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Post by astree on Dec 21, 2019 7:22:55 GMT -5
I hesitate to ask, but is Forrest being 'tricky' here? If you just read Jill's question and not the preceding sentence, then Forrest has only answered whether there is one HoB in the poem, not in the Rockies. Not sure if this is what he's done or not. There are many potential answers to HoB regarding trout, bears, surnames, colours etc, so I'm not sure what this answer is telling us. Hopefully that there are many types of WWWH and only one type of HoB? Im not sure what Forrest did there. But, he didnt give an obvious answer to Jills question.
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Post by npsbuilder on Dec 21, 2019 10:41:42 GMT -5
Thanks Zap for helping me clarify. I'm not asking whether or not a blind person can get to the actual treasure site. I'd like to know if there are visual hints or clues in the book and/or poem and/or map in TFTW. I want to know if I am missing something that is under my nose or hidden in plain sight on a page, and not within the context of the words. Something in the shadows, photoshopped, alignment of letters in the poem, postmarks, something like the "in a cipher" on i.d. card etc. I'm thinking beyond the words on the page. Something a la The Gold Bug. Hidden text or hidden or images. I even brushed my TTOTC with a mixture of vinegar and turmeric, green paint and other child-friendly concoctions looking for invisible ink type messages. I have a very colorful book now lol. I suppose this whole question should be further clarified with "without the assistance of anyone". I have given some thought to the blind person comment and added it with ff's favorite drink to possibly make a connection. For me, they both speak of Radar from MASH. Does this give the starting point on our map? 40.77.9
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Post by fundamentaldesign on Dec 23, 2019 15:44:32 GMT -5
One shouldn't assume progressively easier means falling like dominoes. They can be on opposite ends of the difficulty rating spectrum. It's all in one's perspective. Progressively easier can still be nearly impossible. Progressively means 2 is easier than 1, 3 is easier than 2, 4 is easier than 3, etc. 1 and 2 were solved comparatively quickly. 3 did not follow suit. Therefore, the evidence suggests Forrest's claim is mistaken. That's my argument in a nutshell. I might add that since Forrest didn't confide in anyone else, he can't know the comparative difficulty of the clues for someone who doesn't know the answer. We can’t assume that the ones who solved the first two clues are still searching or working on the clues. If they are, are they still communicating with f their figurings?
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Post by fundamentaldesign on Dec 23, 2019 15:51:54 GMT -5
I would ask if any searcher has correctly figured out any of the hints in the Chase.
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Post by zaphod73491 on Dec 23, 2019 16:32:44 GMT -5
Progressively means 2 is easier than 1, 3 is easier than 2, 4 is easier than 3, etc. 1 and 2 were solved comparatively quickly. 3 did not follow suit. Therefore, the evidence suggests Forrest's claim is mistaken. That's my argument in a nutshell. I might add that since Forrest didn't confide in anyone else, he can't know the comparative difficulty of the clues for someone who doesn't know the answer. We can’t assume that the ones who solved the first two clues are still searching or working on the clues. If they are, are they still communicating with f their figurings? FD: true. The first ones to solve the first 2 clues may have long since thrown in the towel, but they've almost certainly been replaced by others who are still actively in the Chase. I wonder what fraction of searchers have ever emailed Forrest?
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Post by davebakedpotato on Dec 23, 2019 17:25:19 GMT -5
I would ask if any searcher has correctly figured out any of the hints in the Chase. I would anticipate an answer like "Hi, Fundamentaldesign, in a word, yes. f." Would that help unlock your solution? The reason I posed the question originally, other than it might spark some more ideas to help with your searches, is that we have less opportunity to ask questions directly to the setter of the hunt. Not just because of the request to limit emails, but through the simple passage of time, sad to say. So to have a few really useful questions, deeply considered, locked and loaded for anyone to ask should the opportunity arise seems like a good idea. I would love to know why his special spot is so special, but this may be too personal of a question, and may not be a 'killer question' as originally defined. I would differentiate between Interesting and Useful questions We also have to consider that the more useful a question is to be answered, the less likely it is to be answered. Asking about the hints in TTOTC seems like a good compromise. ?
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Post by Indy/phantom on Dec 30, 2019 7:51:17 GMT -5
Great questions, but I think you should change it to 100 feet not 10. I feel 10 is too close, and if someone was 30 feet away Forrest would just say no.
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Post by britchaser on Jan 1, 2020 8:07:38 GMT -5
1. If you only need the poem and a good map, why did you write hints in TTOTC? Did you think that the average person couldn't solve it without those hints?
2. For your friends abroad, could you tell us if, through deep thinking, TTOTC and a good map, we can solve the locations of the first 5 clues on a map, without visiting the USA?
3. Are all clue solutions locations on a map or there locations and directions and we need to figure that out as part of the puzzle?
4. Are there any clues that change the approach to the rest of the poem (e.g. the end is ever... does that relate to mirrors and do you need to mirror the answer to the later clues' actual answer e.g. west is east). Or are all the clues seperate to each other and/or relative to the previous clue's location?
5. Can the poem be solved without knowing nor using the word that is key or will the word that is key be clear to the searcher with the correct solve?
6. Did you find another treasure at the location of your treasure?
7. Are there intentionally-written-alternative-hints in TTOTC that don't help the searcher and choosing the correct hints is part of the puzzle?
8. Are any clue directions that include paces like a conventional treasure map?
9. Would waders come in handy?
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Post by davebakedpotato on Jan 1, 2020 11:29:55 GMT -5
1. If you only need the poem and a good map, why did you write hints in TTOTC? Did you think that the average person couldn't solve it without those hints? 2. For your friends abroad, could you tell us if, through deep thinking, TTOTC and a good map, we can solve the locations of the first 5 clues on a map, without visiting the USA? 3. Are all clue solutions locations on a map or there locations and directions and we need to figure that out as part of the puzzle? 4. Are there any clues that change the approach to the rest of the poem (e.g. the end is ever... does that relate to mirrors and do you need to mirror the answer to the later clues' actual answer e.g. west is east). Or are all the clues seperate to each other and/or relative to the previous clue's location? 5. Can the poem be solved without knowing nor using the word that is key or will the word that is key be clear to the searcher with the correct solve? 6. Did you find another treasure at the location of your treasure? 7. Are there intentionally-written-alternative-hints in TTOTC that don't help the searcher and choosing the correct hints is part of the puzzle? 8. Are any clue directions that include paces like a conventional treasure map? 9. Would waders come in handy? Really nice thinking here!
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Post by zaphod73491 on Jan 1, 2020 19:28:11 GMT -5
1. If you only need the poem and a good map, why did you write hints in TTOTC? Did you think that the average person couldn't solve it without those hints? 2. For your friends abroad, could you tell us if, through deep thinking, TTOTC and a good map, we can solve the locations of the first 5 clues on a map, without visiting the USA? 3. Are all clue solutions locations on a map or there locations and directions and we need to figure that out as part of the puzzle? 4. Are there any clues that change the approach to the rest of the poem (e.g. the end is ever... does that relate to mirrors and do you need to mirror the answer to the later clues' actual answer e.g. west is east). Or are all the clues seperate to each other and/or relative to the previous clue's location? 5. Can the poem be solved without knowing nor using the word that is key or will the word that is key be clear to the searcher with the correct solve? 6. Did you find another treasure at the location of your treasure? 7. Are there intentionally-written-alternative-hints in TTOTC that don't help the searcher and choosing the correct hints is part of the puzzle? 8. Are any clue directions that include paces like a conventional treasure map? 9. Would waders come in handy? Hi Britchaser: I know these are intended for Forrest, but allow me to offer my opinion on some of the answers:
1. If you only need the poem and a good map, why did you write hints in TTOTC? Did you think that the average person couldn't solve it without those hints?
Since I don't think the book hints will help you actually *solve* a clue, the only reason I can imagine for putting them in the book was to supply a little confirmation that you're on the right track. He also didn't (and couldn't) know how difficult the clues would be to solve, so better to err on making the clues too hard. He could always provide hints later to tweak the difficulty downward slightly and monitor the blogs and his email for progress.
2. For your friends abroad, could you tell us if, through deep thinking, TTOTC and a good map, we can solve the locations of the first 5 clues on a map, without visiting the USA?
I absolutely believe so. I think you can solve EVERY clue. And for those living far from their search locations, where a dozen searches to the Rockies would be prohibitively expensive, solving every clue in advance seems prudent. Forrest couldn't really expect the "Texas redneck with 12 kids and no job" to spend thousands making trips to the Rockies, could he?
3. Are all clue solutions locations on a map or there locations and directions and we need to figure that out as part of the puzzle? Not all are locations. I think at least some are instructions/directions.
4. Not sure how to interpret your question. Each clue is clearly related to those that precede it (contiguous), but is simultaneously independent in that the skills or techniques needed to solve each clue may be different. Clearly solving the first two clues did not immediately reveal the answer to the third, for instance.
5. Can the poem be solved without knowing nor using the word that is key or will the word that is key be clear to the searcher with the correct solve?
No to the first part, and yes to the second.
6. Did you find another treasure at the location of your treasure? Don't really have an opinion either way on this one. If you mean an actual treasure purposely hidden by someone else, I'd say a firm "no." If you mean something inadvertently left there (e.g. Native American artifact(s), fossils), then I'd say that's possible.
7. Are there intentionally-written-alternative-hints in TTOTC that don't help the searcher and choosing the correct hints is part of the puzzle? Forrest has said there are no red herrings, so I don't believe there are deliberate unhelpful (or even misleading) hints. Forrest probably was well aware that people are skilled enough at finding their own red herrings and hare holes that he didn't need to add any of his own.
8. Are any clue directions that include paces like a conventional treasure map? A good question. After all, Forrest's definition of a "correct solve" requires intentionally walking to within several steps of the treasure's location. One way to do that is with geographic coordinates; the other is with a distance and direction from a known waypoint: pirate style. :-) The former is problematic since it would mean there IS a potential shortcut.
9. Would waders come in handy? Possibly, but I doubt it since it would encourage recklessness. The average person has no experiencing safely crossing swift-moving water. Keep in mind, Forrest had to do this twice when he was 79 years old. One slip, and either the chest or the goodies could be swept away.
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Post by britchaser on Jan 2, 2020 8:41:56 GMT -5
1. If you only need the poem and a good map, why did you write hints in TTOTC? Did you think that the average person couldn't solve it without those hints? 2. For your friends abroad, could you tell us if, through deep thinking, TTOTC and a good map, we can solve the locations of the first 5 clues on a map, without visiting the USA? 3. Are all clue solutions locations on a map or there locations and directions and we need to figure that out as part of the puzzle? 4. Are there any clues that change the approach to the rest of the poem (e.g. the end is ever... does that relate to mirrors and do you need to mirror the answer to the later clues' actual answer e.g. west is east). Or are all the clues seperate to each other and/or relative to the previous clue's location? 5. Can the poem be solved without knowing nor using the word that is key or will the word that is key be clear to the searcher with the correct solve? 6. Did you find another treasure at the location of your treasure? 7. Are there intentionally-written-alternative-hints in TTOTC that don't help the searcher and choosing the correct hints is part of the puzzle? 8. Are any clue directions that include paces like a conventional treasure map? 9. Would waders come in handy? Hi Britchaser: I know these are intended for Forrest, but allow me to offer my opinion on some of the answers:
1. If you only need the poem and a good map, why did you write hints in TTOTC? Did you think that the average person couldn't solve it without those hints?
Since I don't think the book hints will help you actually *solve* a clue, the only reason I can imagine for putting them in the book was to supply a little confirmation that you're on the right track. He also didn't (and couldn't) know how difficult the clues would be to solve, so better to err on making the clues too hard. He could always provide hints later to tweak the difficulty downward slightly and monitor the blogs and his email for progress.
2. For your friends abroad, could you tell us if, through deep thinking, TTOTC and a good map, we can solve the locations of the first 5 clues on a map, without visiting the USA?
I absolutely believe so. I think you can solve EVERY clue. And for those living far from their search locations, where a dozen searches to the Rockies would be prohibitively expensive, solving every clue in advance seems prudent. Forrest couldn't really expect the "Texas redneck with 12 kids and no job" to spend thousands making trips to the Rockies, could he?
3. Are all clue solutions locations on a map or there locations and directions and we need to figure that out as part of the puzzle? Not all are locations. I think at least some are instructions/directions.
4. Not sure how to interpret your question. Each clue is clearly related to those that precede it (contiguous), but is simultaneously independent in that the skills or techniques needed to solve each clue may be different. Clearly solving the first two clues did not immediately reveal the answer to the third, for instance.
5. Can the poem be solved without knowing nor using the word that is key or will the word that is key be clear to the searcher with the correct solve?
No to the first part, and yes to the second.
6. Did you find another treasure at the location of your treasure? Don't really have an opinion either way on this one. If you mean an actual treasure purposely hidden by someone else, I'd say a firm "no." If you mean something inadvertently left there (e.g. Native American artifact(s), fossils), then I'd say that's possible.
7. Are there intentionally-written-alternative-hints in TTOTC that don't help the searcher and choosing the correct hints is part of the puzzle? Forrest has said there are no red herrings, so I don't believe there are deliberate unhelpful (or even misleading) hints. Forrest probably was well aware that people are skilled enough at finding their own red herrings and hare holes that he didn't need to add any of his own.
8. Are any clue directions that include paces like a conventional treasure map? A good question. After all, Forrest's definition of a "correct solve" requires intentionally walking to within several steps of the treasure's location. One way to do that is with geographic coordinates; the other is with a distance and direction from a known waypoint: pirate style. :-) The former is problematic since it would mean there IS a potential shortcut.
9. Would waders come in handy? Possibly, but I doubt it since it would encourage recklessness. The average person has no experiencing safely crossing swift-moving water. Keep in mind, Forrest had to do this twice when he was 79 years old. One slip, and either the chest or the goodies could be swept away.
We think alike I’d love to have ff confirm our thinking
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Post by fundamentaldesign on Jan 2, 2020 15:21:11 GMT -5
I would ask if any searcher has correctly figured out any of the hints in the Chase. I would anticipate an answer like "Hi, Fundamentaldesign, in a word, yes. f." Would that help unlock your solution? The reason I posed the question originally, other than it might spark some more ideas to help with your searches, is that we have less opportunity to ask questions directly to the setter of the hunt. Not just because of the request to limit emails, but through the simple passage of time, sad to say. So to have a few really useful questions, deeply considered, locked and loaded for anyone to ask should the opportunity arise seems like a good idea. I would love to know why his special spot is so special, but this may be too personal of a question, and may not be a 'killer question' as originally defined. I would differentiate between Interesting and Useful questions We also have to consider that the more useful a question is to be answered, the less likely it is to be answered. Asking about the hints in TTOTC seems like a good compromise. ? Maybe a good compromise. It is compelling, I think, to note that f has never answered that question other than to say he wants to keep that as part of the puzzle. I think it goes to show how important the hints are to unraveling the correct area somehow.
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Post by jdiggins on Jan 3, 2020 20:13:53 GMT -5
Forrest, You've said you've been sent pictures from people searching for your treasure, and you knew they had solved a clue because you recognized the spot (paraphrased) Has any searcher ever sent you a picture of the hidey spot?
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Post by goldilocks on Jan 9, 2020 11:29:22 GMT -5
Mr Fenn, is the treasure chest location accessible to the general public?
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Post by fundamentaldesign on Jan 11, 2020 12:03:21 GMT -5
Zap, you said above-
“Since I don't think the book hints will help you actually *solve* a clue, the only reason I can imagine for putting them in the book was to supply a little confirmation that you're on the right track. He also didn't (and couldn't) know how difficult the clues would be to solve, so better to err on making the clues too hard. He could always provide hints later to tweak the difficulty downward slightly and monitor the blogs and his email for progress.” ————————-
I don’t think the job of the hints is to provide a little confirmation after you have solved any of the clues. It would be not necessary if there’s another way the hints work that you didn’t imagine.
The hints could provide a specific geographical point within the correct general starting area where one would drive their vehicle to the correct wwwh. The hints solution(s) would be further away from the tc than wwwh. In this way, the definitions of what clues and hints do for searchers are maintained.
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