MOUNT WASHINGTON, N.H. (AP) – Rescuers are searching Mount Washington for an elderly Canadian hiker last seen eight days ago.

Peter Shintani, 70, planned to hike the highest mountain in the Northeast on June 9 and return home the next day, said Lt. Douglas Gralenski of the state Fish and Game Department. Shintani lives alone in Napanee, Ontario, and wasn’t reported missing to the department until Tuesday, when the search began, Gralenski said.

He said two Fish and Game search teams and a National Guard helicopter were out Tuesday but were hampered by a lack of information. Shintani’s planned route wasn’t known, and officials were not even certain he attempted to hike the 6,288-foot mountain, though they believe he did.

Mount Washington is known for its unpredictable and sometimes harsh weather, including fierce winds and the potential for snow at the summit at any time of year.

Numerous hikers have died on its slopes.

Gralenski said there was no reason to believe Shintani was suicidal, and a full-scale search was planned for Wednesday.

Shintani’s sister, Jenny Shimono of Toronto, called the Appalachian Mountain Club after not hearing from her brother, Gralenski said. His pickup truck with sleeping bag and mattress visible were in a parking lot at the hiking club’s lodge at the base of the mountain.

Shintani drove to the mountain on June 8, when he was last seen about 6:30 p.m., Gralenski said.

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