This is the 31st 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! Thanks to all who are participating. They truly are special!
Read other TTOTC Searcher Questions/Answers
Six Questions with Lugnutz Dodge:
1)When did you first hear and learn about the Treasure Hunt?
In December 2010 or January 2011 my father asked me to see him. He wanted to discuss 3 things. First he wanted to say that he would not live to see my daughter born in May even though the doctors said he had another year to live. Second he wanted to see how you move a computer screen with your fingers, so I brought him an iPad. He worked with computers since 1965. And finally he wanted to tell me about the Forrest Fenn Treasure hunt.
My father was dying from cancer and hadn’t really been in his right mind for a couple of years. Nevertheless, here is what he said. “Remember the guy you stayed with in Santa Fe? He buried a treasure in the mountains, there is a treasure hunt, you should contact him.” My father died 10 days before my daughter was born.
2)What inspired you to become involved and begin searching?
Subsequent to my father’s death I really had no interest in this chase until I happened to read about it in Hemispheres 2 years later. I was on a plane travelling back from a meeting at the Pentagon. I begrudgingly switched planes in Boston and paid 90 bucks to upgrade to First Class. The Boston to Chicago flight was the best flight I ever had including a full meal. While eating my key lime pie I read the article titled: The Thrill of the Chase. I saw that picture of Fenn and he looked so much like my father.
3)What is your most favorite part about the Treasure Hunt so far?
Oh, the best part is meeting all the great chasers and sharing ideas on the Home of Dal! I mean these are characters just like on a TV show. I have been involved for 3 seasons. Characters come and go, alliances form, good ideas are shared. There is laughter and anger and bewilderment, and that’s just JD!
4)What is your least favorite part about the Treasure Hunt so far?
5)What is the best or most unique thing you found while searching for Forrest Fenn’s treasure chest?
I found a spot I had visited and forgotten on my trip across Route 66 when I was 20 years old. That spot at Flaming Gorge was amazing then and it still is today.
6) What more would you like to say?
I enjoy the Thrill of The Chase and I always will, whether I find Indulgence or not. I have enjoyed reading about all these states and the people and history. I have enjoyed walking in the mountains and the desert. We take so much in this life for granted and it’s all so fragile. Life is ephemeral, so wake up and get moving.
Thanks Lugnutz Dodge…! Enjoyed your answers so much. Love your advice at the end, ‘Wake up and get moving’! Whenever I read Forrest’s books, no matter how many times, I get that deep urge to do just that… ‘wake up and get moving’. There is so much out there to explore, and the Chase encourages us to to do.
Sorry for the loss of your father, but he is surely living through you, and enjoying your adventures.
Best of luck with all that you seek! Always Treasure the Adventure!
I never really knew my father and I feel more envious of you than sad.
Your father seemed a noble man and he surely raised you right.
Good luck to you in your search.
PS: You stayed with Forrest Fenn?
randawg
I traveled across the country with 4 friends. Our parents set up some contacts for us with friends and relatives. One was in Santa Fe and I really enjoyed it. I remember the historical town center and the Hologram museum. It seemed to me that everyone there either lives in the past or the future. The man we met in Santa Fe told us stories while his wife made spaghetti. He was nuts. I have shared the story with Forrest and I honestly don’t think it was him. He told me I should write a memoir. If there is an appetite for it I could tell that story at Dal’s.
Here is what still bugs me. Assuming my father was wrong about F being the man I met in Santa Fe, why would my father think they were on e in the same? I wonder if the man I stayed with is an associate of the Mysterious Mr F.
Mysterious for sure lugnutz…
I really enjoyed your story/answers. If you write more, i will read it! Thank you for sharing.
So sorry for the loss of your Dad…..how wonderful that in some small way, you carry him with you on every search now. What a cool story on your cross country journey. Does sound as if you have the making of your own nice memoir. I would write it, even if only for your loved ones. One of my Grandmothers left a couple small notebooks, inside there where short tidbits of wisdom, jokes she liked, copies of recipes, bits of poetry. It meant the world to my Aunts to have those when she passed. A glimpse at a well lived life. I hope you start your own.
Kids with dads that listen to them are rare….sounds like you were lucky.
Listen good.
Lugnutz—
I know it’s been years ago, but sorry to hear about your Dad. I’m glad he mentioned the Chase to you, and that later you read the article. I really appreciate your answers, and for having taken the time to send them to Jenny. I know we differ on approach to the Poem, but it’s always great to read your ideas. Thanks again for sharing, and to Jenny for providing the blog.
Hello Lugnutz. I enjoyed your answers. Thank you for sharing some of your heartfelt moments about your father. I’m sorry he didn’t get to see his granddaughter. My father-in-law passed six weeks before my son, his namesake, was born, whom he knew would be.
Lugnutz,
Your father will always be right there beside you in spirit, chase your dreams and enjoy the company my friend……. until next time… see ya
Lug;
Your comment: “There is laughter and anger and bewilderment, and that’s just JD!” You may well have been referring to JDiggins – but I kinda doubt it. Glad I bring so much into your life 🙂 Take care my friend, and Keep on Keepin’ on – JDA
You have attained fame now JDA, lol, great comeback by the way. I enjoy reading your comments also…it doesnt appear that your a people pleaser and have no problem speaking your mind and letting the chips fall where they may. I like that. So, keep on being JDA!
Thanks tomtom – Never did much care about fame though – Don’t know how to be anyone other than who I am 🙂 JDA
Lugnutz: thanks for sharing your story with Jenny and the rest of our crazy extended family. I’m sorry to hear your father didn’t get to meet his granddaughter. She must be about 7 now — does she share your interest in Fenn’s diabolical challenge, and if so has she joined you on some of your BOTG searches?