Sam search update #4, 25 Jul 01

Last weekend as I continued the search for Sam I was highly encouraged to find tracks exactly matching Sam's. All trace of those tracks were wiped out in an hour by a torrential downpour that afternoon. I believe they were tracks of Sam because 1) they began about 4 miles up the trail to Blue Lake. (leading me to believe it wasn't from a dog being walked up the trail. 2) I was no dogs up there of Sam's size 3) Sam has a unique print unlike other dogs

With a backpack of only eight pounds I trekked considerable miles over three days. I will have a report of this memorable journey posted on my web site as time permits. For now I must concentrate on my mission.

I would like to thank my life partner, Laila for her devotion and considerable efforts in assisting me in my search for Sam. Also Jackson Dennis who in the course of trying to join me in the San Juan Wilderness fell asleep at the wheel, crashed his car and wound up in the hospital. I understand that though he cracked a vertabrae he will be okay. Also Ginny Laforme who has aimed some adventure runs she organizes to concentrate on the area where Sam has been lost. Kathy Pierce & Carl Wingquist have helped to look up local radio stations and newspapers for me to fax the poster of Sam.

I will return this Friday for three more days. My daughter Natalie will hike up to Blue Lake with me providing an anchor. Sam may well return to her as I search wider territory. I am hopeful this will be the end of my search.

Steve

www.coloradotrailrunning.com