A woman from Texas was discovered alive in the New Mexican mountains
this weekend after wandering off and getting lost in search of a
treasure chest
allegedly stashed somewhere in the American wilds by millionaire art and antiques dealer and author Forrest Fenn.
Carrollton, Texas resident Chanon Thompson, 33, was found Saturday,
having wandered through New Mexico’s Santa Fe National Forest for three
days, at times enduring below-freezing temperatures,
according to ABC News.
Her hike-gone-awry was inspired by Forrest Fenn’s 2010 book “
The Thrill of the Chase,”
which contains a poem that also serves as a cryptic treasure map of
sorts, purported to lead readers to where he hid a box full of gems and
gold worth millions.
He
announced the treasure hunt after being diagnosed with cancer, as his
way of leaving a legacy of encouraging people to explore the outdoors
more. His website cautions that the chest is not hidden in any dangerous
place, and that explorers should take adequate precautions.
“Remember, it weighs 42 pounds and an old man carried it to its
secret location,” treasure-seekers are told. “Keep your children close
in the mountains and search at your own risk.”
Thompson is reportedly recovering in Texas.
The Poem
As I have gone alone in there
And with my treasures bold,
I can keep my secret where,
And hint of riches new and old.
Begin it where warm waters halt
And take it in the canyon down,
Not far, but too far to walk.
Put in below the home of Brown.
From there it's no place for the meek,
The end is ever drawing nigh;
There'll be no paddle up your creek,
Just heavy loads and water high.
If you've been wise and found the blaze,
Look quickly down, your quest to cease,
But tarry scant with marvel gaze,
Just take the chest and go in peace.
So why is it that I must go
And leave my trove for all to seek?
The answer I already know,
I've done it tired, and now I'm weak.
So hear me all and listen good,
Your effort will be worth the cold.
If you are brave and in the wood
I give you title to the gold.
The Raw Story
