SEPTEMBER 2014
This ode to the chase was forwarded to me from a searcher who wants to remain anon because he thinks he knows where the treasure is and doesn’t want the birds to give away his secret. Everyone will recognize that it’s a take-off from Edgar Allen Poe’s Quote the Raven Nevermore. f
Only the Phantom
Once upon a night inspired, while I pondered weak and tired,
Over many a curious volume laden with a treasure lore,
While I plotted on its mapping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As a Shadow’s gently rapping, rapping at my bedroom door.
‘`Tis a butterfly,’ I muttered, ‘fluttered by my bedroom door –
Only this, and nothing more.’
Ah, distinctly a tinkling bell rings in the spirit of a spell,
I listened good and listened well… there was no ringing at the door.
So, eager for a bath and rest; -as vainly I had sought the best
Path forward to surcease the quest – fulfill the quest for gold and more,
That it begins where eagles nest, then down into the canyon’s core –
Nameless here for evemore.
Suddenly my soul grew weaker; Shadow at the inter. speaker,
‘Sir,’ said I, my heart grows meeker, ‘this IS my place so I implore;
But the fact is I was halting, these hot waters from exalting
These warm waters from assaulting, threshold of the bathroom door’,
And, as I slipped into my sneaker, looked quickly down through open door; –
Shadow there, and nothing more.
…
Then fast asleep, lasting escape…, there’s rustling of the Phantom’s cape
That chased me – thrilled me with fantastic and covered me from pore to pore;
So that now, my heart stopped beating, through the shadow twilight fleeting
‘`Tis the Shadow now entreating and this fantasy explore.
Moaning Phantom at the window, knowing Shadow through the door;-
This is it and nothing more,’
And as the evening shades prevail, thinking of those who passed the vale,
Attentive still to Phantom’s wail, heard somewhat louder than before.
As the silence was then broken, but the Shadow gave no token
And the only words then spoken were the whispered words, ‘NO MORE!’
`Twas Phantom on my bathroom scale, wishing he was just forty-four,
Ounces that is, and nothing more.
‘There’s circumstantial evidence, I’ll be your guide in dream or trance,
Through wiles of nature, circum-stance; you’ll tract a thread to golden ore’,
Said Phantom perched upon the scale. ‘And have you trekked this secret trail?’
Asked I, afraid the chase might fail, ‘Have you’ve been down this path before?’
‘Alone and bold I went by chance’. ‘Phantom!’ said I, ‘but that’s infernal’,
And the moment seemed eternal… ‘How deeper then, should I explore?”
Quoth the Phantom, ‘Four-two-four’.
Merely this and nothing more.
Erratum:
And if this blending plagiarism, seems poor labour of a mime.
That changes… looking through the prism, of vodka raspberry and lime.
For, in expanding Universe, there is no lesser of a crime,
Than at the ending of a verse, copying and pasting of a rhyme.
It could be worse! (I’m out of time)
The Phantom
Beautifully done, Phantom.
Good night.
Has anyone taken the time to cross reference The Phantom’s ‘Quote the Raven’ against Poe’s Quoth the Raven, and then Mr. Fenn’s poem in totc about the Raven? Just wondering if anyone is able to shed light on implied meanings. Phantom and Poe both seem troubled, while Mr. Fenn’s poem dedicated to his wife seems very peaceful. Interesting comparisons, although not able to find hints about treasure. perhaps not the intention of the phantom’s author.
The behaviour of the ode is indicative of ones own secret. I am guilty of that but I have made my point. One only listens to what one wants to see.
You have the wrong phantom.has ff ever used the real word for something “phantom” as a clue
Phantom – A Ghost
Blowback – Alias the ghost
I just got it ff boy I am slow theses last few days. The birds can hear me I just need to listen good.
Well Done! 🙂
I believe imo Poe’s ‘Raven nevermore’ is an allegorical statement about death not being reasonable. In that respect it aligns with the morbidity in ff’s memoirs. Tide and Time wait for no man. If the author is Mr. Fenn, you can bet there are clues hidden in this clever poem. If the author is someone else, perhaps there are still hints to be had. I’m looking for hints. anyone care to join me?
I might have found one or two in that poem that pertains to my solve 🙂
Hope you did find hints Amy. I’m looking at Eagle nesting habitats near a ski resort, and possible new HOB’s – probably a lark, but looking to solve the poem in a new way that matches a solve I’ve plotted on a map. kind of a backwards approach, but that’s what I know best. Like maps better than puzzles. What are you finding Amy?
Anyone else need a “Poe Decoder Ring” like me?
Since I’m not much of a poet I needed a wee bit of help. It’s beautifully spoken with a touch of romantic golden token. This clever piece of rhyme will take me a bit of time. Perhaps I’ll sort it out in the morning with my decoder ring. Only the Shadow knows 🙂
http://www.poedecoder.com/essays/raven/
Thanks abloom. I remember reading about the poedecoder a few weeks ago in another post that I couldn’t find again.
You never know – in the future, one may be able to go from the “dark” of Poe into the “light”.
Ellen –
Here’s more – the whole enchilada of POE
http://www.poedecoder.com/
Thank you.
So if he knows where it is, why not go get it???
An interesting piece I can say in the least.
As I ponder each stanza, is this part of the blaze?
Or just another flutterby who’s glint has caught my gaze.
Up a mountain, down the way. Along waters course I will stay.
Looking up I ask the sky, Now where is heavy loads and waters high?
Below the home of Brown, it’s simple you see. Whispers a chilly breeze.
Alas I sit alone, wondering just where he could have gone.
Only one knows where the treasure sits in quiet repose.
Now I am tired and my eyes are weak, Time to hit the bed and get some sleep.
I needed a great laugh. 🙂
Wow, I’m impressed, this is so cool.
About a Butterfly
Loved it
That’s weird stuff, Phantom. It appears someone is channeling the Eerie Canal.
My head hirts, but I think I may have a cure. Very nice poetry!
Slurbs, after your rant for help on the 9 clues thread I was so worried that you had me dreaming Don Rumsfeld was giving you advice to calm you down. I need a break from totc voices today and that works for me since I have routine med. tests this morning. Glad you’re ok slurbs. Please figure out who this Phantom guy is and why he didn’t pick up the treasure anyway. Since ff posted it, do you think the phantom decided it was best to leave the treasure out there, or do you think ff wants the shadow to collect the bracelet and return it to him. I haven’t had time to use my poe decoder ring yet. Be mentally solid today and figure this out for the gang, ok slurbs.
Abloom, I’m working on it. I shall do my best. Hmmm…
I’m pretty sure this phantom loves the chase and i wonder if he didn’t try the bracelet on, marvel at the gold frog and leave. How strange! I think F secretly wants him to bring that bracelet to Santa Fe.
I think it’s Eugene. Can’t remember his name on here, but has an icon like a black and/or grey spaceship or plane or something.
It makes sense though, the only words in ttotc that are red are DO NOT TOUCH.
If you ain’t brave Do Not Touch
Hurts… dang auto spell.
So when is he/she testing their solution?
Hi,
What a treat, to be greeted by this poem in the morning. The level of skill, reminds me of the Fenn treasure youtube video by Aurora Fyfe, with the Hitler impersonator. Well done !
I too was inspired recently
.
As autumn approaches
The gold hunt, Remains quick.
Would you redouble efforts
Ere, then paddle the fenn klick ?
.
but as seen does notamount to much.
Adieu, Bone Chance
astree
{} Phantom – You might enjoy ‘The River’ by Paul H Haynes.
(page 18)
http://docsouth.unc.edu/southlit/hayne/hayne.html
Either the Phantom or Fenn wrote that……
“He” know only to Fenn, has more time on his hands then having the chest……………
Starting to get really tired of all these creepy crawlers around here…….
Just as beauty, creepy is in the eye of the beholder.
Crime puzzles are the hardest. Never cared for murder mysteries.
After working on solving a rape/murder case your never the same.
Don’t see the “beauty”……….. Hence creepy crawlers……..
We all have some flaw we need to work on. I’m sorry you have seen such ugliness in life. I respect your strength.
Will never work another rape/murder puzzle in my life.
Seen ugliness and great beauty with humanity.
Generally most people are good and kind hearted:)
Lets not forget the ” poker hand “…….44oz… 424…… ( 44424 ) just saying…..
That would be Mr. Fenn disappearing suddenly?
Chameleon, I try to be careful with personal info on line due to the lurkers watching blog. Nothing to do with kind, helpful regulars. If interested in collaborating on solutions we can set up a google doc with privacy settings as dal suggested. Understand?
I understand thousands of lurkers. I’ll pass for now. Very kind of you to offer. Maybe others would take you up on that.
@ Chameleon – thanks for your considerate reply. Best to you in finding the tc.
Pretty please…more stories?
🙂
My wedding anniversary is July 4 🙂
My bouquet was red white and blue
I just love fireworks 🙂
That’s really cool Amy!
Information overload , too many connections to numerous ideas. Anyone else suffering from that ? 🙂
interesting solution, please go get it and end this . If you don’t find it please share that too.
All great fun adding to the Thrill of the Chase. My, there are some really creative, talented and intellectual folks in our family of chasers. I enjoy them all. But, how’s come we collectively cannot seem to solve this puzzle and find the darn chest?
I suppose I will get the urge to give it one more go at failure yet this year before the snow seriously starts to fly. I plan to venture back to the blaze I found, but darn if that creek wasn’t flowing scary fast the last time. I am hoping that the flow has diminished as the rains have let up and last seasons snowmelt has to be at its end. Otherwise, a thorough search is hard to manage.
So…back to the blaze …and look quickly down for me…not sure when…or what exactly it means at this point.
Dal, Wind, Amy, Deb, BW, Cameleon, Rick, Arkansas, Slurbs, pip, CJ, Wendy, Special, Chad, (sorry if I missed someone from this thread. not intentional): Windsurfer asked about collectively solving the puzzle. I have a specific solution that would present a unique idea w/back up research; gladly work together with a team from this blog. My concern with putting info on blog is the 100’s of lurkers who mine info w/o a care to contribute. anyone want to list their email and suggest how we do this?
abloom-
You could start a Google Document and share it…everyone could make changes…additions…
You can control who has access..
Dal, thanks for the Google Document idea. Not familiar with how to construct, but will figure out if others are interested. (just an ipad here w/o tech support)
I’m interested, but don’t know how to do it either. csan2000@aol.com
Carolyn, there doesn’t seem to be enough interest in a collaborative effort. Windsurfer might be interested come winter time. I have a friend I can ask to search for me, but not ideal. Carolyn, what state(s) do you search?
Abloom, you asked for my abqnewkey at hotmail before, so there you go.
Hey slurbs, I don’t need your email unless you are interested in forming a group of regulars on Dal’s blog to work collaboratively on solving clues in the poem. Although, many are great about sharing helpful info as is now.
Wyoming and Montana
Carolyn, thanks for your response. However, no one else was interested in a collaborative effort. Additionally, my personal security was breached and so I will no longer be signing in under my current name. Best wishes to you in your search.
Sounds like great winter time fun when searchers are in hibernation.
To the Author of ‘The Phantom’: You could go toe to toe with Poe. Well done, and let’s hope all will be well with a collective group solving Mr. Fenn’s poem. Would you care to join our group phantom?
m.youtube.com/watch?v=VbhsYC4gKy4
pieces of 9 – I’m middle aged and enjoy Coldplay or folk rock hits from the 60/70’s. translation please -on the pearl jam.
Ok this crazy stuff isn’t for everyone but it can put you in the mood….
Pieces is trying to let the community know that he is safe “alive” after his dangerous quest.
I guess that this can be called: Poe-try 🙂
@ Liviu…
“) (” clapping – best literary pun!
: )
Dear Phantom, I ran your poem through a plagiarism detection software and it says you have 100% originality so be proud of yourself for this masterpiece!
“Four-two-four” 🙂
Soccer formation (I used to play a game or two in college)
4–2–4 needs a high level of tactical awareness, as having only two midfielders could lead to defensive problems
I’m glad someone mentioned soccer. 🙂
Hmmm? I love soccer but I do prefer the term – football 🙂
4-2-4 is not that common nowadays.
Most commonly employed is 4-4-2 with one or two midfielders making forward runs (a pseudo 4-3-3 if you will), but maybe we should harken back to the times of W-M formation.
Now that rings a bell 😉
Does 900 ft mean anything?
If this phantom knows he knows, no need for F to be giving out clues on this blog. I thought I saw 900 used somewhere, oh yes the post .about Suzanne Sommers.
300 vs 900? My head is spinning.
300 yds. 🙂
Sorry, just had to react to that one.
300×3 somewhere in TTOTC.
Edgar Allen Poe lived in Philadelphia from 38′ to 44′. He was a frequent visitor of “The General Wayne Inn” in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Some say that he wrote “The Raven” there. General Wayne was big around the tip of Delaware County where I think there might be a clue. There is also Wayne PA, which Valley Forge Military academy is, which is the school in which “The catcher and the rye” is located…..
Maybe another clue that Philadelphia has to do with something with this chase??
Forrest was a pilot seems some of that would have gone into the chase. I fly myself but solo never with passengers. The collective mind on the blog here is very powerful. A lot of info to be gleaned. Smart searchers here. Thanks for the blog Dal.
Search the west, et al. – anyone interested on a collaborative effort to solving the poem w/in a sm group format, if state search areas are compatible? Dal’s bloggers are great about sharing info already… no doubt a result of his outstanding ability to moderate. Thanks Dal.
Anna maybe a Poe connection here 🙂
http://www.eapoe.org/works/mabbott/tom1p100.htm
@Chameleon – of course. nice poetry link. Thank you.
Are you and/or Windsurfer, Dal, slurbs interested in collaborating to solve all 9 clues before the snow flies?
No worries if not interested, but Please Let me know as I may look for an exclusive partner to take a look at an unusually organized solution – after I buy dinner at Whole Foods 🙂
What a coincidence Anna I had lunch at whole foods this morning. I’ll think about that. Which state or is that secret.
@slurbs, thx for responding. Best to you.
Abloom, we search in different states, you and I. Therefore I must decline to your offer to team up.
Four-two-four = 10ft
I agree, 23, that is what he meant. I also think that 44 ounces is really 8 ounces, or a cup.
Butterfly flutterby – Let me think?
Lot’s of Butterflies at the Botanic Gardens i would guess.
But i used to flutterby butterflies on my way to ski. They are my favorites because they seem so out of place. I doubt many people even notice them. They are on the historic Butterfly Barn and if my memory serves me (lately it doesn’t much) the barn was owned by Pat Mantle.
Long day at work; I’ve done it tired and now … How about all of those 4’s??
I get butterflies in my stomach. Does that count for something?
Nervousness, potentially leading to ulcers. 🙂
ΩΩ
🙂
Butterflies in my stomach – An awesome feeling when someone you care about looks at you, stares at you or complements you; and you don’t know what to do in that moment, except feel happy??
@pooch 🙂
and here I thought it was something I ate.
I understand. I will be making another trip soon. This time with even more confidence…
? 79-80 really have trekked that far?
inter… what, I wonder.
intercom, interstellar network, interwebs, inter dimensional time warp.. I realize it upsets the meter and all, but 🙂
You could say: Poetic license
I prefer: ‘Phone’ ethic lie sense 😉
Does that answer your question?
Phantom,
Hey, it’s ME. I understand your reference to the 424, but ‘Phone’ ethic lie sense is harder to figure out. Guess I’m just trying to make another connection.
Yes you do, so don’t 🙂
It’s just connections (albeit strrange) that sometime I do:
Inter.=Interphone – Phone – Phonetic – Poetic license
You can call it “being lazy”… I do 😉
I was pondering inter and scale and came up with the following as I love music… http://songmeanings.com/m/songs/view/3530822107858670101/
Now your arrogance is showing of verse, some think he was a fraud. No books, or written proof, best bed left to wife, nothing else? Yet, his tomb showed him as a merchant, until changed later. Let the conflict begin. Nothing is what is seems.
Thanks for posting…I read Poe at 8, its what my parents had in their simple library. Old volumes with scary pictures of the classics. Shakespeare, was a tortured soul. They all were in my opinion. Artist of the day like Hemingway. (not so much)
They drank to much, but saw life differently.
Grew up with them…before phones. I think we all could learn from their anguish and brilliance.
Do you regular bloggers know if Forrest Fenn will meet with searchers for coffee in Santa Fe; or if it’s okay to email him when you’re in town. Passing through this fall, would like to shake hands, say thanks for the adventure.
He sometimes does..write him in advance so he has time to think about it…
My feelings would be so hurt, if this were true. I thought maybe boundaries had been set . I know, feelings are a dime a dozen….try to understand…..and get over it!! Life goes on.
Dal, thank you for responding, and for such a outstanding forum where searchers may exchange ideas.
Many of the authors he talks about and quotes were called frauds or lacked any traceable background. Still trying to figure out what he is hinting at . 🙂
He talks about the blaze. Holding the beliefs not recognized for the effort. Yet, leaders are left to dwell. A dream of a rainbow came, to fight until the end.
Goodnight all. Tomorrow will be seven.
I’m still trying to figure that out, too, Deb. Forrest is truly a Man of Mystery.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHjoi_0YhGA
Duane had to finish his search early due to someone putting a green laser on him. I don’t know why someone there would do that . I guess they
may wonder what in world is this crazy guy doing he’s walking all over the place and back and forth.
Hoping the other fellow is not dangerous:(
It’s rather easy writing verse,
When I have nothing worth to tell,
By stringing words, shallow and terse,
Then make them ringing at the tail.
(this is it, I have to bail)
The Phantom
At the end 🙂
{} shallow and terse benefit no one, albeit clever. The same with sarcastic wit – which only inflates the witty one – as the cutting humor deals death blows deflating others. Mr. Fenn rightfully encourages all to understand root meanings. I learned the word sarcasm has the same root as sarcophagus or death many years ago and am no longer sarcastic to others because that knoledge holds me accountable.
Perhaps if you are bored with shallow and terse a fresh exercise would be writing for children who’s maturation level requires a sense of reality and fun. Almost like Mr. Fenns TC poem which cleverly hides layers of depth, meaning, cardinals, and coordinates…but is harmless and fun for all who read it. Something different to try.. Open up your }*{ wings and fly a bit Phantom.
actually, the root is sarx, which means “flesh”.
imo.
Mark J – thanks for the consonant correction sarx is the root of sarcasm and sarcophagus. I always understood the root to mean “flesh eating” which IMO is the equivalent of death. Not losing site of the forest thru the trees I’m reminded sarcasm doesn’t build on relationships – that’s all. Back to poem mining. Looking for coordinates hidden and an alternate form of Blaze. How goes your quest Mark?
Yes, it is flesh eating because the limestone helps dissolve the flesh. You should already be dead at that point 🙂
The quest is halted for me as I do not have the means to test my solution. So I wait. Or as it would be in greek, hupomoné.
I like what you said about sarcasm it’s true. Never been a commenter here at Dals blog. I think Forrest would probably enjoy meeting a searcher, of course I don’t speak for him but you might try emailing. Do you really think f would put coordinates in his poem? I hear others say this but how…doesn’t make sense to me.
Sally m.
Sally m. It’s possible imo thatcoordinates are cleverly hidden in the poem in differring formats. If my theory is correct, there may be geocodes and a different longitude format. I would prefer not to say more, as I noticed when searchers attempted to form collaborative groups, there’s little interest. Apparently, folks prefer to solve and test their own theories, which is simpler in the end. Hopefully, the sharing will be apparent when the tc is found and caring for others is manifested.
Mark J. I’m familiar with hupomene in its NT Biblical connotation: cheerful, patient endurance of any situation shines like a candle in the darkness. TTOTC is easily endured compared with life’s trials -Renelle Jacobson
It is also still used in modern Greek. I use it often with my wife whom is very impatient.
Ha Mark J! modern meaning of hupomone with my kids translates “chill” and with my spouse “get a grip hon”
good luck on chilling, and smile!
Intriguing conversation…
:;
Jd
What’s that mean your little dots and comma ???
Hi amy. Not mean at all! 🙂 was meant to be a smile face. As a matter of fact, I’m glad you asked. I was thinking about your quest, and honestly, I found myself rooting for you!
Smily. 🙂
I know right , keep Rooting 🙂 thank u for explaining
YW Amy. Keep your chin up! 🙂
Thank u
I will keep my chin up 🙂
The phantom is the hour glass of time… Why is it that we want time to pass yet we yearn for it when it is gone?
@Justin – as an aging adult with out the guarantee of good health I’ve taken a different look at time… As expressed in the flowing poem. Perhaps Love and memories live on. I’m looking at a unique solution to Forrest’s poem which considers those factors.
Time is
By Henry Van Dyke
Time is
Too Slow for those who Wait,
Too Swift for those who Fear,
Too Long for those who Grieve,
Too Short for those who Rejoice;
But for those who Love,
Time is not.
For anyone on the chase who appreciates the timeless qualities that identify all great art including the Taos plein air painters which Forrest Fenn collected, I highly recommend an Oscar nominated documentary: “Tim’s Vermeer”
Extremely interesting doc. which explores the technology of creating light infused paintings of Dutch master Vermeer. Learning to appreciate ff’s passion for art and antiquities opens the mind to possible solutions to the poem, imo.
Of note is the fact that Fenn says he. Can we assume the phantom is male??
I would never assume… 🙂
You can safely assume that… but then again, I had my moments 😛
Forrest I Had to cancel this last trip, father has to have surgery on the 9th.
Will go back ASAP . * very nice, thank you!
@ illinoisghost – I’ll pray for your father’s surgery on the 9th. Hopefully, all will go well. Fathers are so important, pouring equal measures of wisdom and love into kids, grandkids.
Surgery was good, we get to start home around 2:00 today… Yay!
@illinoisghost – pleased your dad is out of surgery and ok.
illinoisghost – I, for one, believe you. The reasons I believe you will blow you away. I’m an old Illinois boy myself (Freeport). Would love to chat sometime, although I’m sure you are reveling in ecstasy at the moment.
It’s killing me!
What’s killing you – knowing where it is and not being able to travel, or owning it and not being able to announce it?
Both, jk
Illinois you the man. Phantom whoever you are your having too much fun. Torturing us with your secret knolege.
🙂 Lots of torturing in the chase. lol
Good luck EVERYONE . 🙂
Hey Illinioisghost – i know you are busy today but would like to chat when you have a chance – before your upcoming trip would be best. Let’s just say I know your secret (and have no thoughts of spoiling it, believe me). Had to check for myself, though, and this morning confirmed it. Have pictures to prove it.
If you would like to connect, we can connect through Fenn, perhaps, or other ways you might have in mind. I’ll be home tomorrow.
Nothing but positive sentiments for you here.
It obvious nobody else knows
or it would not still be there.
Answer this “what did fenn do”
it’s one word and it’s what ttotc is all about
@spoon/illinoisghost – fenn “waited” ??
Survived
So then you think it’s still there? I don’t.
ttotc is an anagram, if you can work that out.
The word that comes to mind for me is “copied”. I’ve never been completely sure about that, though.
No disrespect intended, but perhaps I am addressing this to the wrong person. I really would like to talk with The Phantom.
I don’t have it, I just know we’re to get it, and yes I believe it’s still there. If you had 2mil. You would not waiste your time on here anymore. Fenn will know when it’s gone, he can’t say how because it’s too big of a clue
Now I get you. The
Word is 6 letters long starts with a c and ends with an l. Believe me yet?
Forrest knowing the treasures is gone. Now this I want to hear more about. What mechanism do you think he would use?
Those are his own words , how he knows it’s still there
Ok Ghost if you said it I have to believe it.
He makes the statement in one of his last book signing videos
Hey illinoisghost – how about an update. Have you had time to go back? Can the rest of us relax and call this over? Or is there more to this?
Don’t count me out just yet. I can’t believe I can figure out the poem and the clues and then overlooked the obvious. I keep saying to myself ” what a dumb a** “
People have talked about the crescent moon. There may be more than meets the eye in that picture, but what can be seen is a dove in the middle of the moon surrounded by black is there more than that? I don’t know, but I sure love finding new details.
The picture represents that place
illinoisghost – you are a mystery to me. It’s hard to know to take your words literally or interpret them as clues – much like Fenn. If you have the chest in hand then you owe it to the rest of us to let us know so we avoid making unnecessary trips. How about it? Be clear.
If I had it I would post it with photo proof, not to brag about it but to do just the thing you said. I would not want others spending money they did not need to. I do believe I have solved the poem and hope to recover soon. I am not made of money either and these trips take time and planning. I was making trips back and forth solving the poem one line at a time. The poem does refer to a exact location and fenn did give the coordinates of the location, but understanding the poem line for line is tricky. Each time I find what I was looking for it points me to a new location. The poem does take you there but many clues in the stories change the way you have to search, such as fenns statements to after midnight and his story of taking off his watch in a coton field and throwing it and his father sitting on the shelf of patience. Believe it or not I overlooked the obvious location, even though I have searched it I now know what I did wrong and I am 100 percent positive it’s there, just need to get back again. I have tried to count the clues fenn left behind and it’s well over 100, when it’s recovered you will see and understand. Planning my last trip now, this one will be my fastest yet. It really is simple, it just took time to understand fenns way of thinking. He worded the poem in way that I tells three stories at the same time” his, the dead, and fiction”
Hi Illinois, I’m a child of Chicago myself, but spent every summer on grandpa’s farm in Lincoln, Il. I have a Q about your … “his, the dead, and fiction.” …. does it align with: the past (the dead), the present (his), and future (the fiction)? Thanks. (I miss those evenings catching lightening bugs in a mason jar… kids in CA don’t have that.)
No it refers to his story,the story of someone who is gone, and a fictional story “literature”
Curious…
Fiction?
The fiction book tells the location, it has the thrill of the chase in it
Illinoisghost – ok, I’ll bite. Can you tell us the name of the fictional story, or give hints to us hungry fish? And you say it gives the location of ff’s treasure? Seems like Forrest would have linked to poem(s) rather than one fictional story, unless funny books, comic strips that he hinted around.
I can’t tell the name of the book at this time, there is several hints towards the author, ff has made at least 2 dozen hints toward the author and book.
Ok. Thanks. Then my solve is off base. Good luck. When do you think you’ll be able to make the trip? That must be killing you. Hope your dad is Ok, will he be going with you?
Ya he’s doing good, up and walking again. Plan to return soon, working on a contract deal with that polish production company to film it for a documentary.
Hoping they can make it here before it gets to much colder.
I hear you and thank you very much for the commentary. I know what you mean about making trips back and forth and solving lines of the poem/book clues one at a time. He is one tricky fellow. I wasn’t sure if it was you, Fenn or someone else altogether that was the Phantom. I’m guessing now it is Fenn. Do you concur?
Best of luck in all your endeavors and thanks again for your response.
I believe fenn his hinting toward a specific searcher he knows is very close, I myself noticed fenns post always come within three days of my search post and tend to throw my own words back at me.
That’s all very interesting. So many ways to interpret his words – does anyone really know for sure?
I suppose then he is also posting as {}? It fits his style, that’s for sure.
If he was, we will never know.
Illinois – Cotton is spelt with two tt’s. I had overlooked that minor detail. Thanks for pointing it out. Someone around the blog mentioned olives and martini glasses. I remember a story about disliking Margaritas, where are these other stories posted?
Sorry typing on an iPad and don’t always look to see what the speed check is doing. There are many stories like the cotton story. For instance fenn pulls off the road and walks into a large cotton field”looks like snow” throws his watch”time” and rips up a small calendar out of his walet” month of year”
Winter time
But don’t forget the end of that statement like I did. “Never again”
Its not a perfect fit, but THE BEAR by Faulkner immediately came to mind when I read your post… I read it over 50 years ago & was my first understanding of sthe ymbolism of compass’s and watches in literature. Can’t wait for you to make your trip, then explain your reasoning to us. For some of us, understanding the Why & How, is as good as being there. Thanks & good luck.
Illinois, thanks for pointing out “the genius of nicolai fechin” I’ve read 3 of Forrest’s books and looked briefly at “teepee smoke”. I see there are hints even in his Fechin book.
Out of curiosity, would you be willing to give your rough location – either which state or which direction from a central location, say, Old Faithful in Yellowstone – north, south, east or west? Or any other way of letting us know whether our search area is the same without giving away much of anything.
old shadows, the bear looks like a good read, may have to download.
Illinois, I think Forrest posts many peoples words back at them. Its even better when he can combine them in such a way as to make more than one searcher think he is talking to them. Thats been my experience and many other searchers who I have come to know.
Its great when you totally believe its all your game, not so much when you find out others are also being played on the same playing field. I see lots of this going on with his stories.
Good luck on your search!
@deb, you’re spot on. I’ve used uncommon words in my emails to Fenn and have seen them appear in his SB entries. Remember how strange the “deep thinking treasure searcher” wording was? That was a dead give away.
I would really like to say more but I just can’t, I don’t want to talk myself out of the treasure and I can’t keep up with the 200+ emails a day. I do still have to return again. I will provide information to all when the time comes, however i may not be able to reveal the location until after I have spoken with ff. I believe I have to return it to ff first to make the find legally mine , so the state can not take a claim to it. It’s kinda like returning a wallet the state can’t take what does not legally belong to them.
I find it curious that Mr. confident from Illinois does not seem so confident as to offer even the state in which he is targeting. For all…here is a big secret so listen good. My latest attempts at failure have been in Colorado. Ooooohhh, oohh,…now you all know where I have been..oh darn the secret is out and you will now all be rushing to my spot. What a joke.
Not trying to be rude, just find it amusing. I do wish Mr. Illinois all the best of luck to bring this quest to a peaceful end and the rest of the chasers as well.
My location exist in two location, one being Yellowstone and the other being New Mexico. That’s why I post new Yellowstone on my travel post. If you have done the correct research and are on the right path you will understand the meaning of this.
That’s the reason for many of the stories in ttotc and why you need to find the literature ff is referring to. The poem and the stories and the literature help you to determine which location the chest is in. Everything I have found,read,researched all points to a specific spot. But all and all the chest is in New Mexico. One place shadows the other.
Deb and others, You have said what others have been chompin’ to say…It is really interesting to stay in the back and watch the waters rise and recede. I always wish everyone the best of luck, and hope safety comes first. ROCK ON searchers !
Phantom,
Amazing poem, even more knowing that you put it together in a day. We should get a coffee sometime.
threeirish1888@gmail.com
Deb
I agree with u even some of my thoughts and ideas have showed up here.
It’s to get us to Chasing 🙂
Oh Phantom, MY PHANTOM! Has your fearful trip
Been done?
Has your ship weather’d every rack, has the prize you sought been won?
These questions need an answer, I need my ink and quill,
This feather better heed my charm, my impulse… if you will.
Yes, I’m just trying to figure out the NAME of the nameless canyon. Everything else seems too good to be true. I might just have to go take a look tomorrow.
I believe that I’ve neen in said canyon before, a time or two even. What would you like to know about it (other than the name)?
Inthechaseto, shute that info had me awake all night thinking i could find eagles but not golden eagle coins. ff knows every nook, cranny, crag of mountain, saddle of mountain, trails, canyons, domestic settings, sandy beach and then some in that Yellowstone region! soo out of my league but what a ride with a smile on my face. Guess I’ll stick too the plan, with my solve more complete by the day. westexpansion timeline overlaid w/sharp sloane, russel, explorers, painters, mappers from east; pioneers via southern santa fe trail near fenn’s home and then there’s the north route to consider too. Guess I’m complicating it again with research.
O Phantom, MY PHANTOM!
Of this I implore..
Keep us waiting NO MORE!
jdiggins, do you mean, “O Captain, My Captian”?
Mr. Fantom,
I enjoy your work. It makes me want share a quote from Adams called Still Learning. I can’t find a direct link, but I have a picture. I’ll try and send the picture to dal and see if he can share it with everyone…it’s such a nice read and an ode to you! I hope you can share Dal 😉
Jamie’s quote from Mr. Adams is here:
https://dalneitzel.com/?attachment_id=6320
And here is another…
I am a lost bird
I am the bird that doesn’t know where to fly.
When he gets lost, he never knows he is lost.
But everything is fine in his eyes and other’s.
Every bird faces problems, smaller or bigger.
But it’s still fine.
I am the bird that doesn’t know he flies in the air, thanks to his wings.
The bird that doesn’t know what it would be without his wings.
But smart enough to keep flying,
But too blind not knowing where to fly.
And to keep looking for answers,
Answers that don’t have questions.
Would he find answers not knowing what and why to ask?
Finally he finds the question when he meets a bird in the sky.
The bird from out of nowhere.
Then quickly he finds the answer that gives the next question.
Then another one, and one more. Next time it would have even more questions.
Now he has questions and answers, not just few, lots of them.
Confused with his own questions and answers,
He gets lost again.
And he doesn’t know he is lost.
Now it is time to fly,
Not knowing where to fly.
Not knowing why to fly.
Sukhee Bukhbat
If you have time read this all. If not, just read the title “Poe” surely youll understand the phantoms excitement at its discovery, yet it’s only a piece…and certainly not “top secret” enjoy all!!
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41397/41397-h/41397-h.htm#Page_23
Read the whole thing. It’s worth your time for all nine.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/41397/41397-h/41397-h.htm#Page_23
@Jamie – I read them all. Terrific poetry resource. “The Wooden Indian” and “Geronimo Aloft” are perfect compliments to 2 earlier scrapbooks by Mr. Fenn.
My favorite is “Twilight Reverie”
Can’t link…error msg. 🙁
@ Jdiggins: try the link again
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41397?msg=welcome_stranger
Thx 42! Worked this time! Looks like I better get out my glasses and kick up my feet! 🙂
My first impression from your poem was Red Cliff, Colorado. Because you mentioned Meeker and hinted at eagle. Red Cliff recently bought the old mine at Gilmore and plans a ski resort there. I know it is off highway 24, and on the eagle river. So I am guessing that 424 is a side road. Am I warm or cold?
Your in between 🙂
Michael
So Duane is searching near there he is checking it out so far no 424 road 🙁
I followed road 24 to my spot…
Well , THAT is awesomely hilarious!! 🙂 love it simply! Hey! someone spoke of only seeing what we want? I was on the train from Sacramento ,Ca. and saw on top of a mountain in Colorado, by a dam, a man staring up at the sky just like the guy in pic of woodsman! And it was also a W, or does that make it 2 U’s? or the 2 horse shoes? ….Is it reeeeaaaalllly in Colorado???
O phantom shadow tellaporter did they catch you? Did they put you in a bell. I WILL free you ventriloquist who rings from yore.
Hark!
Who’s voice is that I hear?
Nary a whisper
Upon my ear
Is it the Phantom?
The Shadow?
The Joker?
No, wait!
It’s….it’s….
Rod Serling?
🙂
I think I’ll give the electric chair a whirl !….
Phantom,
I’m sorry we have not been able to meet yet. Is there a time and location you prefer? Please email me.
threeirish1888@gmail.com
Sorry, cannot do that right now
II’d like to remain anon for a while, and told f that my identity will be our secret (just to prove his theory wrong, I’m intent to keep it that way).
Anyway, it seems that he’s a little more talkative than me 😉 … and, he counted wrong… it was two days 😛
{} , What did f count wrong? What was two days? Just curious…
if and when the chest is discovered, it would be nice if a solve book were published with photographs of the chest contents along with other searchers stories. I would buy it.
Can someone point me to where I can find what Forrest has said about Arthur Manby? Thanks!
Phantom or Shadow-
Which one of you will surcease your quest to the chest?
I used to dream like that when I was…Jung.
I read the poem 4,367 times before thinking I might understand…if I am wrong at least now I know more about Diddley.
Very, very creative.
I understand you will give No More!
(Time is near, if you’re sure)
At first I thought you were worried about Old Shadows double omegas.
http://www.crim.ca/perso/patrick.kenny/Kenny_isv08.pdf
Baum-Welch statistics? I knew I was missing something. I’ve been focusing on Bum-Belch statistics this hole time. I could sense in the wind that my theory totally stunk, but I just couldn’t quite put my finger on it to stop it.
I’ll have to think this one through. Thanks, Search!
(I’m just messin’ with ya!)
http://www.photoshoppix.com/coppermine/displayimage/album=34/pos=94.html
Your welcome JC, anything to help.
Sorry I was cryptic again. Here is what I was getting at for Phantoms poem: I mentioned Jung, this is in reference to a shadow as the part of the unconscious which we choose not to see or ignore. (Kinda like me not realizing how stupid my post are till I read them a day later…I like to think it was my shadow that wrote them.) Google… Jung and shadow.
Attached is a link to a good read on rhythm:
http://cgm.cs.mcgill.ca/~godfried/publications/Percussive-Notes-Web.pdf
The Rhythm that Conquered the World, What Makes “Good” rhythm Good? By Godfried T. Toussaint.
Hope this is a good enough reference for legality.
Within this writing you will see the words pigions, rhythm, time, scale, inter, Shadow and Bo Diddley with a good explanation of 4-2-4 and its shadow 44 on a 16 point clock rotation. Also why I used the number 4,367 (if you noticed I left one more option for myself since I might be wrong in my assumptions.
I’m not sure if this is what Phantom was referring to in his poem but it made me think about pigeons.
I have to go but I will tell you my exact thoughts on the double omegas with no cryptic messages in the near future.
Forrest responds-
I agree that you are in an ideal location from which to search for the treasure. I have received 4,526 emails, many of them similar to yours. It is not feasible for me to give feedback and be fair to everyone. There is lots of feedback on my web site if you want to follow what other people are doing. I am glad you are in the chase with your friends. I will give you an important clue, no need to look for the treasure in a place where a 79 or 80 year old man couldn’t go with a 44 pound treasure chest full of gold and precious gems. Good luck. f
Safety Joe – thanks for the link to Phantom, Shadow rhythm, 4-2-4, Bo-diddly etc. An interesting read on a universally enjoyed rhythm. My background in music is zip, but the article was comprehensible. Must say, I’m more confused now than ever about the Phantom’s poem and meaning as it relates to the chase, or what it relates to.
Pitch black in the middle of the night unable to see my nose in front of me. A circle indians in the middle Gypsies dancing around the periphery. A crescent moon graveyard broken pies. Oily black black car in the middle 2 trees on either side or men 2 alligators on either side. Fried pineapple pies 2 for a nickel.
After midnight, with George’s words fresh on my mind, I drove to Mummy Cave. The night was so black that the snow-covered ground offered little moderation.
On a cold, moonless night about 3:00, I stole out of my bedroom window, jumped in the Bullet, and drove out highway 53. My mind was made up and nothing could stop me. No one was around so I stopped on the bridge and looked down. I couldn’t see the water but I knew it was down there somewhere.
Anyone else have gold fever? I’ve got turrets and this fantom is enervating me.
Heading out with Dottie this weekend into the Rockies again. Maybe my caged beast can help me find where the chest may be scented in. Robin Williams recently passed as did Joanne Rivers. I did not care for Rivers’ voice nor humour. Either way, I expect to be star-crossed or starry-eyed. Which is it? Hmmm, I know….
slurbs –
I would appreciate it if you would keep you opinions about Joan Rivers – whose name you cannot even spell correctly to yourself. I knew her and she was one of the most generous people. She paid for all of her staffs college educations and she did so much more that people will never know.
I do hope you have a nice hunt.
What I meant to say – was she paid for all of her staffs “children’s” college educations.
ITC, I never have my opinion about J. Rivers. She very well may have been a wonderful person. She made many a person laugh. Like f,I proved that one can misspell and still have people understand you. Thank you for verifying that point. We all have our flaws, imo. I never gave an opinion about Rivers flaws, imo or otherwise. It was not a flaw of hers that she could not make me laugh as Robin Williams had. If it were a lack of skill, that would be a skill a great many lack. I on that hand am not lacking (I can make myself laugh without even moving my lips). Back to the subject at hand… I believe that I may cross paths with a star may or may not put a smile upon my face. Will I be resplendent with joyful laughter or will I be experiencing will I be forced to plate the same old crow dish again?
Thank you to the good luck well wishers. This will likely be my last hunt this season.
Slurbs
Can’t wIt to hear about your adventure 🙂 good luck to u
Good job good job 🙂
{}…
I’ll see your verse
And raise my pen
Will you share your secret then?
My lips are sealed, please sheathe your pen,
Cannot reveal, not now not then,
Be in the field or in my den,
Where is concealed the blaze of Fenn.
Did you get the treasure?
It’s already been over 3 years !!!!
For too four blazes…
: ) or : ( ??
In this deafening silence of the days gone by I’m not sure who I miss more, the Phantom and his Shadow or Forrest? Either one makes my day by any good measure.
Well, I’d better go take my final exam if I want to be taken seriously.
Aha moments + dark =
A. Insomnia
B. Feels like Christmas Eve when your 8.
jdiggins – read ff’s new story. I hope you are and 8 year old sleeping with your daisy air gun. insomnia is for stressed out adults. My spouse always says clean conscience like kids have makes for a good night sleep. You’ll like Forrests story.
Well, I hadn’t read Poe’s THE RAVEN since grade school, and SB 94 said nothing to me about the hunt, so I wondered: …IF Mr. Fenn wrote it, maybe he was directing me to read Poe’s poem. So I did.
Not being a literature or poetry buff, nor having a honed understanding of such, this may be heresy: I read Poe’s RAVEN and here’s what I took … Lost Lenore is a trifling flattery of the narrator’s interest. He asks, then ego-centrically or delusionally assumes the Raven is answering his questions.
I think the Raven is speaking for Pallas, and ithe real message is falling on the narrator’s deaf ears. (Not ‘listening good’).
Pallas was a Triton god of warfare. He/She was also a sister or brother to Athena, and killed by Athena. The Raven is saying: War NeverMore. I think maybe that fits Mr. Fenns message more.
Poe could have perched that bird on a bust of Adonis or someone more appropriate if were a lost-love tale.
Illinoisghost….no room left to post on correct thread buuut are you, by chance, referring to/promoting “the codex” by Doug Preston? With the white city? Or are you talking about an illustration in the other book?
@ search the west – olives are mentioned in totc story about ‘John Charles whatever’ and then Forrest placed his 10,000 word autobiography inside of a glass olive jar. Eons ago, olives were hinted around on a sb w/respect to a CA Olive Festival and John C. Fremont, a famous explorer, trail blazer and map maker. Fremont County Wyo near the Winds and Thermopolis would be my best location guess if you’re researching (not far from Lander, and Sinks Canyon). Hope that helps you. Enjoy your evening.
Thank you lia. I knew about the wax covered jar, but must have skipped over that John Charles bit. I’ll have another look. Thanks
I think and I think and I think so much,
That I think
That I thought
that I think
…I forgot.
Btw, auto bio in olive jar is 20 K words.
Jdiggins, FF is still in the game. So, I shorted him the last 1/2 10,000 until we’re all gone!
Glad he’s around, hope the tc is found in my lifetime.
🙂 42.
Me too, me too.
@ Goofy – mwaah! A pat on the head for your golden retriever who miraculously retreived my settings on the blog!! Many thanks Goofy, tails are waggin ‘)’
42 you’re blinded by gold fever………..He’s a Yellow Lab. But I’m glad your tail is wagging.
Goof
Hi deb,
The latest post from you….” I think Forrest posts many peoples words back at them. Its even better when he can combine them in such a way as to make more than one searcher think he is talking to them. Thats been my experience and many other searchers who I have come to know.
Its great when you totally believe its all your game, not so much when you find out others are also being played on the same playing field. I see lots of this going on with his stories.”…..
is one of the most revealing posts that I have read in a very long time. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Here is my own example of this. In some recent posts from Mr. Fenn, he has mentioned the word “wind” or “windy”…most recently in the Asphalt Art story. In the same story he mentions the wind while crossing San Mateo street in SF. OOOOhhhh…..my name is Matthew!!!! Means nothing but a tease to me…all in fun of course. In prior posts he suggests landing on a golf course and the wind again. Mr. Fenn knows I am an avid golfer…so ooooooohhhhh! From all this…I must be close to the treasure and Mr. Fenn and I are in this together now. Forewarning to all.. I went down this path over a year ago and it only led to trouble between myself and Mr. Fenn. It was not pleasant.
C’mon folks. Mr Fenn is having fun and he keeps us in the game. When you have the TC in your hands, then you can worry about what to do next. Hopefully, you will let the rest of us know.
I believe Mr. Fenn when he states that he has thought about everything…that includes any of the legal mumbo jumbo…even if he has passed before the TC is found. So….if you have a spot that may conflict with this….you may want to think some more before purchasing a plane ticket. But….keep the following in mind…
….you may need to search even a National Park to find an “in the wood” clue leading to the TC….that is not in the Park…to a place where the legal mumbo jumbo is not an issue. Many options here, so keep an open and humble mind in it all. Humility is Mr. Fenn’s greatest lesson in the Chase. The sooner you learn it, the better your chances will be.
Windsurfer speaks the truth: I’ve lurked, I’ve been on the blogs, I’ve searched, I’ve had words regurgitated, I’ve had the right type of solve, I’ve failed at finding the treasure 7 or 8 times, I thought I was the bass for a day. I’ve been poked fun of. A thick hide and sense of humor will keep you in the poker game. TOTC is a blast, but it’s not for sissy’s or old biddies.
I am completely humble when it comes to believing I am capable of finding anything more than adventure and providing folks on the blog a few good laughs at my attempts. By the way, it always feels like I’m being watched when searching. I like to think it’s protective }*{angels}*{ watching over me.
42, You are…
being watched ,that is
Just kidding ! I recall on one of my searches getting that feeling. When I looked up above me there was a man and his two sons studying me and my rooting around in a small creek up to my waste. The man inquired if I found it. I said “Found what? I was just checking out how deep and cold the water was” The boys laughed and they ambled away.
Hey Windsurfer – if you’re out there lurking… I miss you, your on-line friendship, and ttotc content! BTW, I finally found one thing ff didn’t think of. I can’t say what it is, but you’d be proud of me. I may never find his gold, but I do belong at the poker table, and believe that sly silver fox appreciates the ones who think and play his game well.
The Phantom is in New Mexico! And, apparently, …or transparently… no jail can hold him …or her.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/mexico-police-catch-ghostly-intruder-camera/story?id=25771690
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhInhlbDyaU
Poe statue unveiling in Boston.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/05/us/edgar-allan-poes-feud-with-boston-nevermore.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&version=LargeMediaHeadlineSum&module=photo-spot-region®ion=top-news&WT.nav=top-news
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Excellence endures… regardless of the chosen genre.
Ode to Joe – 44
This post was always interesting to me. There are so many ways to interpret Edgar Allen Poe’s The Reaven Nevermore and or the link to “phantom” I liked Jenny’s post on mysteriouswwritings as well. – talking about Edgar allen poe.
http://mysteriouswritings.com/how-to-solve-the-thrill-of-the-chase/
Wolf,
If you care I read your Tin Soldier deal and the Raven, I’m pretty sure you are close very close, but not in that area , but in your reference I have a meaning you have not considered…..
Joad…
{},
I guess the birds didn’t give away your secret…
Not even 2 u?
My son can be forgetful. One summer when he was still a teen, he came to the forest to help us with hard labor as my husbands back is shot ( way worse now after 12 searches, but I digress). To remedy this forgetfulness, my husband got a piece of wire, a sharpy, and a small metal clipboard with paper and rigged it all together into the now infamous dumba** necklace. 🙂
I need to bring it along next time, and on it will be: “four- two- four, and nothing more!”
Geez, if only I’d have thought of this month’s ago! 🙂
Thanks phantom.
Sorry about the random post folks. I just go back over things as often as I can, and it tends to help stir fresh thought. 🙂
I’ve enjoyed rereading this poem. I believe many have stayed up late with their nose to the book and maps trying to understand the poem. Well done, Phantom.