Search Continues For Manhattan Beach Hiker Lost In Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks

MANHATTAN BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Authorities at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks relaunched the search for a Manhattan Beach man Monday after it was suspended over the weekend due to weather conditions.

Robert "Bob" Woodie, 74, started off on his solo hiking trip on Oct. 13, and was scheduled to return the following Sunday, according to National Park Service spokesman Zach Behrens. Woodie checked in via satellite device Saturday night, and had not been heard from since.

"We're looking for hikers who may have been out there," Behrens said. "Even knowing where he was not at a certain time is helpful."

Woodie's intended route of travel may have been from South Lake, outside Bishop, into the park via Bishop Pass, and is believed to have checked in while at Barrett Lakes, southeast of Dusy Basin.

Before the search operation was suspended Sunday due to inclement weather, Behrens said helicopters and dog teams had been out searching for Woodie all weekend.

Woodie, an experienced hiker, was described as a white man about 5-foot-5 and 150 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. He was possibly carrying a blue shell-type jacket, baseball cap or floppy hat and boots. He is reported to have an internal frame backpack, possibly blue in color.

Hikers who may have been at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can call (559) 565-3117.