All the local media are reporting a missing kayaker who had been camping at Plaskett Creek Campground. His vehicle was found at the campground, but his kayak and gear was gone. He went camping last Wednesday, but was reported missing when he did not return home Sunday around noon as intended. He is 51 year-old Randall Young of Morro Bay.

“Monterey Sherriffs are investigating whether a white kayak, found on Sand Dollar Beach by a local resident, is that of Randall Young.

The Coast Guard is searching the waters with an 87-foot patrol boat, while an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station San Francisco is searching the coastal areas of Big Sur.

Anyone with information about Randall Young, a 6′ 3″ white male, is asked to contact either the Monetery Sherriff’s office at 831-647-7702, or the Coast Guard at 510-437-3701.”

Being temporarily out of the loop, I have no information beyond that carried by local media. This is the second visitor to the South Coast who has gone missing this year – actually, George Carpenter originally went missing around Christmas of 2009, but a full scale search was not conducted until after the New Year. Our prayers go out to Mr. Young’s family and friends.