Monday, October 26, 2009

Doug...Still Missing(Doug taking a rolling lesson with me
Photos courtesy of Leslie J.)

Missing for almost a week now, here's what we know: Doug stayed at someplace near Duluth, MN, and was seen there up through last Monday. He went out kayaking alone on waters with cliff lined shores in many areas. His kayak, his pfd and a medication bottle with his name on it washed ashore. On the night in question, he called someone and said he could not see shore. I do not know who he called or why he didn't phone 911.

His car with keys and his wallet were found where he was staying.

It is reported that he mailed letters to either family and/or friends and that some of them contained money. Most of us here, in Milwaukee, have not been in touch with him for a few months as he has not returned calls, answered our e mails or come to group paddles.Doug has friends here as well as a brother in Appleton, WI and a sister in California. Everyone is deeply concerned. Lake Superior waters can become treacherous, and hypothermia is a constant danger. We continue our vigil as the clock ticks.

Paddle Safe...
DS

11 comments:

mk said...

Silbs, the paddling community up here in Duluth is keeping vigil too.

-Megan Kress

Mine's said...

Still praying and keeping Doug and his family in my thoughts.

Silbs said...

Thanks for all the kind thoughts. The family will appreciate them.

avital said...

So sorry ...

Rick Isaacson said...

I remeber sitting down with Doug for a beer after Paddlefest one year. I don't pray about much these days, but I am praying for Doug and his familly.

mk said...

Hey gang-- a GPS and Paddle were found washed up on shore.

http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/150193/

Silbs said...

MK: Thanks, I have posted that to our Milwaukee Yahoo site. Enough said.

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to leave a comment that I work at the park that the hikers came in to report the empty kayak. Our manager immediately went to Twin Points to look and called Lake County to start the search. We have all been following the story and hoping for the best. Just know that our thoughts are with you all. We didn't know Doug, but do feel a connection because it it so close to home.

Silbs said...

I guess we are, in the end, a loosely knit family that shares a common passion. We know the risks we each take and what could happen to any one of us who is overwhelmed by the water. It is, for me, a sobering time.

Anonymous said...

Thought you might like to know that a body was found washed up on shore near Flood Bay yesterday about 3:00 p.m. Check the Duluth news tribune.

Silbs said...

Thank you for calling that to my attention. I have posted it to both Wisconsin kayak sites. We await new of the identity. Maybe Doug will come home after all.