I had at look at the TB that you're referring to, which is still showing as logged into the event...
It may well be that the TB is safe in the bag of the "seasoned cacher" but real life has intervened in the last 6 weeks and other stuff has taken priority over caching activities. I don't know whether you've tried contacting them, but a little email along the lines of "It was really nice meeting you at the event... blah, blah, blah... but I noticed that the TB we handed over hasn't moved on yet..." might be enough to jog them into action to retrieve the TB into their hands.
MrsB
I am attempting to figure out how to reach him to send him an email asking how the TB is doing... I was just trying to point out to the individual that said they cringed when they saw a newbie show up after them that we aren't necessarily the kidnappers they think we are.