thrill of the chaseThe complete list of Weekly Words can be found here:

Weekly Words from Forrest Fenn

 

Weekly words from Forrest for Jan. 15th, 2016 are as follows:

*A good solve is frequently lost in a poor execution.

 

Best of luck with The Thrill of the Chase and whatever else you may seek!

 

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100 Comments

  1. Pingback: On the hunt for a $2 million treasure - Page 116

  2. Poor execution. Interesting. I guess I am just not executing Clue #9 well. Not sure what is needed and quite limited on technology methods for demonstration. Frequent tries and frequent losses. Maybe it is the method of presentation. Anyone have an idea of how to present the solve to ff. Is it by mail or email with pictures or video.

      1. pdenver, I hope he responds because mine requires he have the solve. I wonder if I am supposed to contact media, but that contradicts with the words, Weekly Words given on December 11, 2015 is as follows:
        *If you know precisely where it is you can probably retrieve it in any weather
        I doubt that it can be retrieved from the Rockies in the dead of winter. Therefore, the media would not be able to do a follow in winter.
        So, we are stuck with, “a good solve” which IMO is correct and it being poorly executed which IMO is carried out not as he planned. Hmm a good solve – is that a correct solve? – Given “a good solve” is there something in the poem that says how to carry it out or ‘execute’ it? Sounds like there is a correct solve somewhere, though IMO.

        1. Hello astree. Thank you for your response. I find you’re an intellectual, along with others, and enjoy reading everyone’s thoughts. “Y GET ARTS”…nice catch! I hope to see Mr. Fenn’s images in the near future. I, too, enjoy looking at them, just as I do Jenny’s. Plenty of times I’ve asked myself, “What does he really mean?”

  3. Thanks again, Jenny and Forrest. These words make me think of that Bill Murray movie Groundhog Day where he keeps reliving the the same day over and over. He has many different solves/solutions about how to live each day…some of which are hilarious! The movie has a heart-warming ending when Bill finally learns what is important and truly valuable in life. It’s a great movie to watch when it’s cold outside and you’re waiting for the Earth to shift and warm up again…which is the theme of the movie.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSVeDx9fk60

    1. JC, that is a good one. I relived that viewing many times – family favorite. I am starting to feel like I am living the movie. Given the words this week, I need not sent another email because the execution of sending an email is not correct for follow through. At least Groundhog Day ended with success.

          1. Hi, Pdenver. As my cousin, Elvis, would say…in his very distinctive Elvis voice…”Thank-youuuu….Thank-you-verah-much!” 🙂

            I greatly enjoy the camaraderie here with you fine folks. Until very recently…today as a matter of fact…I was laboring day to day as a construction worker…and now look at me…I’m enjoying a nice dinner with you fine folks…

            …here on the Titanic. 🙂

  4. Once again Mr. Fenn shares his words of wisdom that can only be described as thought provoking. Hinting towards the importance of a stragic plan. Upon reflection we all may ponder the direction of our chosen paths, the many twists and turns of memories reflected in time. It always excites me when I think back from the beginning and fantasize about the end. Mr Fenn has changed the course of many lives with the “The Thrill of the Chase” and all of us as participants should be grateful. Springtime in the Rockies has such a beautiful ring, makes my heart sing with anticipation.

    Thanks Jenny and Forrest for keeping our spirits alive.

    1. Ramona, IMO it was executed because he stated, “poorly executed.” I think it is more like who has the brains and can’t get the execute part correct. I am tired of the ‘execute’ part. Back to the poem. It has to say how to retrieve the chest – there has to be more than ‘just take the chest and go in peace.’ But what?

    1. I never heard of Tom Ketchum – google is a good friend. Wow. He ended up in three pieces. One was the arm during the robbery attack and the other two were during the hanging. I guess he should have been in two pieces – one from the train attack and one from the hanging. And how does this relate to a good solve which ended up in three pieces?

      1. It does sound as if there may have been some kind of complicating factor involved in retrieving the chest that’s causing the “poor execution”. I’m sure the searcher tried to go as far as they could and may have gotten close, but something must be happening. Maybe there’s a no trespassing sign or a fence or wall… Something must have caused him to back away. I’m sure this person trying to figure it out and find another way… But, if this is the case, what a sad and frustrating situation to be in! “So close, yet so far away” 🙁

  5. Tom Ketchum was hung with a new rope possibly soaped so the knot wouldn’t slip.
    Robbed area near Twin Mountain.
    Clayton = heavy loads water high
    Rabbit ears, oddfellows, old Santa Fe trail. Ohhhh, so many hints….

    Ketchum hanging made history TWICE because cameras kept clicking as he fell through the trap.

    Check out “dead mans hand.”

  6. All is not lost in execution quite yet. I believe I understand what Forrest is saying here.
    Some may tend to disagree, but regarding “Tom Ketchum”… I think that would be a connection to history…
    Forrest was once asked:
    Mr. Fenn, Is there any level of knowledge of US history that is required to properly interpret the clues in your poem. ~Steve R
    “No Steve R, The only requirement is that you figure out what the clues mean. But a comprehensive knowledge of geography might help.” ff

    Albeit Forrest’s Weekly Words are not THE POEM being interpreted, they do appear as advice/ informative messages, or even warnings to us searchers. Interpret them as you will.
    But now that I think about it, I do see this could hint towards geography… 🙂 Thanks Forrest and Jenny.

      1. Friend, I feel the very informative comment Lia made about geography over at Home of Dal/Odds and Ends/1/16/16 @ 8:24pm / describes it well. it begins with…
        Geography is the answer to the question that the earliest humans asked, “What’s over there?”
        Meaning the locations of things… Make sense? The exploration and the discovery of new places… new cultures, new ideas. These have always been the basic components of geography.
        But there are also sub-branches of geography such as political geography, historical geography and religious geography. And there are MORE sub-branches off these…
        I know… it’s endless.

  7. Wise One , a question

    geography (jē-ŏg’rə-fē)
    The scientific study of the Earth’s surface and its various climates, countries, peoples, and natural resources.

    Would’t that include local history to the peoples of the area your looking? Not necessarily U.S. History.Like the Civil War as a whole ,but something like the Tuskegee Airmen as related to the Tuskegee Army Air Field,or Tuskegee Alabama.

    1. Hi Lisa, Well, not exactly. You’ve defined geography as: The scientific study of the Earth’s surface and its various climates, countries, peoples, and natural resources… I guess some of those things could come into play in a potential solve… All I can say is, if that’s what works for you in interpreting the clues… That’s great! We’re all just trying to find our way. 🙂 Good Luck.

  8. I’m sure the chest cannot be retrieved in ANY weather…but if someone knew the exact location, I am confident that at some point during the winter the chest could be retrieved…as I am one that does not believe it is at an elevation higher than 7000 feet….

  9. More wisdom, and always appreciated. Thanks Forrest. Your words are certainly food for thought.

    IMO a solution is neither good nor bad.

    There is exactly one correct solve or interpretation of your poem, and everything else incorrect. And yes, we all fall into the incorrect category regardless of how good we think our solutions are.

    42
  10. The person that finds it is going to be a person who thinks and plans and has an analytical mind and uses logic, not someone who has a hunch.

    So maybe that is what the planning is all about… what do you do once you get to your spot and don’t find the chest? Apparently there are those who just walked right past it — poor execution…

    JCM
    1. Hello Jim. His “Weekly Words” are posted once a week on Fridays. Jenny has other conversations by and with Mr. Fenn on her website, along with previous “Weekly Words”. You can find some of his recent posts under “Recent Posts” on the right side of this page. Enjoy the fun!

  11. I haven’t thought much about these weekly words until this week’s. I don’t think they will hold many hints or offer any real help.

    However, this week’s stand out, and might actually contain a glimpse of a hint.

    “A good solve is frequently lost in a poor execution.”

    The whole sentence seemingly contradicts itself. Both uses of the word “a” are singular, which seemingly contradict “frequently.”

    He could’ve simply said “poor execution,” instead of “a poor execution.” To me, that “a” changes the meaning and is what made me immediately think of Tom Ketchum, despite the fog of just waking up from anesthesia.

    I think the key to gleaning what hint this sentence may hold is figuring out how to reconcile the plural with the singular.

    The hanging of Tom Ketchum was a singular event in history.

    Some might quote F and say a knowledge of history isn’t required to solve the poem. However, Forrest most certainly could (and does) use history in his hints to confirm a searchers solve.

    Although Tom Ketchum is a historical figure, and knowing about his historical hanging won’t lead you to the chest or help you solve the poem, Forrest hinting about him might confirm one of the clues (Clayton being heavy loads/water high).

    So, a good solve is frequently lost in Tom Ketchum’s hanging.

    The origin of solve comes from a word that means loosen or untie. There are rumors the sheriff soaped up the rope to make it sure it slipped properly.
    Solve can also mean the resolution to a problem.

    So, a good resolution to a problem is frequently lost in Tom Ketchum’s hanging.

    Why was Tom Ketchum’s hanging botched? Because the Sheriff lengthened the rope and made it too long for a person of Tom Ketchum’s height and weight. The rope gave a drop of more than 18 inches of what was needed for a much less messy execution.

    I wonder if somehow the “last inch that counted” comes into play here (I have other theories about that too).

    So a good resolution to a problem is frequently lost in the rope being 18 inches too long? Or maybe someone is off by about 18 degrees in longitude or latitude?

    I don’t know…but there’s more to this week’s words than meets the eye.

    1. Agree

      Someone has a solve (singular) that someone maybe one of us. That single solve frequently gets lost on a poor execution. I think he is actually giving information on how to retrieve the loot here by using execution, now I could be wrong but execution could refer to a gun or hanging. So one must cite the area in and then use a rope possibly to reach the chest (on a ledge maybe) also can’t help but look at the word frequently and think of frequency.

    2. Talk about a “loose” interpretation of someone’s words, if this is what he meant nobody will ever solve this. Solve can mean “free” “release” …..was Tom Ketchup freed? And why select Tom Ketchum instead of another outlaw huh Mindy??? There are other poor executions throughout history.

      Possible meanings:
      1. Ketchum was too heavy
      2. Ketchum was part of a gang called hole in wall.

      1400-50; late Middle English solven < Latin solvere to loosen, free, release,

      http://listverse.com/2013/02/04/10-horrifically-botched-executions/

      http://www.truewestmagazine.com/ketchum-goes-out-alone/

      http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7_gWmdByDJE

      1. @ Con
        I think she gets her idea from thrill of the chase. One chapter he mentioned an outlaw or something being hung with a new rope instead of an old one I gess. Hint of riches new and old….there must be a cowboy clue in all this madness. John Wayne is talked about in the book. A cowboy theme is strong throughout the entire book. Rope is mentioned throughput as well….roping a buffalo…..teachers with ropes. They pulled him up in the helicopter with a rope. So yess execution of the 9th clue might involve a rope hence the word just take the chest. Or JUSTice.

        Joe
        1. You now this poem is tricky…As I have gone alone in there is two voices. The first is that of Forrest speaking and the second would be the chest speaking. So he went alone into a valley let’s say then he put the chest in a secret natural vault. Just tAke the cheSt = As I have gone in there…

          Joe
  12. This question is for Jenny please; a follow up to Jim’s question above that has not been answered or addressed yet to my knowledge.

    Jenny, did FF send you the 50 weekly statements in advance all at once or is he sending them to you weekly?

    If you have them all already then you would have a clear advantage if these quotes had any hints or clues included or hidden in them. Since FF is all about fairness I doubt this is so. Therefore these are innocent and general statements and are not intended to help searchers in any specific way.

    Some searchers hang on every word and look for meaning. Unfortunately, the statement a few weeks ago about finding the treasure in any weather should be retracted as some searchers think they know where it is and take unreasonable risks to go look for it in this dangerous winter environment. Jenny, I look forward to your reply.

    JC

    1. Hi JC in NV. Ramona here, also in NV. I know your question is to Jenny specifically and I can not speak for her. But what I see is:

      Jenny’s original post dated November 25, 2015
      https://mysteriouswritings.com/weekly-words-from-forrest-fenn-on-the-thrill-of-the-chase/

      “I recently decided to ask him if he had any words to share with us all, in regards to the search, and he did!! He gave me many words to which I will begin to share each Friday on my Facebook Page (and then add here) within this category of: Weekly Words From Forrest”

      Jenny states he “gave her many words”. Already happened. She is now sharing those words with us on a weekly basis. Some may see that as an unfair advantage because they find clues/hints in Forrest’s every word. I often think I do. But I don’t believe for a second that Forrest was/is unfair. I’m leaning more toward his words as being clever and thought provoking. We need to use our brains for positive, productive thought to solve the poem rather than worrying about what unfair advantage others may have.

      1. I agree, Ramona. I do not think Forrest is unfair. Because my ‘solve’ was released to someone who said ‘they’ would help and it turned out otherwise, I will be fair and share my ‘solve’ soon – probably in my blog. Everyone says we work as a team and so be it – it will be shared. I got what I needed from the hunt. I could only work on it at a snail’s pace due to health for me and my husband – so it took a bit over 2 years. But I achieved what I needed – peace and quiet and something pleasant, challenging, and engaging to think about. My blood pressure was about 245/180 and lately it’s 116/80. I got the peace and quiet in thoughts that I much needed. It was the thrill of the chase and not the bounty that they sought – true. It was the preoccupation with something healthy. It would have been nice to see the box, but not necessary as the box and contents are not helpful to our needs (though a little money would have helped–if there were a few dollars inside). 🙂 I will announce when my ‘solve’ write up is ready. Keeping things fair and even–as he would want.

  13. Let me clarify, I do not put any blame on Forrest Fenn. I am a long-time searcher. I have taken a few risks in the summer in the Rockies I should not have. For instance I went to Kirwin WY via ATV all alone. Had to cross some rivers and an avalanche slide. There were no people within 40 miles. Many searchers think they “know” where it is…including me again (for the 10th time). Some minds are fragile and some get such gold fever they don’t think straight. Any time FF speaks or is written about people pay attention and interpret looking for meaning. He has stated several times, do not search in the winter. The Rocky mountains and entire 4 state search area have intrinsic dangers all the time. In the winter those risks are multiplied by 10 because of the weather and most people (including me) are not prepared or experienced to go into these areas this time of year. One of these “weekly statements” is inconsistent with the original message.

    I believe FF is just trying to help Jenny by driving traffic to her web site. I believe these statements were given all at once to Jenny to post weekly and have no real value, no hints and certainly no clues. Therefore there is no advantage to Jenny by reading them a year before we all get to. I have stated several times on other blogs….Do Not look in any area that has increased risk; stay away from wells, mines, caves, tunnels, fast moving rivers, cliffs, etc. Please heed my advice– FF does not want anyone (especially kids) to be unduly harmed.

        1. I asked cause i dont know. To be fair she does state Forrest gave her many words which she will start sharing. Which is no big deal. I also read people speculating Forrest was talking to responding to someone. Again no big deal. I was curious as to which it was. Ive spread absolutely no information. Ill admit im ignorant. Is why i asked. No offense intended

          Jim
          1. Hi all,

            Sorry for not answering sooner……

            Yes, Forrest sent me numerous ‘weekly words’ to share…..(although there does remain a flexibility and nothing is in stone…….)

            I feel they offer guidance to searchers….but not answers…

            Could some be specifically written for various searchers to recognize ….I don’t know……are they all generic?? again I don’t know…..

            I don’t ask…

            Like the Questions, I share what Forrest says so we all have the same opportunity to hear what he has to say and how he might think.

            Even if they are all general, I feel they could offer a way to learn how he thinks….and this might help with understanding how the poem might direct a searcher to the treasure.

            It’s been said, if you understand the man, you might understand the poem more…

            I share the Questions/Answers and Weekly Words for this reason….even if they don’t directly give ‘clues’, they might offer some hints….

            most of all, I think they offer guidance, encouragement, and inspiration on how to enjoy the Chase. And respect it.

            best of luck to all….

            and continued prayers for Randy to come home safe and all searchers to be safe.

                1. So Jenny, let me understand this. Next week you will post a weekly word from Forrest Fen? You already know what that is because you are currently in possession of it. Is this correct?

  14. .
    On the surface, these Weekly Words if applied to the Chase, imply that there have been at least one good ‘solve’, but some detail(s) about the way it (they?) were carried forward were incorrect; the word “frequent” is telling. As well, the ‘poor execution’ connection that Mindy mentioned is interesting, although I have trouble with connecting Tom Ketchum to the rest of the sentence.

    I like the idea of the “X” being lost in ‘a poor execution”, something to ponder.

    Prayers and good thoughts to Randy, those close to him, and all those affected by is disappearance.

    astree

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