Recovered/Located ID - Skyler Schnaidt, 25, hiker, wanted to walk across America, Kootenai Co., 5 Sept 2019

[Bit of hope]

From what it looks like to me, it's a mug shot. I have no idea if it is, but after seeing thousands of them in the past, that's what it reminds me of. JMO

Mugshot was the first thing I was thinking. Have to check it....but I thought I saw something about this picture is from an ID. Didn't think he looked like a person with an addiction, but....he has healing? wounds on his face.....

 

[Bit of hope]

He doesn’t even look ok in the posted photo. Is that the best picture there is of him? He looks as if he was just in a fight.

I wonder how his mom felt knowing what he was planning and being out of contact for so long. I would probably follow my kids if they attempted such a thing.

I wouldn't...he is 25, so a grown up....and has to walk his own path, but I would like to know where he started from (off course he could have been in a crackhouse and lied) where he was exactly when he called her and would want to know his plans, his state of mind, ....and would want to make sure he called in every few weeks, for my peace of mind. My son could have gone easily under the radar or got lost, missing....I was prepared for that outcome (sounds strange) but some people need you to trust them knowing there is always a live line....and I was....so knowing this from experience....there are a couple of things bothering me here.... Like I said if you want to there is always a way to make contact.....if you are in your right mind and alive....Don't want to sound harsh but something is very wrong here.

 

[Pax10]

Most people I know who backpack are pretty detailed about it. It's that kind of activity. How much does my gear weigh? How much water do I drink in a day? Are there enough water sources on the route to keep hydrated? How far will I have to go each day to get to the water/camp, etc?

My point is that if this was planned, there shouldn't be a big delay in contact unless something has gone wrong. Doubly so for the parts that maybe in a city or town. I can easily see having a few days flexibility in a long hike, but it's the 11th...

The longer the delay, the more worrying, I think. MOO.

 

[Vail]

Most people I know who backpack are pretty detailed about it. It's that kind of activity. How much does my gear weigh? How much water do I drink in a day? Are there enough water sources on the route to keep hydrated? How far will I have to go each day to get to the water/camp, etc?

My point is that if this was planned, there shouldn't be a big delay in contact unless something has gone wrong. Doubly so for the parts that maybe in a city or town. I can easily see having a few days flexibility in a long hike, but it's the 11th...

The longer the delay, the more worrying, I think. MOO.

Exactly. You'd have a solar charger, survival kit, be checking into ranger stations and using trail cabins. Something about this feels very Chris McCandless and that makes me sad. I hope beyond hope there is a lovely commune up there he trekked to and decided to stay in.

 

[j_in_c]

Most people I know who backpack are pretty detailed about it. It's that kind of activity. How much does my gear weigh? How much water do I drink in a day? Are there enough water sources on the route to keep hydrated? How far will I have to go each day to get to the water/camp, etc?
MOO.

I think you accurately are describing backcountry backpacking where you start at a trailhead, determine where you will camp, how many miles to cover, etc.

I believe from the stated story that he was planning to be walking on scenic byroads (it said he's avoiding highways and main roads) as opposed to a trail. That allows him to buy things along the way, occasionally hitchhike or ask for a place to crash, etc. There is plenty of national forest out there where he could also pitch a small tent near a road, crash and then keep moving in the morning.

If he was following roads, then the long time staying out of touch makes even less sense except that as a young man out on the road, he likely didn't want to feel obligated to call in (a la Jack Kerouac).
As others have pointed out, this is a very cold time of year to be attempting this and I fear that with little to no information on his planned route, it will be challenging to find him. I am still hoping he just was enjoying the freedom of being "out there" and decided against checking in. Hopefully someone recognizes him and can let him know he is missed!

 

[zecats]

I think you accurately are describing backcountry backpacking where you start at a trailhead, determine where you will camp, how many miles to cover, etc.

I believe from the stated story that he was planning to be walking on scenic byroads (it said he's avoiding highways and main roads) as opposed to a trail. That allows him to buy things along the way, occasionally hitchhike or ask for a place to crash, etc. There is plenty of national forest out there where he could also pitch a small tent near a road, crash and then keep moving in the morning.

If he was following roads, then the long time staying out of touch makes even less sense except that as a young man out on the road, he likely didn't want to feel obligated to call in (a la Jack Kerouac).
As others have pointed out, this is a very cold time of year to be attempting this and I fear that with little to no information on his planned route, it will be challenging to find him. I am still hoping he just was enjoying the freedom of being "out there" and decided against checking in. Hopefully someone recognizes him and can let him know he is missed!

Correct. He was going to stay off highways and follows (seems like) back roads.

"According to his mother, Schnaidt was supposed to call or text by the end of October when he exited roadways that followed the Coeur d'Alene River."

Kootenai County Search and Rescue on the lookout for possible overdue hiker

 

[Bit of hope]

In this video there is a fraction of attention for the missing Skyler. That's good. It's not much, no new information. Little "different" presentation IMO.

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Start on about 13:41 in the video.

 

[modesty blaise]

How prepared was he for the trip?
He does not look well in that pic.

 

[Bit of hope]

How prepared was he for the trip?
He does not look well in that pic.

Good question. It's not going to get better.....
Average weather Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

 

[Bit of hope]

I'm sorry guys....I think he is "gone".....but miracles happen...how would a mother feel...I feel with her....

 

[Podengo]

Or he never planned on contacting her in a month. At 18, if he is pulling a Chris McCandless, he’s probably planning on severing all ties for who knows how long. I think often the idea is to disappear. I hope he’s alive out there and finding himself.

 

[Stunned]

Or he never planned on contacting her in a month. At 18, if he is pulling a Chris McCandless, he’s probably planning on severing all ties for who knows how long. I think often the idea is to disappear. I hope he’s alive out there and finding himself.

I had a friend who was a cocaine addict and alcoholic. (not saying this is the case here) He took off on the Appalachian Trail, went up too the top and back. Never touched drugs or alcohol again after that trip. It was his way to get clean.

 

[Bit of hope]

As for today: no news, no additional info.

 

[Pax10]

I had a friend who was a cocaine addict and alcoholic. (not saying this is the case here) He took off on the Appalachian Trail, went up too the top and back. Never touched drugs or alcohol again after that trip. It was his way to get clean.

I read a book about a woman who I think was a heroin addict who did at least part of the Appalachian trail. (In an attempt to get/stay clean). I can't remember the name, but it was a decent book.

Thanks for the update, BitofHope.

 

[Bit of hope]

Somebody on this Facebook site does seem to know more.....KHQ Local News KHQ Local News

for me all the things surrounding his disappearance are so vague....

• Also the pic seems to be his driver's license, not a mugshot
• he wears darker clothing and purple shoes he also might be swinging around a rope dart or some other ninja weapon (he is trained in using them he was going to show people his skills in hopes to get some extra cash for the trip)

Actually if you ask me he is either a depending adult of somebody with behavioral problems. Could be anything. And NO judgement here....

 

[Moonracer]

Somebody on this Facebook site does seem to know more.....KHQ Local News KHQ Local News

for me all the things surrounding his disappearance are so vague....

• Also the pic seems to be his driver's license, not a mugshot
• he wears darker clothing and purple shoes he also might be swinging around a rope dart or some other ninja weapon (he is trained in using them he was going to show people his skills in hopes to get some extra cash for the trip)

Actually if you ask me he is either a depending adult of somebody with behavioral problems. Could be anything. And NO judgement here....

The purple shoes is a good visual clue, if the commenter is correct. Although he would wear out quite a few pairs, probably. The dart/ninja thing makes me think he is perhaps very naive, childlike - as you said, no judgement here.

 

[Pax10]

At this point, I'm hoping that he's at a homeless shelter somewhere. I think that's probably the best outcome. However, if that's the case, I think there's a good chance we won't hear if he's found. Moo

Glad to see people still looking, though.

 

[Bit of hope]

Today....he is not listed as a missing person in Namus....

 

[kaen]

From Kootenai County Sheriff - Volunteer Search & Rescue on Facebo (link Kootenai County Sheriff - Volunteer Search & Rescue) :

Author
Kootenai County Sheriff - Volunteer Search & Rescue FYI: Skyler Schnaidt made it back to the Washington Area. Mother said Skyler is doing just fine.
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[Canadian4and1]

That must be a huge relief to his mom. I am very glad he is alive.