armchair treasure hunt forrest fenn treasure
JDA

This is the eighteenth in a series on Six Questions with Searchers of The Thrill of the Chase Treasure Hunt by Forrest Fenn. Questions are asked and then answered by those who are enjoying Forrest’s dare!

(Read how you can participate) 

 

Six Questions with JDA

1) When did you first hear and learn about the treasure hunt?

I first learned of Mr. Fenn’s treasure hunt on December 23, 2015 when I saw a special on Expedition Unknown featuring The Thrill of the Chase.

I was immediately captivated. I went on-line and researched “Forrest Fenn”. From there I was directed to two or three blog sites… The two I liked best were Jenny Kile’s site Mysterious Writings “The-Thrill-of-the-Chase” at: www.mysteriouswritings.com. And Dal’s, “Thrill of the Chase …” at www.dalneitzel.com.

And the “Chase” was on.

2) What inspired you to become involved and begin searching?

I have always been intrigued with puzzles of any kind, and I have never met a challenge that I didn’t think was directed at me. Between the two, the challenge of figuring out the “riddle” that was Forrest’s poem, along with the unspoken challenge of, “Bet you can’t solve it.” Had me hooked from day one.

3) What is your most favorite part about the treasure hunt so far?

The opportunity to involve four generations (including myself) of my family in the “Chase”. On more than one occasion there have been four generations of searchers out there exploring the wilds of Wyoming. I am now 75, and a bit too sedentary. The chase has gotten me off the couch and out into nature again – YEA! My daughter and one of her sons have participated from Pennsylvania. My son and his two children from Virginia have participated. What Fun!!

 

4) What is your least favorite part about the Treasure Hunt so far?

A HARD, HARD question. I honestly have enjoyed every single aspect of the search. Even when I have had to come home with my tail between my legs, and have had to sit down to a meal of Humble Pie and Crow, “It’s still all good.”
Becoming a bit angry on the Blog, and saying a thing or two that I have regretted, I guess falls into the category of least favored things – Sorry all.

 

5) What is the best or most important thing you found while searching for Forrest Fenn’s Treasure Chest?

“Little Jerry.” As we grow older and become “Adults” or “Old Men” we lose that childhood sense of adventure. Seeing the look of wonderment in the eyes of my grandchildren as they help “Grandpa” search for the “Hidden Treasure” has awakened the “Little Jerry” that has lain quietly within my inner self for far too long. It is wonderful to get out with my grandkids, and to explore WITH them for the treasure. What a priceless gift!

 

6) What more would you like to say?

Well, in my 75 years, I have never had as much fun as I have had these past 21 months searching for Forrest Fenn’s treasure. The friends that I have met on the blog have been wonderful. They have encouraged me in countless ways.

How can one thank Forrest enough? Even though we have never met, I consider him a friend. I bet that I have sent him a hundred or more emails over the months. What few (less than 10) he has answered have been VERY, VERY short, but what few words he spoke were always encouraging. Thanks Forrest. And I have to extend thanks to my family for putting up with my obsession – and thanks to you Jenny, and to Dal for your wonderful Blog sites.

THANKS ALL and TRY to STAY SAFE – JDA

Thanks for your site Jenny. I love it. JDA

 

 

Thank YOU, JDA!  Love your answers!  I feel so grateful and honored to be sharing these ‘Six Questions with Searchers’- as they reveal the many great and awesome gifts the Chase has given and IS GIVING people.  They are all so special and share the ‘treasures’ being found!

Your words are true, and I’m sure shared by so many, JDA; it seems no matter the age, the Chase awakens a hidden fire within us all!  

Thanks again, and to all for being part of this great Treasure Hunting community!

 

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39 Comments

  6. Thanks JDA. I know a little about coming home with my tail between my legs as well. Just got home this morning from Yellowstone. Really thought I had it this time. Now $20,000 in I have decided to rest for a good while and do research when I can. Would like to share some things with some people but I don’t want to step all over your page. GOD bless, good luck and stay safe.

    John Boy

      1. You forgot one, JDA.

        True Friends are Greater Treasures than fortunes…but you know that.

        You seem like quite the adventurer. Keep up the Good Work.

        That picture of you worries me a little though. One slip and you could end up getting seriously killed. Little Jerry could look quickly down and go in pieces.

        Be safe out there, everyone.

        Thanks, Jenny and JDA.

        JC1117

    2. At one time,the big black flat stone pictured behind me was my “Tarry Scant” – awesome isn’t it? – Don’t spend too much time staring at it though, for Indulgence is not to be found near – I know, I searched every inch in this area. The “falls”, the Tarry Scant, all fit so perfectly, but later finds led me to an even more awesome area. JDA

      JDA

  15. JDA,
    Great answers ….. It has been an honor to call you my “friend” for the past 21 months. You have a good heart and you have a great family backing you… priceless.. I would tell you to enjoy the “little” things as you chase your dreams , but I can tell you already are.
    Thank you for your kind words to me over the years. I will not forget them….

    Your picture reminds me of a saying I wrote a while back, now every time I read it I’ll think of you on that rope….. the saying goes…

    ” When at the end of life’s short rope, There is a knot, a glimmer of hope.”

    Enjoy your time with family my “friend”

    Until next time… see ya

    Focused

    1. Thanks Focused, for the nice words, It has also been an honor to call you my “friend”. Being a friend is a very special thing. One can share ones most intimate thoughts with a friend, thoughts that can not be shared with others – Thanks for sharing “my friend”

      I love your quote. I too will think of you and your quote – thanks. See Ya’ JDA

      JDA

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