Trace sought of missing St. Anthony man

Dozens of volunteers raced across freshly fallen snow on Newfoundland's Northern Peninsula Monday, looking for any hints that would lead to the whereabouts of a missing hiker.

Cleon Smith, 30, went out for a walk in St. Anthony on Saturday afternoon, and has not been seen since.

Blizzard conditions on Sunday hampered the search. Skies were sunny on Monday, and crews in the afternoon found footprints they believe may belong to Smith, who was heading out on a route he knew well.

"We don't know where to look," said Scott Richards, one of about 50 volunteers who took part in Monday's search.

The search was compounded by a large amount - about two feet in places - of snow that had fallen since Saturday.

"Bad wallking. Very bad walking," said Richards, describing the conditions on backcountry trails that were being searched.

Doug Mills, who taught Smith years ago, said people felt motivated to lend a hand.

"People are interested in helping out," said Mills. "He's a nice fellow, and we're working hard. We're really concerned."