Posted by 
Past & Future Box Solution Theory – Mushroom Rock, TN
More and more solution theories are being shared – as searchers return from BOTG (more than a few times).
Whether or not you agree with any or all of others’ solutions – these help us with our own thoughts and ideas for a box. You never know what different twist or take on a clue could spark thoughts which brings a box home!
Below are highlights from a solution theory shared with Erik of OneClueShort on his YT channel (video here). ‘Searcher Gary’ felt clues might lead to Mushroom Rock, TN.
PF Box Solution Theory – Mushroom Rock, TN
Gary first theorized that the Cryptogram should take up where the Word Search leaves off. I think we all felt this, but he summarized it nicely:
- Understanding the meaning to the Word Search leads to the ‘ROCK’ of the Cryptogram (beginning of BOTG)
- This ROCK of the cryptogram should be a significant ROCK – not just an ordinary rock
Playing Devil’s Advocate on this: If the Rock is ‘significant’ – then theoretically it could be ‘thought of’ without the Word Search. Jon said the Word Search is pretty important. Suggesting to me – the Rock is not significant and cannot be found without it.
However, it is true – without the Word Search solution – you wouldn’t be led to the rock – or have any confidence of any such named rock. Gary provides how the Word Search might lead to Mushroom Rock.
- He felt STATE and LINE in the Word Search – through their position on line 6 – could represent an actual STATE LINE – and suggest doing an overlay of WS on a map
- He felt LILAC and SAPPHIRE were curious words – and may help identify the STATE LINE
- He discovered a Lilac, KY and Sapphire, NC – which upon overlay – were in sync with where the State line of TN and KY are.
- Then, considering the one lone X in the Word Search (beneath the word COKE) – he noticed that COKE matched up on the map overlay with a Coke Oven Museum.
- Noting the locations – and applying measurements with a slight tilt – he found the X lined up with Mushroom Rock, Signal Mountain, TN.
He had his ROCK from the Word Search and could now go BOTG using the Cryptogram directions. Which he did. He hiked into the area of Mushroom Rock from a trail on the East side. It passes over private land through easement/permission to Mushroom Rock.
- From Rock to Field – if this is correct the ‘Field’ has not yet been identified
- From Strong to stream – on the trail is a large battleship shaped boulder – strong. Further is a stream (North Suck Creek)
- Past Tree and Posts to Forest Green: on trail you go across a wooden suspension bridge (tree) with Posts. At the end you are in Prentice Cooper State Forest.
- Arrive you now where beauty sheens – its under, over, in between: after crossing the bridge you are above the creek (beauty sheens) – this may be the search area.
Other Key Points of the Solution:
- The FIVE clues from the hidden message: Lilac, Sapphire, State, Line, and Coke
- NFT – non-fungible tokens may hint or support ‘Mushroom’
- The coin lines are of same angle and length as the suspension bridge and trail
- TN, NC, SC state abbreviations found after word search and secret message narrow the search area
- Super Mario connections with Mushroom
Although Gary searched – he didn’t feel he thoroughly searched. The area has multiple crevices for hiding a box.
Again – this is a theory given to further help with ideas and spark thoughts. Best of luck in your search – wherever you search –
Treasure the Adventures!
Six Questions Search Stories:
If you’d like participate in Six Questions Search Stories via Email – here is the link on how to do that: Share You Treasure Story.
These Six Q’s are for any treasure hunt you may be working on – not solely for TTI. Sharing a search story inspires others – and is also one of the most meaningful ways to give a Hunt Creator feedback. They (as we all do) love hearing about those who ‘treasure the adventures!’