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

  4. Thanks so much, Jenny and Forrest. We will truly miss the interactions with you, Forrest, but knew this time would come. Thank you, Jenny, for the work you put into these questions and sharing them with us for the past several years. You both are the best!

    Cindy (The Hoosier Sisters)

  5. Thank you both for all the time you have invested in this Thrilling Chase called Life, Forrest and Jenny.

    There is a Time for Every Thing under The Sun…including an End to Fighting the Good Fight.

    Chief Joseph is also remembered for His Heart.

    JC1117

  9. Thank you Jenny, and thank you Forrest. These questions have been much fun and enjoyment through the years. Forrest, I wish you nothing but the best, and I hope you have enjoyed this chase as much as most of us do. You have changed many lives for the better, especially my own. Thank you for being you, and for inspiring so much in the lot of us.

    Jdiggins

  14. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, Forrest. You have brought more fun and pleasure into my life than I had experienced in my previous 73 years. I honestly consider you a friend. Friends never say “Good Bye” – they just say (As Focused so often says) “Until next time my friend”

    I, for one, will miss your input, but totally understand.

    I salute you my friend – and THANKS – an Ever-Grateful Friend and FENN-atic – JDA

    JDA

    1. Hey JDA
      Sorry I can’t interact with you anymore on dals website, he barred me!
      I must’ve been too good a player I guess.
      Glad you liked “The One Horse Brewery” MENU.
      See ya down the road some day I hope.
      Peace.
      Pauley T

      Pauley T

  16. Great job, Jenny!
    Thank you, Mr. Fenn, for once again sharing your thoughts and time with us.
    You have written a beautiful poem and have started an exciting Chase.
    May we all have the courage to go BOTG this summer and enjoy your beautiful Rockies.

    Clearly Clueless

  19. Thank you Forrest. I hope I didn’t bother you too much. Sounds like I added to your weariness. I’ve sure enjoyed sharing in this adventure with you. You are a kind and generous soul and I’ll forever be grateful to you.
    Thank you Jenny.

    Copper

  20. Forrest,
    You have opened up my imagination, you have inspired me to write a few poems (around 350 or so). You have taught me so much through research. But most of all you have a reason to live life to the fullest…. thank you for sharing your life with us… I will forever enjoy “ the thrill of the chase”

    Until next time…… see ya my friend

    Focused

  21. Forrest, you lit the spark and it’s now time for others to lead. Your chase has already inspired countless new treasure hunts, in the Rockies and Appalachians alike–inspiring even more people to explore the world around them and appreciate their short time in it.

    May the heartfelt wishes from all of us flood your spirit with love and peace. May the excited twinkle in Willie’s eyes remind you daily of the wonderful trails you blazed for us to follow.

    Thank you Jenny, for your kindness and unwavering support.

    Craig Carter

  22. I have never made my peace with goodbyes. I will always consider them a depressing part of life. As necessary as they are. Thank you Forrest. If i were you, i would be doing the same though.

    I have no confidence that my eXperience will lead me to the gold but i will attempt to do so. I will miss your presence on the different sites. I will miss your cryptic quotes. I will always be sending you the warmest wishes. And i will spend this spring on your poem. Through triangles and templates and postmarks and dropcaps and pie and frosty and counting…..oh the counting…

    Enjoy your retirement.

    Amy

  28. Thanks Jenny. I’ve enjoyed looking through all of the six questions since I learned about the Chase.

    Thank you Forrest for sharing some of your life experiences and wisdom with us. The Chase has taken root like a grove of aspen trees. You provide the perfect foundation for all of us to use in future adventures.

    Stonerolledaway

  29. Thank You, Jenny. This may sound a bit silly. Why did you say “zoom in on Google Earth” rather then “zoom in with Google Earth.” I’m not going to say I’m just curious because I’m not just curious — what a beautiful quote by A.A. Miline I must have read it over twelve times. Ha! A new beginning, you got that right. I stopped looking down on myself. You know, I can say with confidence that I knew better, not to look for answers from Mr. Forest Fenn. I got all I needed when listening to all of him. Honestly, I had the answers I was looking for all along. If it were not for TTOTC, we would still be stuck in the mud. Sometimes its best to just let it go and start a new beginning. It’s never too late to say goodbye to my friend and start a new beginning for the first time. I was born on 8/27/1961 the same as my SS# what is that all about? Now I know. Mr. Fenn, I can see you, all of you. I know we will meet in time, that I know. Blessings.

    Paul Ammons

  30. Thank you Forrest and Jenny for so many years of fun with the Six Questions! I understand all good things must come to an end but I will still miss the Thrill! Forrest I have done so may wonderful things thanks to your chase. I have gone out exploring in Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and even Colorado 🙂 Something I never would have done with out your Poem. Each moment was a memory to keep that I will hold on to forever.

    You said this is not something to be done on a “Sunday Picnic” and we must find the “Nine” clues and marry them to a “Good Map”. While searching for this “Good Map” I somehow found myself just standing there along side the road waiting for me …:)

    Spallies

    1. Spallies,

      When you said: “I somehow found myself just standing there alongside the road waiting for me”. It took me a few minutes to be able to write this because I need to clear my eyes. I remember the time I was about seven and I was in one of my safe spots, alone. At least I thought I was alone. Someone that loves me dearly with all their heart was there and comfort me. He told me some things I needed to hear but I didn’t listen. That was 50 years ago. I never thought I’d live 50 years. I was told and I was promised that if I Hold On To Nature and Love the Animals I would be safe. I didn’t remember that. I was also promised by my friend “will be back.” I didn’t know what that was all about? He kept his promise. He helped me through a very difficult time. In 2002 I was up in the Rocky Mountains with nature. I had been In a coma for four days, alone with Sheba my dog that also helped saved my life. I’m a stubborn person more than most. It was hard for me to believe in anything even myself. Those empty thoughts filled with fear and anxieties was killing me. I heard myself arguing with myself quite often. My soul was stuck in the middle. I too found myself just standing on the side of the road waiting for me. The funny thing is I don’t even know what to look for . There came a time I was done waiting so, we ventured out sruching for something that didn’t exist, at least in my and many others. I’m not done with this journey I seek. I don’t feel so alone today and we will know when I find what I’m looking for. I had gone through some old photos when I was about three, fishing with my grandfather, that was last night. I was three in the photos I mean. For the first time I really looked at those photos. I felt sadness and joyfulness at the same time, that is a good feeling to have. I never saw those photos that way. Actually, there’s a lot of things today that seem to be different even a blade of grass. Wow.! Where did I just go? All I wanted to do is ask you, are you still waiting?

      Paul Ammons

  35. Thank you for doing the right thing, Forrest. Folks can chase the poem and adventures for eternity now. You’ve been exceedingly generous and clear. It really always was not far, but too far to walk.

    Enjoy yourself! Enjoy playing with Willie too. Namaste.

    Twingem

  37. I have a ” great ” solve but barely know where to begin, starting at Rock Mountains cuttoff to the left over summit down the south boundary pass Garcilla directly below Browns home field National ball Park be careful on the corner you may have to be rescued to your right the end of the nigh to the left “victory” but wait , your on the right path just don’t forget that right turn wise guy because 2.8 miles more the 17th century awaits, oh yeah look down for a quick bath your quest to cease. Right? Or Left?

    Tom

  39. Thanks Forrest and Jenny. It has always fascinated me that Forrest mentions little dog a lot in his books and again today. The words Title and Gold in the last line of the poem anagram to Little Dog. Is this a reference to Little Dog Mountain in Glacier National Park?
    LDM.

    Tony

  42. Thank you Jenny for your continuous contribution involving the community into the chase. Thank you Forrest & Peggy for the treasures you’ve already given to the searchers involved with your chase and for embedding the pay it forward attitude in us all. But I refuse to say goodbye, with hopes of soon saying hello. With Positive regards. OH!

    OH!

  43. Thanks Jenny!!! And many thanks to Forrest!!! This has really been a load of fun. As JDA said above, I consider you a friend even though I have never met you. You only e-mailed me a couple of times—but thanks for those e-mails. i was always so excited to see any kind of reply. Thanks for everything you have shared with us. My favorite one of your writings is still Scrapbook #146. I’m not sure why—I just really like it. Give an extra handful of cracked corn to Tail End Charlie (if he is still alive. lol). All the best to you!!!

    Sparrow

  48. Jenny, thank you for this website and your desire for curiosity! With a name like “Mysterious Writings”, it seems predestined that Forrest might wish to participate on it. I say its place is secure in the culture of treasure hunters!

    And a wholehearted thank you to Mr. Fenn for the Chase! Pound for pound… it’s been one thrilluva ride for the money! Take care

    miafarmerfriend

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