An earlier poster said that the weekend Paul went missing was one when Bozeman would be full of people from out of state, something to do with the university?
Was the weekend Danielle went missing the same sort of thing?
The only similarities so far are the library and the Sunday. Different gender, one has a car while the other is homeless and presumably no vehicle, they don't sound consistent, so I'm interested in whether the weekends were similar, because it is quite close in time and it's a very strange coincidence.
No, I am not remembering anything unusually busy happening around town the weekend Danielle went missing. Classes were still in session at MSU, Winter Commencement was 2 weeks away -- and that is a smaller ceremony, drawing fewer people from out of state. A more careful read of her missing poster DOES indicate she is considered a Bozeman resident. Huh.
I'm not sure I can give an informed answer to the question of nearby compounds or militia related groups. Not that I know of? Montana generally, though, yes, this is a fiercely independent state and some small towns (and 'places' meaning communities not even large enough to be a 'town') do have a protective vibe, where an 'outsider' would be noticed. Even driving through you can feel eyes on you. But Bozeman proper is a typical University town, known for its proximity to Yellowstone and National Forest and great outdoor recreation -- hiking, sight-seeing, and great skiing in the winter. Livingston has been gaining a hip and artsy vibe. The amenities in the area draw many visitors.
Still very quiet as far as local media. I'm with all of you who are completely puzzled about Paul's disappearance. Yes, people do go missing hiking, climbing, skiing. But from the Library and/or from Reed Point? Usually someone is climbing a mountain and falls, or is fishing or rafting and a tragic accident occurs. There is nothing in Paul's circumstance to indicate the usual recreational peril. And like anywhere there are incidents of violence and even (hate to say this) murder in Bozeman, those are rare and occur between people who know one another. There is no indication Paul knew or interacted with anyone in Montana on his travel. Thus far, it also seems unlikely from the information we have that Paul was experiencing a medical condition, depression or was at risk for self harm.
This is a horrible thing to say, but if I were looking for a deliberate access point to a fast river, Reed Point in the spring as run-off is spiking would be a good place to go.
I am so very sorry to even suggest that. I feel awful for his family and friends and hope everyone has answers soon.
Here are some links of 2018 spring flooding in Montana rivers and dramatic rescues.
http://www.ktvq.com/story/37996663/montana-flooding-update-video-of-water-rescue-on-the-hi-line
http://www.kpax.com/story/38169264/drone-footage-shows-challenges-of-clark-fork-river-rescue-video