This is the seventh Six Questions with Forrest Fenn I’ve had the honor of doing.  I appreciate Forrest giving us all this opportunity to learn more about him and the Chase through these Questions.  They are such a joy for me.  But seven is a number which represents completion. It is the perfect number, so I’m not going to interfere with perfection. These will be last ‘Six Questions with Forrest Fenn’.

As A.A. Miline said, and I’m sure we all know now, “How lucky we are to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” But endings are always wonderful beginnings to other adventures, explorations, and journeys. There is so much to be discovered in The Thrill of the Chase, that we need not look to Forrest for answers anymore, but to ourselves. He has provided the ideal foundation for all our exploring.

As T.S. Eliot said, and as Forrest Quoted in the first Six Questions, seven years ago,

“We shall not cease from our exploration

And at the end of all our exploring

Will be to arrive where we started

And know the place for the first time”.

Enjoy!

Six Questions with Forrest Fenn:

  • Q1)It’s been over 8 years since you hid your treasure chest to silently wait for its finder.  Have you ever been tempted to zoom in on Google Earth to see if the chest is visible or still there? What do you think you would see?

I have zoomed into the hiding place several times but I wasn’t looking for the treasure. It cannot be seen on Google Earth. The only changes to that site today are those that nature has made.

  • Q2) Are you ever fearful your special spot has lost its charm? Could it?  In The Thrill of the Chase (pg 125) you mention how some of your most memorable spots have seen strangers cast their own hooks into them. Could strangers do that to the place where the chest rests, or do you feel your special spot will always be secure in solitude?

I am almost umbilically attached to the spot, and as I approach 89 years my desire to be there is still strong. The immediate landscape will probably remain about the same for as long as time has to go.

  • Q3) There are so many truly unique artifacts placed in the treasure chest. Each holds a beautiful story that keeps getting longer. As these treasures continue to endure the passing of time, what do you imagine they are experiencing? Do you feel the conditions have been harsh or kind? 

I have not been back to the treasure chest since I hid it more than 8 years ago. Perhaps the artifacts are enjoying each other’s company as they patiently listen for the clomp of a boot.

  • Q4)Many searchers feel they are battling minds with you, as if they are playing a chess game to win the Chest. Do you see your treasure hunt as a competition between you and us, or do you feel that your job in writing the poem was actually as an ally – to help us to find your treasure?  Why do you think no one has been able to say ‘Check Mate Forrest Fenn’?

Several dozen hunters have already claimed to possess the treasure but none could tell me the correct hiding place or send me photos. The treasure chest is still in the Rocky Mountains where I hid it more than 8 years ago. All of the video makers and bloggers who have presented entertaining evidence to the contrary, are mistaken.

The poem was written to assist all searchers. In my mind, studying the clues is tantamount to using a road map to get from one place to another.

  • Q5)You have such a love for and fond memories of flying. Of all the flying you have done after the military, which was your favorite flight over the Rockies, as a pilot, and why? And which was your least favorite?

A standout question Jenny. My favorite flights were those when I headed alone, and at 200 feet, into the teeth of the Rockies, not knowing, or caring, where I would land. My least favorites were the two occasions when I lost my engine and was fortunate to find runways to land on.

  • 6Q) We come to the last question of Six Questions.  Question 42.  I must give you the opportunity to offer any final words for them.  What would you like most to say about the Chase or to Searchers? 

Jenny, since these will be my last words on 6 Questions, I would like to thank you for asking me to participate. It has been an enjoyable thinking experience over the years.

I want to thank those of you who make up the community of searchers. It would be nice to meet each of you personally and share a bottle of Grapette. But, alas, it is not to be. I have decided to drastically curtail my social activities related to the chase.

The number of emails that enter my inbox each day have become more than I can handle, so it is time for me to step back from my computer. I hope those to whom I cannot respond will blame my stamina, and not my heart.

I’m content with knowing the Chase has rooted itself in hearts that will help it grow far beyond what I first imagined it could. I’ll be enjoying much of my time playing with my little dog Willie and watching the seasons pass.

Good luck and safe passage to all of you. f

The words, ‘Thank you’ don’t seem to express enough of the deep sense of gratefulness I believe all of us in the Search Community feel towards you for giving us the Chase.  And while I understand it is time for you to play a less active role in the Chase, it must be said you will never be less active in our hearts.  

As you mentioned, the Chase has rooted itself there, and we will continue to ponder, explore, and set out on new adventures inspired by your 24 lined poem.  It’s amazing to realize the many lives touched, places explored, and journeys commenced since its release. 

And I know many more will be.

The foundations have been built and won’t ever falter.  You’ve given us a most precious gift. So please know when we say ‘Thank you’, those two words, and the silence spoken after, holds an appreciativeness weighing more than the gold to be found in your treasure chest, and more.  More than you can ever know.

Thank you.   

98 Comments

  2. I’ve emailed Forrest several times (3 or 4) over the years and have never gotten a reply…starting my “search” in 2015…have no idea if I was ever close or 1000 miles away from the treasure honestly but I don’t regret trying and I’ve seen some of the most beautiful sites this country has to offer…I’ve crested a peak and looked out at eye level across a mountain range and believed only God could create something so incredible.

    I thank you for putting on this search and if my questions were overlooked or somehow would’ve (most likely) or somehow would’ve given me some kind of advantage (none of the couple general questions that I can remember would’ve helped me anyway but I certainly believe every searcher should be on fair and equal ground in all respects) then I apologize for having added to your weariness as I’m sure you have been inundated with emails over the years.

    In the end I simply say thank you so much for getting ppl out into the wide open spaces and enjoying nature as we all should take time out to do…I was in the Smokies (no treasure chest/wrong mountain range lol) a week ago and the peace and pure joy of our beautiful ranges is something that all should get to enjoy multiple times…bc of you I got that chance.

    From the bottom of my heart thank you for the opportunity and God bless you and your family and I am sorry for any difficulties you have may have experienced with the whackos youve had to deal with and those who got hurt or killed over the years lets be honest they were searching in places that were completely insane with relation to 2 trips from your car in an afternoon by an 80 year old man…unless you’re superman so whilst there is always the potential for injury anywhere in the wilderness I think basically all the ppl who were injured got a little carried away with the parameters of their solves and hopefully will lower their difficulty level a little as the years go on until someone eventually finds it.

    John Hays

  3. Thank you. Forrest, you have a lovely dog with such a cute snowy face. I can be royally selective and say, “You are the cat’s meow,” fortunate for so many years and years to come. Your answers are great — love ’em all particularly the friends. Always, with love and respect throughout time. Doing early Spring cleaning and tossing a few dirty things so this Spring and Summer will be clean and — everything in its place so I can play. Love to you, man’s best bud, and your family — and especially your golden heart.

    Crow

  5. Thank you Jenny and Mr. Fenn,
    No words can express my gratitude. Mysterious Writings has always been an exciting and special place to visit. You truly know how to strike a chord with your base.
    I know in my heart the legend of Forrest Fenn will echo throughout the Rockies for as long as time has to go. Not bad for a rough draft Mr. Fenn, not a bad rough draft at all. I think it is safe to say as silence is only momentary, with youthful exuberance, we all look forward to hearing from you again.

    Strawshadow

  6. My heart is breaking, i have learned to love a man thru all his stories and have met him once.the sweetest, gentleman of all.time takes its toll on everyone. And everything..mr
    Forrest,one day you will leave your shell of your body
    The home you have lived in for 89 years and plus i hope.and just step from one life into a forever life.know you have been loved and has taught us much. I will look forward to seeing you in heaven one day. In god i trust.our motto.and the star spangled banner. By the dawns early light the bombs bursting in air gave proof that our flag was still there.the home of the brave, America. God bless you mr.forrest.

    Virginia diane redin

  9. Forrest, may you and Peggy experience the warmth of God’s Sonshine upon your shoulders in every season, and His peace in your hearts evermore.

    I enjoyed my time hiking the Rockies, and especially loved your poem’s many hidden tau treasures… including the “Roman mort spear” leading to the door to life. Strange that of 1000’s of searchers, only one discovered that. If we don’t meet this side of paradise, I look forward to hiking heaven’s peaks with you one day.

    GoWest

  10. Thank you Mr. Fenn and Ms. Kile, for the last 6 questions. I will “Never stop searching”, for what you made means much more than the value of Indulgence to me! If I am correct in the spot, I dare the snow to go away! Willie, find it? You have done so much, both of you, that you deserve a long overdue break. Take care, Best Wishes and Great Health to all.

    Chesney

    Chesney

  12. Though I haven’t been a blogger on this site, I have spent much time evaluating the QA over the past years.

    It has helped me immensely in my search to the treasures above all treasures.

    Latter this year, one day I will make my final search. And even if I don’t find the TC, I know I’ve found the real treasure.

    I can’t thank Jenny, Dal, and most of all Mr. Fenn for everything this has brought to me.

    Some day I hope to see and speak to you all in person. And maybe a few others I don’t see on the blogs. Look forward to (fennboree)

    Don’t you think your out to pasture yet.

    Eugene

    Eugene

  13. Dear Mr. Fenn: I am very appreciative of the beautiful tapestry (The Chase”) you have woven for all of us who took advantage of what you had to offer. I believe it will be recognized and valued even more so as the years go by; even beyond our own lifetime. It was simply an exceptionally creative literary, artistic and cultural experience. Thank you sir, for giving us the gift of a lifetime; this very real outdoor adventure in the Rocky Mountains.

    I am sure that “..no man is an island ” and that Mrs Fenn deserves credit; So thank you also, Mrs. Peggy Fenn.

    Some final thoughts; as long as the bronze full of treasure remains hidden, I suppose the “Chase” will continue like it has taken on a life of it’s own..

    Sure wish I could still recover it, but only because I would really like to see the box opened for the first time since Mr. Fenn closed it. Short of that, I guess I would really like to be the first in line to shake hands with and congratulate the searcher who does recover Mr. Fend’s Trove.

    By the way, “..it ain’t over ’till, .. it’s over.

    Be well,

    E.R. Thatch

    E.R. Thatch

    1. I would also like to be there when the chest is opened for the first time. Perhaps we will cross paths on that day. Only time will tell. In the mean time, the islands are calling and I must go. 🏝🏖🏌🏾‍♂️🛥🥤🐟🦀🕶👙👣😎

      EasyPeasy

        1. I got my book,“Atocha”, signed by Kim Fischer, son of Mel Fischer at a book signing in Key West yesterday. A treasure hunter could learn a lot from reading this book. It’s about a $400M treasure that sank in a hurricane in 1622. Most of you know the Hollywood version, “Fool’s Gold”. I am not finished with it just yet, but I’ve already learned a lot. I wonder if Forrest Fenn read it? I wonder if he met Mel Fischer? The notation reads …

          “To …… ,
          Today’s the day! Good luck to find the Fenn treasure!
          Kim Fischer”

          (priceless)

          EasyPeasy

  14. Hi Guys, Met a guy in Raton that told me about the treasure hunt. He told me to find the treasure I needed to find the first clue location and there would be a key there. Then four maps would lead me to the treasure. Has anyone found the four maps ?

    Johnny Walker

    1. You were misinformed. Forrest provided a map in his second memoir, entitled TOO FAR TO WALK. The map has four states known as the “search states” I recommend reading the poem, get the books (forrests three memoirs, the first and foremost being THE THRILL OF THE CHASE) if you can, read and study them and study dalneitzel.com.
      There is a wealth of information on his site, as well as this and a few others.
      Welcome aboard, and good luck!

      Jdiggins

      1. Thank you for your thoughtful reply. The guy told me that only a few searchers found the key at the first clue. So maybe that would help you. I can’t tell you the key as I promised not to tell. He wouldn’t help me with the 4 maps. He said I had to do that on my own. “Fate deals us 4 cards and a joker” is where I figure is a hint about the 4 maps. The joker is “why is it that I must go”. I did check and see that Forrest did state that some searchers had discovered the key.

        Johnny Walker

  16. Mr Forrest Fenn:

    Thank you for the path of mystery, walked with hopeful feet and invocatory hat. That path once gifted me an epiphany, however fleeting but in that moment the world crystallized and locked into clockwork. I flew over a hundred mile vista and a warm sense of purpose. The treasure is the exploration of ourselves, the children hiding within us and their prayer for lost magic. I thank you for that.

    -passenger

    Passenger

  17. There. Somebody finally gets it. Once you realize you are living inside of myth, the world clarifies. There really are two mysterious boxes: the one in the woods, and the one in f’s head. The key unlocks both, I imagine. Y’see there are things I want to know, more than for instance I really want a golden chest. The things I could have asked my father are lost now, unanswerable. But the things f knows? If we ever wish to know why the site is so special, for instance, we have to solve for x.

    Hare

      1. Hello JC117 old friend.. Nice to see you around. “Don’t let logic distract you from the poem”! Z for dimensionality would be very cool – Forrest, can you do that next? 😉 I’d say it’s not that linear, more like a misprinted Texas road map in the rain… along with dead ends and bad grammar. (ah– but infused with a subtle genius nonetheless!)

        Passenger

    2. My conjecture is simple. This site is special because … it’s where he was saved, this is where he accepted Christ as lord and savior, this is where he became a born again Christian. 😇 … ✝️ and it was probably his father that led him to Christ, making it all the more special. ⛪️

      EasyPeasy

      1. Concievable. Like Passenger above I used to have epiphany events, moments when you see the tumblers turning in the cosmic lock. We could conjecture that f had one of these here, but we don’t really need to. The landscape of the Rockies is conducive to overwhelming emotion. Maybe he just had a clarifying moment in a beautiful spot.

        Hare

  22. “I’ll be enjoying much of my time playing with my little dog Willie and watching the seasons pass.” f

    On an ironic note… the Four Seasons Hotel
    (near Chupadero & Tesuque) is approx 8.25 miles north of Santa Fe. Perhaps ff owns property which overlooks the 4 seasons resort.

    GoWest

  25. A wise man once said, “No time spent in thought is wasted and nothing is too small to know…” I’ve spent 6 years thinking about this, and forrest, and riddles and rhymes- with my diagrams and my theories and my trips… and I’ve discovered so many things, and experienced wonders I never would have had… “thank you” really does seem sort of stupid… but “thank you” is also very sincere. the thrill of the chase is this line to me—-“Hunger is both unrelenting and unreasonable.” All the best, sincerely- heidi.

    heidi

  30. Thank you for Forrest Fenn for taking me on a wild trip beyond my wildest dreams I learned a lot about myself in this process and about the man upstairs and trying to solve your poem I tried my best it’s time for you to rest thanks again for everything I had lots of fun Mark Peterson

    Mark peterson

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