*** ALERT *** APPALACHIAN TRAIL HIKER FOUND!

Hello, I live about 11 air miles from where Ken was last seen.
I am a life member of the Natural Bridge Appalachian Trail Club.
I am also a VA SAR resource along with Rob who posted earlier.
I will be leaving shortly to go to a planning session tonight for planning out tomorrows search efforts. Be assured skilled searchers are out there now and all night long tonight. I was wondering if there are any well known areas that people commonly leave the trail for mail, groceries, food, lodging, bus etc and if any of them are in this area. I live near Snowden where 130 and the parkway cross.
Mark
Twitter @idrankwhat

Quite a few through-hikers leave the trail where it crosses RT.501 and head into Glasgow for groceries and lodging; there are a couple of small grocery stores, and a family owned restaurant/motel (if they're still in open). There used to be Greyhound service through there but I don't believe there's a pick-up there any more.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-va-missingappalachia,0,6599856.story

Google News Search info: http://news.google.com/news?um=1&ned=us&cf=all&ncl=1344242265

I was on the search last night and all day today. Here is a very general update - I don't have specifics on clues, etc.

It is a very robust SAR operation with at least 150 people there and over 35 teams went on over 50 separate search missions today. I met teams from as far as Maryland. Teams include multiple dogs teams , horses, ATV's, MTB's and many foot teams.

Even the commo set up has a radio relay airplane on station overhead almost all day long- necessary due to the many areas between mtns and narrow drainages.


The area is large and the terrian is challenging. Weather has been very good in this area for most all week.

Greg, I hope for everyone who loves him they find your brother OK and please try to remain positive. Maybe he only slipped somewhere and dropped that phone! It is wet and the ground slippery. If so and he dropped it when he slip down something and cannot find it, I bet he's sitting by a brook (they're everywhere with all the rain), waiting for the calvary...and very unhappy his phone is missing :>)

It's on local news stations, so you'll be receiving local volunteers familiar with the area as well as the professionals/law enforcement. They will find your brother.

We met Ken last year when he came across the pond to take part in The Great Outdoors Challenge. He is due to be with us again this year, the event starts next Friday (8th May) so we are all hoping the search is successful and you can get him posted across to us express so he can join us again. We'll keep watching this site for up to date information and we will be wishing you well in your endeavors.

I live in Lynchburg and would possibly be able to help out in the search some this weekend. How do I find someone who could direct me to specific areas that would be good to search, if indeed they are asking for people to help at all (I assume the more people searching the better his chances)??

I send all of my love, support, and prayers to Ken and his family. I, just like every other person on here, really hopes Ken is okay, and that he'll be found very soon.

Much peace, love, and respect to Ken and all of you awesome SAR team members. Bring 'em home boys! Can't wait to here his amazing story about this one :)

Ryan Knowles,

The command post for the search has been set up at Otter Creek Campground at Milepost 60.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway in VA. You could go there and be directed on how to help.

Mike Maurer

Though I don't know Ken, the outpouring of goodwill is amazing. Know there are people in Oregon holding Ken in our thoughts and prayers. To the Searchers~Godspeed To Ken I can't wait to read about your adventure when they find you, because find you they will.

I'm thinking of you constantly Ken. I feel helpless over here in Washington but I'm glad to know we have so many friends that are tracking you down. You're such a resourceful and inspirational guy- I know you've got this one and like others, I know this is going to turn into one of your great podcasts or videos after you get home safely.

With love,
Doug

I meet ken on AT in 03. God bless him

Aussie

Thoughts-prayers and hope to all involved in finding Ken!!

-Jay

Hi,
My name is Tom Gantert. I am a reporter from The Ann Arbor News.
I am trying to contact people who know Ken for a story we are doing. My number is 734 994 6701. My email is tgantert@aa-news.com
Thanks

I live south of Amherst Co. in Lynchburg, VA. I have spoken with Wendy White concerning volunteering to assist in the search effort for Ken. There is no need for volunteers at this time. I will assit in any way I can. If there are others out there that want to assist in the effort as the week progresses and there are fewer SAR personnel on the trails? Please contact me here or at jstinnett@cvfcu.com.

My prayers are with Ken, his family, friends, SAR and co-workers.

Here is some updated info on the search for Ken. Alan Dixon and Ryan Jordan are on sight and helping with the search. They are sending updates or requests for information when they can - cell phone coverage is poor. I will post more information as I receive it from Ryan or Alan. We hope that it might spur some connection with another person who may have seen Ken. And of course there are many of us very concerned and eager to know how it is going.

Point last seen data (previously posted here) has been removed because it may have been incorrect. I will post again as I learn more from the field.

Please continue to actively share this information.


EDITED to remove point last seen data.

Edited by don on 05/02/2009 15:23:50 MDT.

Per @brbuchanan on Twitter, Ken has been found alive!

No other info yet.

Hopefully we'll hear confirmation (one way or another) soon! In the meantime, I'm continuing fervent prayers!

Ryan Jordan's Twitter says the same. Waiting for details now.

Ken has been found, confirmed