-to and Spaulding Mtn lean-to on Monday afternoon. That's very possibly the last known location that was verified.

mtntopper

08-02-2013, 18:14

We do not want any laws requiring us to use a spot or any other tracking device. This is a road we do not want to go down. Open the door for that and it is hard to tell what may come about.

jeffmeh

08-02-2013, 18:17

Maybe because we are supposed to be a free society and we should not be babysitted by a nanny state. Being free means sometimes bad things will happen to us because of our choice.

Thank you.

QHShowoman

08-02-2013, 18:18

Another possible explanation for the Stratton Motel call ... if one is even needed:

Ask me for any of my family or friends' cell phone numbers and I couldn't tell you without looking them up in my phone. I suspect I am far from alone in this.
If Gerry's phone battery died, she simply may not have known her husband's cell phone number off the top of her head and thus asked the SoBo hiker to the motel instead.

Migrating Bird

08-02-2013, 18:19

what i dont understand is why they dont make it a "law" or whatever you want to call it, that in order to hike on the trails you have to have one of them "spot" or that kind of tracking GPS this way if you are reported lost or missing they could find you dead or alive and in just a few hours you could be found, i have the SPOT gos and i like it a lot and they arent that expensive. just my thoughts......

OK you have a SPOT & I carried(y) a SPOT as I did on my 2010 ME thru hike SOBO - They are great for letting people know your OK. But DO NOT WORK IF: your injured and are not able to turn it on, do not have a clear view of the sky or someone or anything prevents you from turning it on.

What you suggest is that all hikers be implanted with a GPS tracking device so they can be located no matter what. Hello I think Mr. Snowdon tried to warn all of us against such things. Great, more freedom and independence lost. In all due respect, for me hiking is all about, getting a chance to be free, independent and only rely on myself - I am responsible for my actions, if I fall in a hole in the ground (been there, done that) and need assistance in getting out, OH well....... I guess I have just been removed from the gene pool:) and will be the topic of an online forum.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and those working so hard to bring this search to a successful joyous conclusion, no more, no less.

Turtle Feet

08-02-2013, 18:22

Crunchmaster writes in his trail journal the he and two other hikers saw her between Poplar Ridge lean-to and Spaulding Mtn lean-to on Monday afternoon. That's very possibly the last known location that was verified.

Precisely.

DaTwiztedOne

08-02-2013, 18:31

well first i DIDNT say we needed to be IMPLANTED with anything. what i said was we should all have to have a tracking satellite when we go out on the trails, its not like we have to use them when we are at home,

as for the na sayers thats fine you be a tuff guy and go out without one... when you fall and cant get up and you become a bears dinner i feel sorry for your family that cant have a proper burial for you because there isnt enough of you left to bury :(

id rather have somebody know where i was when im on the trai (its not like your doing anything illegal) or you shouldn't be. but to each there own, when enough hikers are lost and the body count too high and they start shutting down the trails we will all pay....

Tuckahoe

08-02-2013, 18:54

well first i DIDNT say we needed to be IMPLANTED with anything. what i said was we should all have to have a tracking satellite when we go out on the trails, its not like we have to use them when we are at home,

as for the na sayers thats fine you be a tuff guy and go out without one... when you fall and cant get up and you become a bears dinner i feel sorry for your family that cant have a proper burial for you because there isnt enough of you left to bury :(

id rather have somebody know where i was when im on the trai (its not like your doing anything illegal) or you shouldn't be. but to each there own, when enough hikers are lost and the body count too high and they start shutting down the trails we will all pay....

I am no tough guy, maybe even a bit of a wuss. I haven't been in the water since I saw Jaws and I hate the sight of blood. You just seem to miss the importance of personal liberty and personal responsibility.

No one has the right to know where I am going or intend to be except those that I choose to give that privilege to. Its my responsibility to create my itinerary and provide that to those that I feel should have it. And I will have to accept the responsibility and pain of my choices without having to be saved from myself.

Majortrauma

08-02-2013, 18:57

Maybe because we are supposed to be a free society and we should not be babysitted by a nanny state. Being free means sometimes bad things will happen to us because of our choice.
Amen brother. Another idiotic law that can not be enforced is not a solution at all.

Tuckahoe

08-02-2013, 18:58

Here's the deal. The photo of her at the AT sign is from Sunday @Rte 4 (road to Rangeley). She texted husband that day on way to Poplar Ridge LT where she spent Sunday night. She texted husband next day to say she was heading north to Spaulding Mt LT. Crunchmaster saw her somewhere between the two lean tos on Monday. From there it is over 13 miles to Rte 27 which is in Wyman Township (I has a major accident there in 07 + I know this area very well) which is where she was meeting her husband TUESDAY not Monday which has not been reported well. It rained here in Maine Tuesday but not torrential. I read Cozy's journal from Thursday and she said the Carrabassett River stream xing was not bad at all. Yes MATC puts in place a plank each spring which usually washes out anyhow. http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=427742.

The biggest question is did she zero Tuesday at Spaulding LT as would indicate by unknown SOBO female caller. I don't find any of this that odd. I think they both did not have cell coverage Tuesday (tho from the Sugarloaf side on the ski mountain & at the base there is very good cell service from a Summit tower) and perhaps Gerry ran out of battery and so the woman didn't place the call til Weds @5 which would have been approaching the time Inchworm would have come out to 27. I can also say there is very sketchy Verizon coverage in Stratton village and Rangeley (again I visit this area frequently and know the cell coverage well) so maybe that's why she called the motel (which I saw on one report might have been the Spillover not Stratton Motel) instead. Folks you have to remember this is Maine where we have very spotty cell service all over the state.

My guess? She fell coming down the Sugarloaf cirque loosened by the rain Tuesday. It's steep and loose and even for Maine rugged. I did this precise 13+ mile stretch on my thru hike and including taking the blue blaze to Sugarloaf summit and back I came out at dusk. She would have done well to make it judging by what I understand was her typical pace.

HTH, BB

Thanks for clarifying, and putting things into context.

QHShowoman

08-02-2013, 18:58

Can we create a separate thread to discuss the whole SPOT business? This has been the best thread focused on the "disappearance" of Gerry Largay so far ...

max patch

08-02-2013, 18:58

................

when enough hikers are lost and the body count too high and they start shutting down the trails we will all pay....

oy vey

Gypsyphoenix

08-02-2013, 18:59

Posted about an hour ago

UPDATE GERALDINE LARGAY SEARCH, August 2, 2013: The Maine Warden Service is continuing investigative efforts as to the location of Geraldine Largay. We have made considerable progress in connecting with hikers who have had valuable information to share. Some of these hikers have made their way north as far as the One-Hundred Mile Wilderness and Baxter State Park. We know there are more hikers with valuable information. If you or you know anyone who stayed at the Spaulding Mountain Lean-to on the night of Monday, July 22, please call the Public Safety Dispatch Center in Augusta at (207) 624-7076 or 1-800-452-4664 (Maine only).

We will be utilizing Maine Game Wardens and searchers with the Maine Association of Search and Rescue for an intensified search this Sunday, August 4. If we do not locate Geraldine by Sunday evening, we will evaluate what we have learned at that point and plan future search efforts accordingly. If we realize a need for additional resources and volunteer searchers, we will place a call for your help. If you wish to become a searcher trained with MASAR, please see the below link to learn more.

www.mainesearchandrescue.org (http://www.mainesearchandrescue.org/)

moytoy

08-02-2013, 19:54

Yet more information. http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Maine-wardens-claim-progress-in-search-for-missing-hiker.html
The rangers are no longer looking for the woman who called the motel.

Turtle Feet

08-02-2013, 20:08

Yet more information. http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Maine-wardens-claim-progress-in-search-for-missing-hiker.html
The rangers are no longer looking for the woman who called the motel.

Happy to hear that there will be a fresh press conference on Sunday.

Bluebearee

08-02-2013, 20:12

Yet more information. http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Maine-wardens-claim-progress-in-search-for-missing-hiker.html
The rangers are no longer looking for the woman who called the motel.

Thank you I hadn't seen that yet. Wonder what that means. Guess we can stop guessing about that piece of it. Course we don't really know precisely why they needed to talk to that SOBO. They could get the husband's memory of the actual convo.

Turtle Feet

08-02-2013, 20:29

Thank you I hadn't seen that yet. Wonder what that means. Guess we can stop guessing about that piece of it. Course we don't really know precisely why they needed to talk to that SOBO. They could get the husband's memory of the actual convo.

The caller spoke to a motel employee, not the husband. Although, according to a personal friend of mine that was staying at the motel a few days later - it was actually the owner that took the call (it was the press that kept saying "employee").

Goonky

08-02-2013, 20:36

http://www.wcsh6.com/rss/article/251915/2/Search-for-missing-hiker-on-hold-until-Sunday

Migrating Bird

08-02-2013, 20:51

Thanks Groonky for the update:

Sly

08-02-2013, 21:11

http://www.wcsh6.com/rss/article/251915/2/Search-for-missing-hiker-on-hold-until-Sunday

Do you happen to know where that crossing with the pavillion was?

hikerboy57

08-02-2013, 21:13

http://www.wcsh6.com/rss/article/251915/2/Search-for-missing-hiker-on-hold-until-Sunday
thats our own karma13,linda daly being interviewed.

Bluebearee

08-02-2013, 21:18

The caller spoke to a motel employee, not the husband. Although, according to a personal friend of mine that was staying at the motel a few days later - it was actually the owner that took the call (it was the press that kept saying "employee").

Got it, thanks. And was it the Stratton or Spillover Motel?

Bluebearee

08-02-2013, 21:23

Do you happen to know where that crossing with the pavillion was?

The kiosk? Yes those interviews were at the trail on 27. Coming out from the Crockers and before heading up the Bigs.

Turtle Feet

08-02-2013, 21:25

Got it, thanks. And was it the Stratton or Spillover Motel?

My friend told me, "Sue, the owner, talked to that hiker."

Not sure which hotel that would be (I never stayed in Stratton).

Sly

08-02-2013, 21:41

The kiosk? Yes those interviews were at the trail on 27. Coming out from the Crockers and before heading up the Bigs.

Yeah, kiosk, thanks.

Bluebearee

08-02-2013, 21:42

My friend told me, "Sue, the owner, talked to that hiker."

Not sure which hotel that would be (I never stayed in Stratton).

That's the Stratton Motel then, I know Susan. Just curious as one news source early on mentioned the Spillover another motel in town.

Bluebearee

08-02-2013, 21:44

Yeah, kiosk, thanks.

They enlarged that t/h a few years back to a bigger parking lot. I wrecked my two month old Subaru there in 07 turning around to pick up two hitching hikers.

Sly

08-02-2013, 21:49

They enlarged that t/h a few years back to a bigger parking lot. I wrecked my two month old Subaru there in 07 turning around to pick up two hitching hikers.

You must have a lot of pull!

TOW

08-02-2013, 22:03

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (https://www.facebook.com/mainefishwildlife?ref=stream)
UPDATE GERALDINE LARGAY SEARCH, August 2, 2013: The Maine Warden Service is continuing investigative efforts as to the location of Geraldine Largay. We have made considerable progress in connecting with hikers who have had valuable information to share. Some of these hikers have made their way north as far as the One-Hundred Mile Wilderness and Baxter State Park. We know there are more hikers with valuable information. If you or you know anyone who stayed at the Spaulding Mountain Lean-to on the night of Monday, July 22, please call the Public Safety Dispatch Center in Augusta at (207) 624-7076 or 1-800-452-4664 (Maine only).

We will be utilizing Maine Game Wardens and searchers with the Maine Association of Search and Rescue for an intensified search this Sunday, August 4. If we do not locate Geraldine by Sunday evening, we will evaluate what we have learned at that point and plan future search efforts accordingly. If we realize a need for additional resources and volunteer searchers, we will place a call for your help. If you wish to become a searcher trained with MASAR, please see the below link to learn more.

www.mainesearchandrescue.org (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mainesearchandrescue.org&h=XAQFyhYO_&s=1)

HikerMom58

08-02-2013, 22:28

thats our own karma13,linda daly being interviewed.

That's so cool!! :)

I keep hoping/praying for a good outcome. God bless those 2 friends of Inchworm!!

SawnieRobertson

08-02-2013, 22:37

Hoosier's journal for today says that he met George on the trail today. You will probably find it interesting. At least, I did. The journal is in TrailJournals.com.

Ewker

08-02-2013, 22:46

latest updated at 8:31PM tonight

The Maine Warden Service said it is making progress connecting with Appalachian Trail hikers who may have information about Geraldine Largay, and is no longer looking for the unidentified hiker who called the Stratton Mountain Motel July 24, saying she'd seen the missing hiker.

Cpl. John MacDonald said in an email today that wardens are no longer seeking the woman who called the Stratton Motel at 5 p.m. July 24, saying she and Inchworm, Largay's trail name, had both spent Tuesday night in the Spaulding Mountain lean-to.....see rest at link

http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/M...ing-hiker.html”

HikerMom58

08-02-2013, 22:49

Hoosier's journal for today says that he met George on the trail today. You will probably find it interesting. At least, I did. The journal is in TrailJournals.com.

http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=428386

So sad but thanks for sharing that SawnieRobertson..

kayak karl

08-03-2013, 02:05

http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Maine-wardens-claim-progress-in-search-for-missing-hiker.html?searchterm=missing+hiker

rocketsocks

08-03-2013, 02:33

http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Maine-wardens-claim-progress-in-search-for-missing-hiker.html?searchterm=missing+hiker
Thanks for that update Karl....damn shame the way this is playing out, I know many of us here have had a lot of hope...still prayin this turns out well.

Mitey Mo

08-03-2013, 06:11

That trail journal entry http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=428386 is actually VERY informative in so many very subtle ways. Thanks.

muddy boots

08-03-2013, 06:48

Does anyone have pictures of the area of trail they are talking about? Have searched the internet and couldn’t find any. I met Inchworm on the AT in NH. She was fit and capable and interesting to talk to, and having a heck of a good time out there. Have been following this since she went missing and hoping and praying for a good outcome.

sweeper

08-03-2013, 07:41

From a standpoint as a thru hiker in 72-73, I spent many a mile searching for the trail, needless to say that particular section is an a... kicker
I've lived and continued to hike in Maine, also surveyed as a living for up here, it can be unforgiving, espically if the Mt. tops are socked in with fog.
I still get lost occasionally for a few hours.
anyway she sounds tough
godspeed

Bluebearee

08-03-2013, 09:16

Does anyone have pictures of the area of trail they are talking about? Have searched the internet and couldn’t find any. I met Inchworm on the AT in NH. She was fit and capable and interesting to talk to, and having a heck of a good time out there. Have been following this since she went missing and hoping and praying for a good outcome.

Look at Google Earth. You can check out Sugarloaf cirque easily, and see the trail as it tiptoes along the top and side. It's an intense part of the trail that for some reason doesn't get a lot of press. Until now... unfortunately. I'd think someone would have some photos of climbing Crocker Cirque (across Caribou Valley Rd past the Carrabassett Stream crossing). Other than that, just typical Maine rocks and roots. The rest of the Crockers are not anything special. The areas of concern would definitely be descending Sugarloaf, crossing the stream and climbing South Crocker talus field.

HikerMom58

08-03-2013, 13:09

Just saw this...

http://www.pressherald.com/news/hiker-search-reports-progress_2013-08-03.html

Sly

08-03-2013, 15:46

Just saw this...

http://www.pressherald.com/news/hiker-search-reports-progress_2013-08-03.html

Cpl. John MacDonald said in an email Friday that wardens are no longer seeking the woman who called the motel to say she and 'Inchworm,' Largay's trail name, had both spent Tuesday night in the Spaulding Mountain lean-to.

Which raises more questions than it answers.

Sly

08-03-2013, 15:57

Look at Google Earth. You can check out Sugarloaf cirque easily, and see the trail as it tiptoes along the top and side. It's an intense part of the trail...

South Branch of the Carabassett River right before the Caribou Pond Rd. (Caribou Pond rd in guides)

23105

a bigger picture

23106

HikerMom58

08-03-2013, 16:08

Which raises more questions than it answers.

I know, Sly. I think the new conference that may take place tomorrow should help clear things up... maybe!

I feel soo bad for the family!! :(

Lone Wolf

08-03-2013, 21:15

i don't see any mention of search dogs

tiptoe

08-03-2013, 21:19

http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/In-a-trail-many-trials-for-hikers-and-searchers-alike.html

I can't get this story out of my mind and am still hoping for a positive outcome. It could have been any of us.

HikerMom58

08-03-2013, 21:22

i don't see any mention of search dogs

I actually thought about that too, Lone Wolf :-?

Migrating Bird

08-03-2013, 22:09

LARGAY SEARCH UPDATE
Monday, July 29, 2013: The search continues today for Geraldine Largay. Several search assignments have been completed which are contained within two points on the AT. Several more assignments will be given today as well. The high probability search area is approximately eight miles on the AT and begins about one-half mile south of the Caribou Valley Road and extends south to Route 27, near Rangeley. The search area encompasses roughly 81 square miles. Weather conditions are cloudy this morning with a chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. It is unlikely aircraft will be utilized today.

Largay search log to date in miles:
Canine teams - 56.2 miles
Hasty/Grid Teams (ground searchers) – 300.2 Miles
Horse Teams – 26.9
Aircraft/Helicopter – 338

Approximately 30 searchers will be out today to include Maine Game Wardens , Mahoosuc SAR, US Border Patrol, and the Maine Forest Service. Those with any information should call the Maine State Police Communications Center in Augusta at (207) 624-7076 or 1-800-452-4664 (Maine only).

Dogs 56 miles but this is an old post

muddy boots

08-04-2013, 07:14

Thanks Bluebearee and Sly. Looks like there are at least 3 places the trail is on the edge. Wet slate isn't fun.

Goonky

08-04-2013, 07:17

http://www.pressherald.com/news/appalachian-trail-has-plenty-of-perils_2013-08-04.html?pagenum=1

Mitey Mo

08-04-2013, 08:57

First time I've heard this! Inchworm started out at Harper's Ferry with a hiking partner! They hiked all the way to New Hampshire together when her partner had to leave the trail for family reasons. Boy does she feel guilty! I'm sure she's thinking, "if only I had still been with her" She just returned to the trail to try and find her. She knows how she hikes.

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article/251915/314/Search-for-missing-hiker-on-hold-until-Sunday

marshbirder

08-04-2013, 12:31

This is the latest I've seen, although very brief and doesn't say anything new (~1:13). Any word on the news conference? My parents moved to Maine this summer and said the story has been all over the local news, but they aren't home today so they couldn't offer any updates.

http://www.wmtw.com/news/maine/wmtw-news-8-headlines/-/8792012/21321266/-/9nhv02/-/index.html

modiyooch

08-04-2013, 13:23

http://www.kjonline.com/Interactive_Map_The_Search_for_Geraldine_Largay.ht ml

marshbirder

08-04-2013, 13:46

Updated at 1PM. It says if she is not found by tonight, they will re-evaluate the search effort. Continuing to pray and hope...

http://www.wmtw.com/news/maine/appalachian-trail-hiker-missing/-/8792012/21171120/-/imrto8z/-/index.html

modiyooch

08-04-2013, 13:46

http://www.kjonline.com/Interactive_Map_The_Search_for_Geraldine_Largay.ht ml This is a good representation of the timeline of events.

modiyooch

08-04-2013, 13:48

just that they are now going to conduct a grid search as opposed to a hasty search. I also read that lost hikers are typically found within 48 hours. I still think that she may be on that logging road between the two shelters.

marshbirder

08-04-2013, 13:55

I'm getting confused, but I see that she never made it to the Spaulding LT--didn't the mystery caller say she had stayed with Inchworm there? I really want to know why they stopped looking for the caller.

Trail Bug

08-04-2013, 14:02

See http://www.kjonline.com/news/Search-for-missing-Tennessee-woman-enters-7th-day.html

"While MacDonald said search crews continue to work with hikers on the trail, no contact has been made with a hiker who said she saw Largay last Tuesday night.

The Maine Warden Service said the female hiker, whose name they don't know, called the Stratton Motel, where Largay's husband George was staying, and said that she was traveling in the opposite direction as Largay and they both spent last Tuesday night the Spaulding Mountain lean-to."
I would think it would not be hard for the searchers to get the phone records for the motel that day and find out who made the call. Not up on all these new phones, but don't they have a GPS chip built in so the last location used can be located? Still holding for a positive outcome.

nu2hike

08-04-2013, 14:15

I find it odd that they won't say why they are no longer looking for that mysterious caller! Either that she has been found and could not offer any more useful information ! Or that she had been found and her information was inaccurate or that the call had never been placed! They do seem to be particularly closed mouth about this bit of information! Makes one wonder why?

Alligator

08-04-2013, 14:16

I would think it would not be hard for the searchers to get the phone records for the motel that day and find out who made the call. Not up on all these new phones, but don't they have a GPS chip built in so the last location used can be located? Still holding for a positive outcome.They can triangulate a call from area cell towers. They would know what tower it came in from I believe. Multiple towers helps accuracy. Kind of how a GPS works, your position is a distance to a satellite which is like a radius to a circle. Three satellites are needed for height, lat and long. Where the three circles overlap is your position. I don't know if the towers know your nearly exact distance like a satellite does. As far as the GPS info, I don't know whether that gets transmitted in a GPS chipped phone.

nu2hike

08-04-2013, 14:20

Was the area Crunchmaster saw her before the Spaulding LT or after ? If after, the information the caller left would not be pertinent to the search.

BirdBrain

08-04-2013, 14:21

The dogs were there. I was coming off the Bigelows on the 25th headed south. I saw and talked to many authorities and searchers until the 29th. That day I slept at Piazza Rock. The majority opinion I heard was she is somewhere between Poplar and Spaulding Leantos. I agree with many, that is she made it to Sugarloaf, there are plenty of places to fall and not be seen. Those that I talked with don't believe she made it that far. Having just come from the region she is missing in, I can't imagine where she could fall and not be seen by now. There are places to fall, but you would be seen by now. I looked hard for spots, but could not find many. Just saying.

HikerMom58

08-04-2013, 14:24

The dogs were there. I was coming off the Bigelows on the 25th headed south. I saw and talked to many authorities and searchers until the 29th. That day I slept at Piazza Rock. The majority opinion I heard was she is somewhere between Poplar and Spaulding Leantos. I agree with many, that is she made it to Sugarloaf, there are plenty of places to fall and not be seen. Those that I talked with don't believe she made it that far. Having just come from the region she is missing in, I can't imagine where she could fall and not be seen by now. There are places to fall, but you would be seen by now. I looked hard for spots, but could not find many. Just saying.

:Hey BB so good to see you!! Thanks for sharing what you know from being in the area.

http://www.wmtw.com/news/maine/appalachian-trail-hiker-missing/-/8792012/21171120/-/item/0/-/kiebmi/-/index.html

Just found this story... ^

BirdBrain

08-04-2013, 14:31

:Hey BB so good to see you!! Thanks for sharing what you know from being in the area.

http://www.wmtw.com/news/maine/appalachian-trail-hiker-missing/-/8792012/21171120/-/item/0/-/kiebmi/-/index.html

Just found this story... ^

I am deeply troubled (as all are), that they have not found her yet. Again, having gone through that region while looking for her near the trail, I can't imagine a place on that part of the trail she could have been hurt and not found. This leaves several possibilities, of which I won't speculate. The trail is clearly marked and trodden in that area too. I am just hoping she left the trail for personal reasons and is safe.

Lone Wolf

08-04-2013, 14:36

it's possible she could have been picked up at caribou valley road

Alligator

08-04-2013, 14:44

She might have fallen, been injured and possibly disoriented, and worked her way down because she could not go up.

BirdBrain

08-04-2013, 14:51

She might have fallen, been injured and possibly disoriented, and worked her way down because she could not go up.

That is possible. Anything is possible. I do know that the area was so scrutinized that a single drop of blood on Poplar Ridge was red taped off. It was my (likely ignorant) thinking that if she fell "on the trail", some sort of evidence would have been found by now (like a hat or trekking pole). If she went off trail, all bets are off. Anything is possible.

HikerMom58

08-04-2013, 14:58

That is possible. Anything is possible. I do know that the area was so scrutinized that a single drop of blood on Poplar Ridge was red taped off. It was my (likely ignorant) thinking that if she fell "on the trail", some sort of evidence would have been found by now (like a hat or trekking pole). If she went off trail, all bets are off. Anything is possible.

Wow BB... you are the first person commenting about this situation with first hand info...:) I just hope for some good news!!! Do you know anything about the news conference that's supposed to be held today??

coppertex

08-04-2013, 15:04

Wow BB... you are the first person commenting about this situation with first hand info...:) I just hope for some good news!!! Do you know anything about the news conference that's supposed to be held today??

This article has video from the news conference: http://www.sunjournal.com/news/maine/2013/08/04/search-missing-hiker-tennessee-intensifies-sunday/1403223

BirdBrain

08-04-2013, 15:07

Wow BB... you are the first person commenting about this situation with first hand info...:) I just hope for some good news!!! Do you know anything about the news conference that's supposed to be held today??

No clue. I am on here looking for more info like others. I can tell you that the Rangers looked pretty depressed (understandable), the State Police looked very serious (again, no surprise), and the searchers looked very determined. I heard more that one hiker say something like, 'Wow! If you get lost in Maine they come looking for you'. A hiker staying with us at Poplar Leanto asked the State Police how long they intended to look. The officer answered, "We don't set limits on such things".

Alligator

08-04-2013, 15:13

That is possible. Anything is possible. I do know that the area was so scrutinized that a single drop of blood on Poplar Ridge was red taped off. It was my (likely ignorant) thinking that if she fell "on the trail", some sort of evidence would have been found by now (like a hat or trekking pole). If she went off trail, all bets are off. Anything is possible.They mentioned the difference between searches today. They are going to to grid search. For those unfamiliar with the technique, this involves a line of people spread at a fixed distance walking at the same pace. One person usually controls the pace. It can be slow and is difficult on sloping terrain, heavy underbrush, loose footing etc.

It could be the case that she fell off and wandered down and maybe didn't make it further but is sheltered under something where she is not visible. Sometimes cars go off the road even and people don't see them for days.

BirdBrain

08-04-2013, 15:21

They mentioned the difference between searches today. They are going to to grid search.

I can tell you from 1st hand observation, that they were already doing that type along at least one stream the day we left Poplar Ridge. We met two groups. One was headed to the leanto area, the other was already spread out quite wide along a brook. They were all talking to each other to maintain an even pace.

I agree with your thoughts of possibilities. We are all hoping and praying. She was no rookie. A person can survive a long time with little food. There is still a lot of room for hope.

WorldPeaceAndStuff

08-04-2013, 15:39

Without giving my career away, getting phone records in a known homicide investigation isn't easy at all.

Koda

08-04-2013, 15:47

Great info...I am not able to view the press conference online. Does anyone know if any members of the press asked for clarification on the mysterious phone call to the motel. I see that they did confirm she was NOT at the Spaulding LT like originally thought.

Pedaling Fool

08-04-2013, 15:58

I see that they did confirm she was NOT at the Spaulding LT like originally thought.Which puts this entire interactive timeline in question, at least in my mind http://www.kjonline.com/Interactive_Map_The_Search_for_Geraldine_Largay.ht ml

Bluebearee

08-04-2013, 16:52

Was the area Crunchmaster saw her before the Spaulding LT or after ? If after, the information the caller left would not be pertinent to the search.

Before. This unknown caller thing is starting to seem suspicious to me, if it was a bogus call to through searchers off the trail then we are in a different scenario here. And I agree why aren't "they" telling more about that?

wakapak

08-04-2013, 16:57

Wow BB... you are the first person commenting about this situation with first hand info...:) I just hope for some good news!!! Do you know anything about the news conference that's supposed to be held today??

Here's another article about info from the press conference earlier and it gives a good description between what a "hasty" search is and a grid search, which they were conducting today. Grid searches use more SAR personnel, use a GPS mapped out grid of the search area and are usually more time intensive due to searching thicker areas of underbrush, more sloping terrain, etc.

BirdBrain you may have seen the searches doing a hasty type search along the river, seems even with those they will be searching with each other in close proximity.

There is a map at the bottom of the article of the area they are searching today.

wakapak

08-04-2013, 17:09

Here's another article about info from the press conference earlier and it gives a good description between what a "hasty" search is and a grid search, which they were conducting today. Grid searches use more SAR personnel, use a GPS mapped out grid of the search area and are usually more time intensive due to searching thicker areas of underbrush, more sloping terrain, etc.

BirdBrain you may have seen the searches doing a hasty type search along the river, seems even with those they will be searching with each other in close proximity.

There is a map at the bottom of the article of the area they are searching today.

Here's the article which I forgot to add: http://www.onlinesentinel.com/news/Wardens-change-tactics-in-search-for-missing-Appalachian-Trail-hiker.html

Hill Ape

08-04-2013, 17:17

http://www.pressherald.com/news/hiker-search-reports-progress_2013-08-03.html

"Cpl. John MacDonald said in an email Friday that wardens are no longer seeking the woman who called the motel to say she and 'Inchworm,' Largay's trail name, had both spent Tuesday night in the Spaulding Mountain lean-to."

lets not see conspiracies where there are none. "they" are doing their job

HikerMom58

08-04-2013, 19:51

Just saw this.....looks like they have it down to a small area to do the grid search, like everyone is saying.

http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article/252098/2/Search-resumes-for-missing-hiker

MuddyWaters

08-04-2013, 20:20

120 searchers focused on 3miles, they have got to find something if they are in the right place, Thats a person every 130 ft.

Wise Old Owl

08-04-2013, 20:28

23137Haven't followed this to much detail but found this map

wakapak

08-04-2013, 20:36

From a post about 20 minutes ago on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife page:

SEARCH UPDATE FOR GERALDINE LARGAY August 4, 2013: At the conclusion of today’s search efforts there was no new attributing evidence or information found as to Geraldine’s location. At this point, the search for Geraldine Largay will be extensively scaled back.

Today’s search involved approximately 115 searchers that included Maine Game Wardens and MASAR* volunteers. They were concentrated in an area approximately 4.2 miles square. The area is contained within the black search boxes on the map. This search area was established based on several pieces of information gathered from hikers.

The search area was intensely covered today and utilized Game Wardens and K9 teams, MASAR foot searchers and both K9 and horseback teams. Game Wardens will continue to investigate all leads. In the event new information becomes available, local wardens and MASAR searchers will be used to search those areas. Those with any information should call the Public Safety Dispatch Center Augusta at (207) 624-7076 or 1-800-452-4664 (Maine only).

(*The Maine Association for Search and Rescue (MASAR) is a non-profit organization that promotes and develops search and rescue resources for the state of Maine. MASAR provides training and certification for search and rescue volunteers using nationally-recognized standards. See mainesearchandrescue.org for more information.)

Wise Old Owl

08-04-2013, 20:39

120 searchers focused on 3miles, they have got to find something if they are in the right place, Thats a person every 130 ft.

If you remember the movie with Sylvester Stallone "First Blood" They search 3 feet apart.

marshbirder

08-04-2013, 20:44

From a post about 20 minutes ago on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife page:

SEARCH UPDATE FOR GERALDINE LARGAY August 4, 2013: At the conclusion of today’s search efforts there was no new attributing evidence or information found as to Geraldine’s location. At this point, the search for Geraldine Largay will be extensively scaled back.

Sad but understandable at this point. I can't imagine what that feeling of not knowing is like. I pray that her family gets an answer eventually.

Mitey Mo

08-05-2013, 05:06

At this late point it DOES sound like foul play. She's not there. Some weirdo with a 4x4 SUV on one of those logging roads? A hermit? It has happened before, not on the AT, but out West. Seems unlikely, though. Such a remote area, on a RAINY day. I think it's time for a psychic.

fins1838

08-05-2013, 06:52

Could possibly be one of the strangest stories I've ever heard. (true story). Is there a possibility of sink holes in the area?

HikerMom58

08-05-2013, 07:09

Maybe a mod will delete it Grits. Here's hoping....

fins1838- There's been a lot of sink holes appearing this year all over the place... I mean people have been sucked into them while sleeping in their beds. :eek: That's a possibility.. Like Birdbrain said... anything is possible. :(