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The Thrill of the Chase- A part of a video game?

Is The Thrill of the chase part of a video game ?

The Thrill of The Chase is either a Calling or an Omen…

So last night I lit off Steam and seen a friend playing Dying Light. He is just starting with “The Following” campaign and I decided to join his game, offer some tool of the trade, suggestions and answer any questions he may have.

We’re finishing up our third quest and he goes back to the farm house area to speak with an elder. I comically jump on the back of the farm hand and then the friend turns in his quest and grabs another. This small cut scene starts…

Is The Thrill of the chase part of a video game ?
Is The Thrill of the chase part of a video game ?

My eyes caught the pop up box to the middle right almost immediately and I snapped a screenshot. All I could do is simply shake my head and smile. The quest in this video game is some what like Forrest Fenn’s The Thrill of the Chase. You have to go find a cache of weapons which may aid in the game.

Sure, The Thrill of the Chase can be applied to many facets in life, it is all about how you label something. You name it something that is “appropriate” for your mindset. Then you can focus on that quest and probably have a successful ending.

I have a friend down south of my location and I shared this photo with her. All she could say is “WOW !” I am trying to get her to become a search partner, if anything, just the armchair type. For those that I appreciate and elect, I am one that does not mind sharing some of the spoils that I have, and may have in the near future.

So this is just another way for some unknown force to put me back on the tracks and start to focus on my search area once again. I want to narrow down this location a little more before the Fall of 2020 so I have less distractions when I am boots on the ground.

Just a wild encounter that I thought I would share with the general crowd who surf here.

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The Thrill of the chase – The Blaze is a Sign?

Signs, if positioned correctly are called “blazes”

Here comes the holiday season, and in my opinion, there isn’t a better way to curl up to some sort of knowledge after a good meal or dessert. So, I have been digging (no pun intended) for information that might help. I don’t give you potential “iffy” solves or any of that. I try to present references that may make your day a bit brighter.

I was on my favorite search engine. I decided to search for an “official” blaze. I ended up getting a pretty interesting list of items to look through. One of them was this:

The orginal link is: https://www.nps.gov/noco/learn/management/upload/NCT_CH7.REV.pdf

Or you can simply download it from here:

NCT_CH7.REV_Download

This is a small chapter about signs in general and how they should be displayed in the wild. This is a small chapter and starts on page 57 and end on page 70.

Page 62 grabbed my interest right away, as it seems to offer a trail which is a blaze in itself. Hey, Forrest Fenn said it wasn’t in “close proximity” to a human trail and then stated does he need to carry a caliper… Well, that could very well mean it’s near a trail but not too far.

For those that don’t care to download the reference and prefer to read it online, here are a few tidbits from page 62:

Reassurance Markers/Blazes

Reassurance markers are the paint or nail-on “blazes” that mark the trail.

Blazes are placed on trees or posts, slightly above eye level so that hikers can see them easily when traveling in either direction.

In areas where the trail receives winter use, blazes are placed higher so they are visible above the snow. Blazes should be within “line of sight”—when standing at a blaze marker, the hiker should be able to see the next one. Blazes should be placed on trees that “strike the eye.” One well placed blaze is better than several that are poorly placed.

Both paint and nail-on type blazes should be 2″× 6″ vertical rectangles. The 2″× 6″ rectangular shape is large enough to be seen easily without being visually obtrusive and is the most universally accepted style of trail blazing.

Throughout the trail, the color of choice is medium blue

In non-forested areas, blazes should be placed on wooden or Carsonite posts 4 to 5 feet above the ground. Round posts are acceptable for blazes only. Treated 4″ × 4″ posts or Carsonite posts are required if emblems or other signs/decals are to be attached.

Directional Change Indicators
These are necessary in places that require extra hiker alertness (e.g., important turns, junctions with other trails, and other confusing locations). They should be used sparingly so that they do not become meaningless or visually obtrusive. They are unnecessary at gradual turns and well-defined trail locations such as switchbacks. A reassurance marker should be placed so that it can be seen from the direction indicator. Signing for hikers coming from either direction should be done.

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The Thrill of the Chase: Skippy & the Pontoon plane

Pontoon boat next to a pier

What’s the real story behind the plane and Skippy?

On page 50 – also the page number where Skippy fades away at an age of 50, Forrest Fenn writes about the time Skippy, probably as a teenager, who borrows a plane and effortlessly glides that plane onto the waters of Hebgen Lake.

The problem seems to be that the plane was incapable of taking off when the altitude of Hebgen Lake was near 6,000 feet.

This has always perplexed me. I am sure planes can take off from this height. I know that automobiles may require a some tuning in order to run at peak performance when at higher altitudes. What about a plane?

Guessing the age of Skippy and the plane

If I had to guess the age of Skippy, if this fairy tale event did take place, Skippy would be between 16 and 18 years of age. That would make Forrest 14 to 16 years of age. That means the potential year this event might of happened is between 1944 and 1946. The plane was probably not even close to “new” so let’s say the aircraft was built in the early to mid 1930’s.

One would have to do some deep diving in order to guess where Skippy may have acquired this pontoon plane. It only makes sense that it would have come from an area that is heavily populated with lakes and there may or may not have been an airport in the general proximity or, at least a fuel pump probably on a pier that provides the right type of fuel for that type of aircraft. IF this plane came from Idaho, There are 119 public airports in Idaho… I do not know the number of airports for Idaho back in the mid 1940’s. Nor do I know the lakes that have fuel available for aircraft.

Why the plane Skippy tries to fly had no lift?

This is totally perplexing. I had to look up this kind of scenario and I found a website that offers some insight of what effects a plane can go through at higher altitudes.

So if I read this statement correctly…….

 A normally aspirated engine loses roughly 2 percent of its horsepower for each 1,000-foot increase in altitude.

So at 6,000 feet the airplane loses about 12% of its horsepower. Now this plane is not a tank, and the engine is relatively small but not THAT small. A twelve percent loss in horsepower is significant, but that means you’d have to use a longer runway. Now, with Hebgen Lake, Forrest Fenn writes the runway was close to 15 miles – plenty of distance to get the aircraft into the air.

Even if the engine was faltering and offered 75% of its horsepower, taking away 12% puts the percentage of horsepower close to 63%. I know you have to add in the plane weight, the fuel, the weight of the personnel and any personal belongings. But this thing should have had the ability to take off and have a decent chance at climbing altitude.

This scenario just seems off to me. So I went back to the site I referenced earlier. On one of the pages within The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, (a not-for-profit organization dedicated to general aviation, was incorporated on May 15, 1939.)

This reference article below may help digest the confusion

Find the subtitle called “on the ground“, and read the next to last paragraph. To me it sounds plausible that this plane was destined to fly – unless Skippy or Forrest (in his mind) did not want it to.

INSTRUCTOR TIPS: TEACHING HIGH DENSITY ALTITUDE

https://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/inst_reports2.cfm?article=293

The AOPA Foundation seems to focused on training people to perform as pilots, so this seems to be an excellent reference to learn, scratch your head and wonder about The Thrill of the Chase and the chapter called “My brother being Skippy”.

Questions or comments? Leave them here or write me a note

mi [at] missionincredible [dot] org .

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The Thrill of the Chase – TTotC – The word that is key

Can a simple word decipher Forrest Fenn’s poem?

Throughout the travels, blog posts, scrapbooks, videos and more, people are magnifying what Forrest Fenn has said – or has not said.

Some of the more important words?

Some of the phrases Forrest Fenn has said, in my opinion are pretty important. Here are several of them.

“Many are giving serious thought to the clues in my poem, but only a few are in tight focus with a word that is key. The treasure may be discovered sooner than I anticipated.”

In my opinion, this means people are visiting the area for a brief period of time. They look at this place and cannot comprehend that the location contains all of the clues. They become distracted. Why do I say that? Its because Forrest Fenn has basically said it in one form or another. See the next two statements by Forrest Fenn.

”  To an ant a mud puddle can be like an ocean .”

In my opinion, this is one of the more important statements Forrest Fenn has given. I think he is trying to tell people, if your standing at a particular area you think the treasure is, you need to focus on a smaller , tighter area. Typically people look outward to as far as the eyes can see and become instantly distracted.

“I cannot tell you how many searchers have identified the first clue correctly, but certainly more than several. I cannot imagine anyone finding the treasure without first identifying the starting point, although many seem to be preoccupied with later clues.”

The above paragraph in my opinion, seems odd. BUT, in I believe Forrest Fenn is TRYING to get people to THINK (differently). People are not taking the first clue in the context that Forrest Fenn is. Statements ( NOT CLUES) like this are being said to aid the searcher to think differently.

“There have been some who have been within 500 feet because they have told me where they have been. Others have figured the first two clues and went right past the treasure and didn’t know it.”

This is VERY subjective – It’s how you want to interpret what he is saying. The 500 feet may not be a single straight line, on the ground distance. What if it it was higher or lower in elevation ?

In a New Mexico True Story video, Fenn said, “If I were standing where the treasure chest is, I’d see trees, I’d see mountains, I’d see animals, I’d smell the wonderful smells of pine needles or pinion nuts, sagebrush, and I know the treasure chest is wet.” Later in the interview, Fenn candidly noted, “Well, you’ve asked me a lot of questions. Most of them I’ve answered, a few of them I haven’t, but I gotta tell you, there’s one thing I told you that I wish I had not.”

One thing that is NOT listed in the above paragraph is….. Water. People tend to say that Pinyon pine does not grow in Montana or Wyoming. Ummm I think it does.

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=PIED

https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ALSU10

 “What surprises me a little is that nobody to my knowledge has analyzed one important possibility related to the winning solve.”

Important Possibility? Doesn’t the word “possibility” inject doubt? I doubt I would move in confidence if I had to contemplate a “possibility”. What about a better word like “condition” or “circumstance” or “variable” or other positive but still subjective word ? I think I know what he is talking about . I cannot say much more without revealing my relatively small area I want to search IF they lay of the land is promising.

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Within 200 feet of Forrest Fenn’s treasure?

IMO, I highly doubt anyone has been within 200 feet of the treasure. Here’s why.

In the very short video above, Forrest Fenn is talking with an interviewer and claims that through emails and photographs he could determine that people have been within 200 feet. He claims the same thing within the Moby Dickens interview as well.

In my opinion, this may be just hype. It may be an attempt to rekindle a treasure hunt that may be lacking searchers. Over the years people have claimed they “think” they know a person who was within 200 feet that went searching one time and quit. They think they were close.

In my opinion, as Forrest has said it himself – you’re not going to stumble upon the location of the treasure chest. That quote is HERE. So, how would a seacher(s) simply come within 200 feet of the treasure unless it is simply placed on the side of a road in a thicket some place. You’d have to know the general location. In my opinion, this general location where the people missed the treasure chest by 200 feet has to be in a popular well visited area, or the supposed “one way in” in order to get close to the search location.

200 feet from the treasure – is very subjective. Up? Down ?

Look at it this way. You could be standing a SAFE distance away from an overhang looking out over the beautiful countryside. Someone sends Forrest Fenn a photograph and general details on that area and then after a period of some time, Forrest Fenn says the tease that some one has been within 200 feet of the treasure chest.

Forrest Fenn knows that people should be out searching in groups of two or more. You can scan a lot more terrain this way . In my opinion, that’s one of the main reasons he suggests people to travel that way. It’s simply not going to be in a perfect place and easily seen. More people have a better chance to look and identify a pretty benign poem and decipher what they are seeing. Sure, more people mean its safer in numbers, especially if some one ends up finding the treasure and having to haul it out by themselves.

It could very well be below or above this so called location. It could be JUST on the other side of a passage that may require some one to go around to the other side, which may not be very accessible. The possibilities are endless as well as the possibilities of where this treasure location is.

Another subjective phrase on distance

BUT if Forrest Fenn said he parked his car, walked less than a few miles and placed the treasure there. You have to listen what he says – not what you want to hear. I could walk 100 feet, and that is clearly less than a few miles. The distance from the place that he parked and the treasure is not the issue. Finding the true area to concentrate the search at is key. Another part of that is you could recover the treasure within an afternoon. That time period is not very specific either an afternoon could simply mean anywhere from minutes or from noon until a minute before the beginning hour of evening. Again, Forrest Fenn’s answer is very subjective.

You see, if Forrest Fenn states that he walked less than a few miles total, that’s fine. But then the “not far but too far to walk” may not be a measure of distance, but simply in some other context. It could very well mean once you find “Begin it where warm waters halt”, you are within the 200 feet automatically and if you take more than a few steps away from that location, you’re off the beaten path. In my opinion, that has to mean that ALL of the clues are within the naked eye. There has to be several “markers” of some type within a relatively dense area that is safe to search.

In Forrest Fenn’s book, too far to walk, near where the map is there is a rather bold statement that says – Study the clues in the book and thread a tract through the wiles of nature and circumstance to the treasure. In my opinion, this means the search area should be rich (no pun intended) with things that are historical in nature. IF the Trail of Tears were in the Rocky Mountains, that may well have been a great story line since it can take many paths to get to the same result.

In my opinion, Forrest Fenn may be saying things in generic format and people are simply taking these out of context. I think Forrest Fenn has not given out any additional clues unless he was bound to do so. Everything else is very subjective and should be taken with many grains of salt. To take anything for granted will eventually make you start guessing. Guessing in this case will continue you to remain off the beaten path.

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too far to walk – Red Blocks where a chapter starts

Select Chapters have a unique Red Block for the first letter

In too far to walk, you remember those 10 red square letters that show up randomly in some of the chapters, for the beginning letter?

They are;
Chap 4 Page 16 “I”
Chap 8 Page 42 “O” – no FF stamp at end of story
Chap 15 Page 71 “I”
Chap 20 Page 96 “I”
Chap 22 Page 107 “O”
Chap 26 page 128 “A”
Chap 30 Page 152 “S”
Chap 31 Page 161 “I”
Chap 41 Page 223 “R”
MAP Page 247? “S”

that gives us I O I I O A S I R S

Opera related? Guess what it IS mentioned in too far to walk !

It could be……. ARIOSO’S III – It’s an opera thing.

Hints at what Arioso III is all about…

Book reveals some about an Arioso’s III


https://www.definitions.net/definition/arioso

Arioso the definition

In classical music, arioso is a type of solo vocal piece, usually occurring in an opera or oratorio, falling somewhere between recitative and aria in style. Literally, arioso means airy. The term arose in the 16th century along with the aforementioned styles and monody. It is commonly confused with recitativo accompagnato. Arioso is similar to recitative due to its unrestrained structure and inflexions, close to those of speech. It differs however in its rhythm. Arioso is similar to aria in its melodic form, both being closer to singing than recitative; however they differ in form, arioso generally not resorting to the process of repetition. At the start of the finale in the first act of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, the andante of the priest “Sobald dich führt der Freundschaft Hand ins Heiligtum zum ew’gen Band” is an example of arioso. “Amor ti vieta”, sung by Loris at Giordano’s Fedora could be a modern arioso example. One of the most famous ariosos was composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, and serves as the sinfonia of his cantata, Ich steh mit einem Fuß im Grabe, BWV 156, as well as the middle movement of the Harpsichord Concerto, BWV 1056.

In too far to walk – go to page 198

Here is a snippet;

I crossed my legs and told him that his argument reminded me
of the lady in the opera who gets stabbed in the chest but instead
of bleeding, she sings an aria. I guessed he wasn’t laughing. It went
on – and I finally lost to the big city hustle and a few last words that
I didn’t have time to look up.

Now the question is….

So the question is…. Does this chapter describe more than the common eye can see? Does it lay out the general location where to start looking for the treasure chest? Does it whisper the secret location where all things within the forest grown in one locale only? Fell free to leave a comment.

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How to Find Forrest Fenn’s treasure

Forrest Fenn tells you how to decipher the clues – people don’t listen.

I “officially” started the search for Forrest Fenn’s treasure about 11 months ago. I have dedicated about 5 months of that doing research and reading the books over and taking notes. I have a process and honestly? I am in no hurry.

It’s been almost 10 years since the treasure was announced as hidden. In my opinion, I believe parts of it, if not all of it have been out in the wild for quite some time. I think Forrest Fenn actually placed some sort of treasure at the “special and dear spot”, to see if anyone would stumble upon it prior to releasing The Thrill of the Chase. Looks like his spot was a winner.

Forrest Fenn personally states that it took him “fifteen years from the time I got cancer until I hid the treasure chest – fifteen years“. The actual footage is displayed HERE. What does this mean? It means if cancer was discovered in 1988 as Forrest has stated many times, adding fifteen years to this means the treasure more than likely was Forrest Fenn’s treasure was (“hid” not buried ) hidden in 2003.

So, how do you find Forrest Fenn’s treasure? You pay attention to what the man says, and how he says it. There was a small window of opportunity when Forrest Fenn actually felt like giving out some information that would get you in the general location of where the treasure chest is located. I believe I caught Forrest Fenn actually saying what warm waters qualifies as. It’s in a very popular video and people continue to “walk right past it” every time they watch it.

One other thing – did you know that Forrest actually says the statement of “cold” and a state within the search area in the same sentence? If he says something like this, shouldn’t this be considered important?

In my opinion, I believe the looking glass to see Forrest Fenn’s treasure has become very muddied. Since Forrest Fenn continues to add more content, whether directly related to The Thrill of the Chase or not, it seems like every possible word and angle was consumed and added to the equation .

Like I have mentioned before, I personally do not care what others say – none of them are any better than anyone else because they are all stumped. You cannot provide me any proof you are better than anyone else unless the statement can be backed up with solid proof. In the case of Forrest Fenn’s treasure, no one has provided any solid evidence what so ever. They continue to throw up (pun intended) videos to say “I think”, “possibly” “or”, “maybe” “It could be” and words to support their level of being stumped. I only watch these videos to get a chuckle and see the masses say that these people are able to provide them with good content. What? Where is the end result, the proof? Stimulating minds can be done without any one helping, it’s called self motivation.

Forrest Fenn has said several times in different responses to emails that, and I paraphrase – That the person who will find the treasure may be the one who thinks for themselves. Whats that tell me? All of the other content that the author of the book and potentially still the owner of the treasure tells me is that every one is not on the right track – at all.

Let’s take a look at what Forrest Fenn has said and how it could help find the treasure.

If you look within the walls of The Thrill of the Chase and too far to walk, you should be able to see the following information…..

All that will be needed are the clues, some resolve, a little imagination and maybe a six pack to celebrate the thrill of a breath taking discovery.

IMO: This is THE statement on how to find the Treasure

Study the clues in the book and thread a tract through the wiles of nature and circumstance to the treasure.

Additional early year potentially solid clues

Forrest Fenn personally answers an anonymous question about the unintended clue in too far to walk. Paraphrasing Forrest Fenn he stated ” It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what they are talking about in my preface (too far to walk). No one has given me the answer to that clue”. Watch this statement for 30 seconds and see Forrest Fenn’s answer. He also states that there are clues in his “new book” ( too far to walk) that can help a person. He does not say how many though.

A young lady asks Forrest Fenn “Do you think kids will ever find the treasure? Forrest Fenn actually looks delighted when he has to answer this question, with a lot of clarity and an abrupt halt as well. He then tries to cover up the real clue within his statement to say they can see better and do things better, but in my opinion, I think the treasure location is focused around when Forrest was a younger man between ten and sixteen years of age. Listen to this clip for 30 seconds to see what I am talking about.

If your thinking the reason no one has found the treasure chest is because it very well may be buried, I suggest that you think again. Forrest Fenn graciously answers a question and gives amplifying information about the treasure chest, saying that google earth does not have a photo of the treasure chest because it cannot go down far enough. That statement which is about 30 seconds is located here.

Forrest Fenn gets another question about how many additional clues or hints are in the Thrill of the Chase. Forrest answers, ” A Couple” but ends up doubling that answer. Listen to this clip for one minute to see what Forrest Fenn says about the additional clues or hints.

Any other clues or hints in too far to walk?

Forrest was asked other than the potential clue in his preface, were there any additional hints/clues within too far to walk. Forrest Fenn’s reply is HERE. The area of interest starts at about 42:30 into the video and interesting data can be had until 44:38 into the video.

Why did Forrest Fenn pick THIS spot for hiding his treasure?

Bottom line: I think Forrest Fenn personally stumbled upon something when he was a kid. Remember he was one to go off any beaten path and create his own adventure, so don’t expect it to be within eyesight of a trail, road or otherwise. I think this area, though not a sacred site is something that was lost in time. It should be awe inspiring and almost make you forget the real reason your there in the first place. When you get your senses back, the treasure chest is what really sticks out amongst the treasures that lie around this area. in my opinion, that is why the statement “Just take the chest and go in peace” meaning is included within the poem. It’s meant to direct the searcher(s) to take the reward that is in the title and leave everything else alone. I believe Forrest Fenn knew this special location is secure and does not want the rest of the location to be disturbed in any way.

Should I find the time to add to this post I will, But I thought I would offer my opinion on what people should focus on in order to find Forrest Fenn’s treasure.

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Forrest Fenn Cody Interview 2006

Snippets from the Forrest Fenn Buffalo Bill Historical Society In Cody, Montana

The weather is getting a weee bit cool here. At nights I am focusing on several Forrest Fenn related interviews that occurred from 2006 to 2010 or so. The Cody interview was taped on October 17th, 2006.

The Cody interview, some contradictory areas

This interview is contradictory in one area so far. Its when Forrest Fenn states about his sumers spent in Yellowstone and West Yellowstone. The Cody interview is here my point is to listen from the four minutes and fifty second(4:50) to about the five minute and fifty second mark (5;50). I included the words below.

Lewis and Clark as a … Lumberjack ?

Forrest Fenn states; ” I was a Lumberjack when I think I was 16, spent the summer out in the bush cutting Lodge Pole Pines with two other guys. We had nothing, our rule was we were going to be Lewis and Clark. So we could take three candy bars for three months. We had a sleeping bag, we didn’t have tents. We had equipment to fell trees, then we had to peel them, skin’em. I remember those summer thunderstorms in Montana – – Cold. “

Reading The Thrill of the Chase several times, I quickly paused this video the first time I listened to it and replayed it several times in the 5 minute to 6 minute time frame trying to determine what Forrest was trying to say here. What I mean is, what is the truth to the matter? If in the Cody interview, which supposedly happened way before The Thrill of the Chase was released, Forrest Fenn comes out and says he was “Lewis and Clark” with two other guys. In The Thrill of the Chase, Forrest writes about the Lewis and Clark adventure with Donnie Joe, and how they headed up into the mountains North of Hebgen Lake.

Locating the contradictory statements

If you read The Thrill of the Chase, and pay attention to what Forrest Fenn has written, you will find that there is a lot of contradictions in the book. I definitely need to sit down with the book and go chapter by chapter and see which statements are truly contradictory. Then I plan to eliminate them. How am I going to do this?

I have already scanned in my copy of The Thrill of the Chase. I will make a second copy and then with the software that came with the scanner, it allows me to highlight the text in yellow, and every time I find a contradiction, I am going to highlight it.

The phrase – ” Two people can keep a secret, if one of them is dead”

Forrest Fenn is real smart. He has these stories surrounding him, but most of the people he writes about have passed away – minus his immediate family. That is where the phrase comes into play ” Two people can keep a secret, if one of them is dead”. Forrest Fenn can then “Embellish” as needed to twist the story/plot to support his needs. I am not saying that everything in The Thrill of the Chase is contradictory, but I think by eliminating what is suspect, the truth may show me the way.

One other area that is suspect in the Cody interview is Forrest Fenn’s participation in a community college playing basketball, because he loved sports. So Forrest went to a college to play basketball and did not attend very many classes. In the Thrill of the Chase, the only area that is even close to a college are the few days he spent with his buddies at the military school. I will dive deeper into this area as soon as I can.

I will attempt to update this post when time permits.

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Indulgence – The hunt for Forrest Fenn’s Treasure

I like the Thrill of the Chase, but the books by Forrest Fenn and its adventure is not my first Indulgence, although the very first one I did not throw all in to the adventure. I am older, wiser and know whether the conclusion will be obtainable in a one time journey.

Like many have said, if you want to win the war, know what you are fighting for. It applies to many, many facets in life. This initial post is a timeline of how I got started in all this mess. All the other posts will concentrate on The Thrill of the Chase.

Not my first Rodeo – Treasure the search for the Golden Horse

I learned of a movie and a book written about the Treasure, a golden horse. It was back in the 1980’s when I actually acquired the small paperback book and the movie. Back in the day, I was in the military. I was stationed in Virginia and my orders had me traveling to San Diego California.

To make a very long story a little shorter, I managed to find several of the locations within the movie and the book. I didn’t have an extraordinary amount of time to flirt with finding the treasure, but it gave me plenty of time to read the book, tickle my notes and see the great outdoors as I drove from Virginia south, to New Orleans, across Texas, and places west.

Life has many distractions and over time I totally forgot about the golden horse. Fast forward to 2011 when I was in between jobs, but only had two weeks off. I needed to build a picket fence all the way around the house. During this major labor intensive task, one day my son said, it almost seems like we’re digging for buried treasure…

The Golden Horse simply popped into my head. Later on that night after recovering from the labor, I decided to see if the blasted golden horse had been found. I found that answer to be no, the people who buried it did not offer a solution, supposedly dug it up and offered the prize to some charity. But two dedicated people solved it after the “expiration date”. The place was eventually revealed. That’s all I needed to know for closure. I was not vested in the quest to find the treasure, so I dropped the idea.

Tens of thousands of dedicated searchers during a six year search could not find the golden horse. That little horse was buried in Tennessee Pass, 10,424 feet above sea level, along the Continental Divide in Colorado. It contained a key in the belly to a safety deposit box where a monetary fund was placed.

Any other treasure out there?

Then a thought popped into my head, Hmmmm I wonder if there is any other quests to find treasure out there? I did a quick search on a popular search engine, and found a story of an old man being interviewed about some treasure box that he had placed somewhere. Gold coins, jewels, gold nuggets and other stuff. Neat. At that point, I took note but I was not jumping up and down, yelling, giving high fives to everyone I saw, nor was I totally overboard with excitement. That’s expending too much energy even for the most “egotestical” person on the planet. I am far from that. Plus, I was drained of excitement from the fence building excursion that was taking place.

Fast forward to March 2018, I decided to go on a trip from Virginia to Valencia, Spain in hopes to see this small wonderful city and maybe see some one special. The travel was one to test my ability to travel, my endurance level and will power. As time ticks, the travel each way pushed past the 24 hour mark. Yeah I am a light sleeper. I didn’t sleep a wink on the plane, or during the layovers, but managed to close my eyes from time to time and drift a bit and relax. Those days marked as travel days were long days. I carried a backpack that contained a 17 inch laptop, cables and some lenses to a Canon camera along with many other items. add in a rolling backpack with clothes and an additional laptop that was meant for another task.

Yeah I ached once I was in the Flat within Valencia, Spain, but it was worth the effort. The visit was to see the city of Valencia, Spain and absorb all the cultures and landmarks that the adventure could offer. I stayed in a Flat close to city center.

That was one of the smartest things I could have done. The range of attractions and distractions were all within reach. It was a fun trip and most days from 0700 to 1700 I was out and about, walking up to 5 miles each way with a backpack, cellphone with google maps in hand and a battery pack for additional power. Google Translate assisted mucho times. Technology, when used properly can make that experience even more amazing. Although I did not get to see that special person, it did not sour my journey for adventure and excitement. I spent nine days or so in Valencia, Spain and came back with a trove of photographs and memories that will last me a lifetime.

Most of the photos from the days of Valencia, Spain are here on this site within this blog.

I like traveling, and in 2019, I have a goal to go west. I told myself after recovering from the Valencia, Spain trip I would take another to the western side of the United States. My middle child has been to Colorado many times as her husband has family in that area. So, I typed in adventures in the Rocky Mountains and AGAIN, I come across an old man with a treasure box hidden somewhere. OK, who IS this guy and why does he want to hide a box of treasure for me to find? And why am I crossing paths with him once again ?

Revisiting Forrest Fenn and his hidden treasure box

It must be a calling, and not by some one rattling my phone or getting hit by lightning. On New Years Day, 2019 I decided to start researching Forrest Fenn and the placement of his semi-epic loot. I watch a few videos mainly involving Forrest Fenn and a few of his closer acquaintances. It’s sort of intriguing. But I tell myself, this all started back in 2010 time frame – no one has come out and claimed this treasure.

A memory pops in the head. I was on a coin web site. A woman offers a prize to some one who can figure out how many miles were on the European car she just bought. Details were scant at first, but she did offer a clue or two.

People were clueless, throwing numbers all around. No one was working together. The lady mentions that some people are closer than others, and I immediately think… Really thats a clue?? I look at what numbers were near a majority. I tell the people on the forum to concentrate on the 50,000-60,000 range. The lady says she was floored that I figured that out so easily and I shared it with others.

Communication starts to flow between people. All it took was a slight kick in the pants and the first to offer help. I told the lady who held the prize its the presentation of the clues not as YOU want to see it, but in the eyes of the beholder/seeker. It makes a BIG difference.

Back to Forrest Fenn and the Thrill of the Chase

I search some on the favorite web search engine. I quickly learn that this treasure hunt has a poem. All you should have to do is read the poem, read the book in which the poem is in and have a map handy. Other people tend to say that all the tools you need are the poem, a map and take it from there. I quickly chuckled and thought, those are NOT the initial intended tools.

January 2nd 2019, I decided to start digging, (no pun intended – supposedly no digging required) for good resources of general information. After several hours, I realize that MOST of these people and places aren’t going to give you their best solve to the riddle where the treasure box is hidden.

As expected, even the BEST websites and theories out there can be described in one word – Stumped. Many talk or write in circles, most at length. If a personal solution involves ANY trace of question marks what so ever, your off the trail.

Don’t expect ME to get lost in your failing theory or offer advice on what your doing wrong. if I had the answers to them, I’d have the treasure box secured. Facts people. Stop guessing.

On January 3rd 2019, I decided to surf the web and try to find the book these people are pouring over, reading and trying to decipher. GEESH – after a quick search on a popular search engine, most sites where you could find these books are expensive, well over $60.00 each. Though I read that some of the funds are going to be given to a cancer victim, it hits home, as I lost my only wife to cervical cancer in the 1990’s and raised three kids all by myself. Want a true adventure – give that a shot. Add in one has a severe bleeding disorder and your coffers are never full.

Add in I retired from the military and I was blessed to have done so. I’ve always tried to pay less than retail for anything to make ends meet. This will be one of them. Forrest Fenn mentioned a book shop to purchase The Thrill of the Chase and I had to revisit the video to learn of its name. Prior to this, I did not see a clear path to purchase the books from the distributor, but eventually stumbled upon the “official” bookstore itself.

Where to buy Forrest Fenn’s book The Thrill of the Chase and his other books

This is THE place to buy Forrest Fenn publications. To me its far cheaper and I was told over the phone, even though it says they are not in stock, they always have them in stock.

https://www.collectedworksbookstore.com/forrest-fenn

I purchased four copies of Thrill of the Chase, and three copies of Too Tired to Walk. There will be three individuals involved in our brainstorming adventure. Best for each one to have their own tool, vice splitting up research and study time. I’d rather have a book available and dormant than a motivated searcher waiting their time to use a tool.

Do yourself a HUGE favor. If you decide to purchase the book(s), keep them in as pristine shape as possible. Then next owner or next visit within the pages will be just as delightful without a lot of marred distractions. I suggest do not write in them, highlight in them or physically or utterly destroy them.

I ended up purchasing a scanner and scanned in each of Forrest Fenn’s books, The Thrill of the Chase, too far to walk and Once Upon a While.

Organization will keep the chaos down to a dull roar

You can visit a local office supply store, buy some tools you can write with and write in. When your writing your notes, I suggest using pencils as thoughts can change instantly and an eraser can remove most doubts where ink will leave a mess. If you have a thought, simply write it down, fully and as intended. But have a plan. I suggest having some sort of dividers to segregate your pools of information.

Some may break up the clues in many areas such as general, about the clues, observations, references and such. It will keep it neat and organized, and semi-precise like the journey should be. Sure, you can keep notes on a tablet, PC, phone or other electronic contraption, but make sure when the notes are needed the most they are available.

Writings can add weight to the carry, but they can also be used to make notations. They are far more forgiving when dropped on a rocky surface. Don’t feel like writing til your hands fall off? Take the typed notes, print the important notes and attach them securely within your notebook. Save the hand(s) from writers’ cramp with keystrokes and a printer.

Expecting foul weather ?

Place pages within the book/binder in document protectors to keep them from altering their shape and effectiveness. Place the openings of the document protectors upside down as inclement weather travels down. This way the inclement invasion won’t be able to immediately penetrate the paperwork to create a soaked paper plastic reservoir.

I am going to create separate category for this trendy distraction so all of my Forrest Fenn treasure box notes will be in one location and not scattered across many other blog posts. Stand by for more posts as time permits.

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Where to Buy Forrest Fenn Books – The Thrill of the Chase and more

Where to buy Forrest Fenn’s book The Thrill of the Chase and his other books

This is THE place to buy Forrest Fenn publications. To me its far cheaper and I was told over the phone, even though it says they are not in stock, they always have them in stock.

Forrest Fenn memoir The Thrill of the Chase
Forrest Fenn memoir The Thrill of the Chase

The Thrill of the Chase (Hardcover) By Forrest Fenn
$35.00
ISBN: 9780967091785
https://www.collectedworksbookstore.com/forrest-fenn

too far to walk by forrest fenn
too far to walk by forrest fenn

Too Far To Walk (Hardcover)
By Forrest Fenn
$55.00
ISBN: 9780967091792
https://www.collectedworksbookstore.com/forrest-fenn

Don’t forget about the third and final Forrest Fenn memoir, Once Upon a While !

Once Upon a While by Forrest Fenn. Purchase this at the Collected Works bookstore.
Once Upon a While by Forrest Fenn. Purchase this at the Collected Works bookstore.

To get order updates, call the Collected Works Bookstore and Coffee shop Monday through Friday and ask for the shipping team. They open after 10 am Mountain Time. The number is (505) – 988 – 4226.