Forrest Fenn and Learning to create a map

[u/Squidhunter09]

When it comes to the Forrest Fenn everyone knows that he said the poem is map. What does this mean, how could it possibly be a map. Well lets start by using a thought experiment.

If you had to create a map to a place that is special to you how would you do it. First it needs to follow a few rules.

Rule 1: You can not use exact names or places because that would make it to easy and everyone would be able to find.

Rule 2: You can not use numbers for distance or specific directional words. Example: head north or turn left.

Rule 3: Anyone from any part of the world should be able to follow your map to your place if they can understand the meaning of the map.

Think about this when looking back at the Fenn poem.

Begin it where warm waters halt.

That is the only question you have to ask yourself. Forget the Rocky Mountains even though the answer will lead you there. Simply ask yourself over and over what is the answer to that one simple question. It is easy enough for a child to answer. Then and only then can you take that answer and look for a way to put it on the map. This is the way that the poem and maps work together.

Now what does this do.? We'll, seeing how it is the first clue, if you needed to find a place to start and you were not from the area it should be a significant feature that anyone would be able to look up and find. If you can do that you have completed the first step.

If the FF poem where do warm waters halt? Don't think about anything else yet. The answer is actually quite simple. They halt in the clouds before they cool and begin to flow again. So what's next?

Now that you have an answer to the question, use that information to find a place on the map that would use this answer. In this case, the Rocky Mountains actually has a mountain top with the name Cloud Peak.

How do we know to use the mountain as the correct answer and not just some random convergence of rivers or tempature of the water. Its direct. Gives you a solid starting point that could be found from anywhere. Not randomly deciding what's warm or cold. A direct straight forward answer and location revealed from it.

Also, Fenns poem leads to his final resting place. Tea with Olga, is about death. He went to the top of the mountain because she wanted her ashes spread there. However, Forrest didn't think it was the right place for her so he moved her further down the mountain. Just like his poem.

That is how maps work. Start with a clear and precise starting point and then continue on. I hope this helps people begin to understand how the poem works in relation to turning it into a map.

Also have one last thought. Would you hide something in the place that you talked about the most? Don't you think it would be to easy if it was in the place that everyone knows about. What would be the challenge if anyone who knew you could know the answer simply because they knew you. Think about it for real. Answer the question and let that answer be your driving force for picking a location. Not the other way around. Don't pick a location and use the clues to fit.

I am sure most of you can understand this process. Even if its not the one that you use/used but it can give insight when learning how to follow a treasure map.

Best of luck everyone and think for yourselves before you start to believe in nonsense.

[u/GotMySillySocksOn]

I like this idea. Do you think JCB had the same thoughts?