[pct-l] Find Sobo Hiker, Ryan, in sections A or B

[dsaufley at sprynet.com (dsaufley@xxxxxxxxxxx)]

There is a southbound hiker out there, Ryan "Pancake" from British Columbia (sorry, I left his last name at home).   He left Agua Dulce on 10/7/03.  Campo is roughly three to four weeks of hiking from Agua Dulce.  After powering through 2,100+ miles to reach Agua Dulce, his hiking pace is probably on the faster side.  That puts Ryan somewhere between Big Bear and the border right now.  I am concerned about his welfare based on Brick Robbin's message regarding the fire approaching the PCT down south.  

While I don't mean to sound hysterical, or make everyone run around unnecessarily, but I believe we need to find out where Ryan is and make sure that he's safely off trail and out of harm's way.  Is it reasonable to ask that those of you who live near a PCT register in the southern sections please check to see if Ryan has passed through?  

Ryan was planning on meeting his parents (from BC) at Gorgonio Pass, and hopefully they are informed of the dangerous conditions and have been able to reach him and pull him off trail if necessary.  But I don't want to assume that all of that has happened.  It may be prudent to notify fire officials in the local rural areas adjacent to the PCT that are affected by the fires that they may have a (especially wonderful) young man out there.  It would certainly help to know when and where he was, and is.

Please forgive me if I am overreacting or causing anyone unwarranted concern.  Let's all hope Ryan is safe.  After all, he won the Seiad Valley pancake challege this year!  

-=Donna Saufley=-