"Crazy is as Crazy Does..."

Elements That Leave You Shaking Your Head

The treasure hunting (and I'll include gold mining here) community is, by and large, composed of some of the most honest, decent, helpful, and down-to-earth people you'll ever come across. For example, my contact with readers of "Treasure Trove Dreams" and my mining blog "Bedrock Dreams" via e-mail, comments, and phone calls has been about 98.5% positive in total.

Treasure Hunting

But just as it is in life as a whole, you do run across those elements that leave you shaking your head slowly from side-to-side in either disgust or wonderment. The folks that trigger this sort of reaction in me (and probably in you as well) invariably fall into a range of less-than-desirable types that can include everything from BS artists and hustlers to my favorites, treasure-hunting whack jobs, true believers, and assorted oddities and oddballs.

Implied Threats are Not Common...

Let me give you an example. Just yesterday I received an anonymous comment on a post about Jesse James and Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) troves from an obvious whack job that went something like this: "You're playing with fire here. Don't think you aren't being watched either."

Implied threats like this one are not all that common, but I will tell you that it's not the first one I've ever received. Interestingly enough though, most of the more threatening comments I've received deal with large or very well-known treasure legends or troves, including the Lost Dutchman Mine, Oak Island, and the ever popular James Boys and KGC.

Potentially Violent People Out There

Typically I will publish each and every comment sent me including those that disagree with my assumptions or conclusions. The only time I won't publish a comment is if it contains nothing but 4-letter epithets or is overtly threatening. I refuse to give air time to whack jobs and fruitcakes...sorry. (Interestingly enough, the few threats I've received via "Treasure Trove Dreams" are always in comment form...these cowards never use an e-mail that can be traced. Surprise, surprise.)

That said, I feel it's important for all of you to realize that treasure hunting is not all about peace, love, and cashing in your "goodies." There are unstable, angry, paranoid, and even potentially violent people out there who think a given trove or treasure is theirs and theirs alone and they will stop at nothing to "protect" it. Hell bells folks, people have actually been killed or turned up missing in these sorts of contexts, the Lost Dutchman Mine legend being a classic example of how this happens.

What Has All This to Do With You?

Another sort of mini-crazy out there is the secretive, paranoid type that implies he or she is tied in with some huge conspiracy or network (a.k.a., secret society). I'd put the nut that sent me the comment yesterday in this category and it's easy to see why. By the way, I've gotten more than half a dozen of these paranoid/conspiracy, implied threat type comments since I started writing and publishing "Treasure Trove Dreams."

You're probably asking what all this has to do with you? The great majority of you out there are highly intelligent people who can figure that out on your own. For those of you who have a harder time deciphering things, the answer is simple my friends:

"Crazy is as crazy does..."

Peace out and good hunting to you.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "What to Do if You Recover a Cache or Trove"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2011/01/yours-truly-on-prowl.html

(c) J.R. 2010

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

What to Do if You Recover a Cache or Trove

(Yours truly on the "prowl.")

I'm No Exception

"Treasure Trove Dreams" is, as the subtitle states, about lost treasure legends, myths, and leads. Granted the first two categories are the most prevalent, but few (if any) treasure hunters will divulge every lead they've gained over the years through hard work, research, study, and observation. I'm no exception in that regard.


I've spoken to quite a few of you out there via e-mail about various aspects of treasure search and recovery, including treasure signs and symbols. I've also been queried more than once about what to do if you recover a cache or trove.

If Treasure Hunting Were Easy...

What do if that happy event occurs is a very good question. In fact, it's a question that begs answering, if in fact in can be answered in any one way or manner. Therein lies the rub....there is no hard rule of thumb on what to do if you actually recover treasure of any significance or value.

I'm like everyone else in the sense that I tend not to focus on what to do if I recover a good cache or trove. The reason for this is that I am so busy focusing on research and the actual search that I let that other part go...after all, I have to admit most (but not all) of my searches have ended in a "dry hole." Hell, if treasure hunting and recovery was easy, everyone would be a millionaire.

Like So Many Cockroaches

I can tell you this about recovering treasure. The more people who are in on the recovery, the more the news gets spread around and the more your "cut" gets skinned.

Metal Detectors

Like I've said before, if you blab the good news to each and everyone you come across, including family members beyond your immediate household, guess what? Claimants for your trove will come scurrying out of the woodwork like so many cockroaches looking to feast on your hard work and good fortune.

No Novice to the Game

Some of you out there have alluded to the fact that you have made a recovery (or recoveries) on private property. I'll assume you worked something out beforehand with the property owner, which is the right way to do it as long as you draw up a signed and notarized contract or some other sort of legally binding agreement.

But I'm no novice to the game and I know in my heart of hearts that some of you have gone onto private property surreptitiously and recovered a cache or trove. One or two of you have even asked me about certain legal aspects of this and what to do with what you've recovered.

You Better Hope...


I'm not a lawyer because I wasn't raised to be a parasite feeding off the difficulties and misery of others, so the legal issues are beyond my reach, let alone my willingness to pursue. So I cannot provide any advice in said circumstances except to say this: you better hope no one finds out about it. You'll be dragged through the courts for years and all those goodies you found will end up in the safety deposit boxes of the property owners and their attorneys.

Oh! I nearly forgot. Not only that, but the county, state, and Federal bureaucrats will be along forthwith marching in lockstep with their hands held out too. By the time they get through with you, you'll wish you never heard the word treasure.

What's the Best Advice?

So what's the best advice I can give you if you do recover a trove? Do it as honestly and forthright as you can and avoid any unnecessary entanglements with those who may "come as thieves in the night" later. Learn to keep your mouth closed and keep your own counsel.

Treasure Hunting

Lastly, don't be in a rush to dispose of your "goodies" or go on some wild spending spree. Stay cool, stay calm, live your life normally (at least in the view of others), and gradually make that recovery a pathway to your dreams.

Patience and clear thinking is the key to success in this regard. Patience and clear thinking. Got it?

Good hunting.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "Lost Gold in Arizona's Morgan City Wash (Conclusion)"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2011/01/lost-gold-in-arizonas-morgan-city-wash_21.html

(c) J.R. 2011

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Lost Gold in Arizona's Morgan City Wash (Conclusion)

I now continue with young Palmer Ashley's account of what transpired on his search for a rich ledge of galena ore in Morgan City Wash, Arizona:

"A Sign of Mineralization"

"It took me a few minutes to shake the cobwebs out of my head. I had taken a pretty hard spill while coming down that ridge. So I sat there for a bit and looked around and right off the bat I noticed a bunch of quartz pieces laying around about 20 yards away."

Treasure Hunting

"I stood up and dusted myself off and went over to have a look at that quartz, which was basic white colored up with reddish orange and green. Working my dad's claim had taught me to examine such quartz closely because these colors were a sign of mineralization."

"Me and My Dad Were Rich!"

"I stooped and picked up a fist-sized chunk of that quartz and right away I could see it carried gold...lots of gold. I felt my mouth go dry and my hands get clammy. This was rich ore."

"I shoved that big chunk of quartz into the pocket of my overalls and ran around picking up other pieces of ore that were colored the same way. Every piece I examined carried lots of free-milling gold."

"To top things off, just a few feet away was a ledge of the same material exposed above ground for, I'd say, maybe 15 -20 feet. It was a gold miner's dream come true and all I could think of was that me and my dad were rich!"

"He Couldn't Stop Grinning"

Well I tell you, I high tailed it down Morgan City Wash as fast as my legs could carry me. I knew my dad wouldn't be back from Phoenix until late but I was so excited I couldn't sit still. By the time dad got home late that evening a big thunderstorm had cut loose and we had lots of flash flooding in the area."

"My dad wasn't too excitable in general but when I showed him that chunk of ore I'd carried down and told him what I'd seen he couldn't stop grinning. Next morning we gathered up a few tools and headed up Morgan City Wash."

A Cruel Trick

"Well, we headed up the wash and right away I could see that the flooding from the storm had been severe. So much earth had been carved away and big boulders flung about that I couldn't recognize any of the landmarks I had seen the day before."

"Though dad and I searched high and low for that rich ledge all day long we never came across it. Same story the next day. And the next. I was confused, very disappointed, and downright mad at Mother Nature for playing this cruel trick on us."


"Even long after dad had passed on I continued to go back to Morgan City Wash to search for that rich ledge of orange and green quartz. I never found it again and that's the God's truth."

So there you have it. Somewhere in or near Morgan City Wash a rich ledge of reddish-orange and green colored quartz still rests, awaiting discovery by someone.

Maybe that someone is you...

(Note: In recent years Morgan City Wash has been a haven for hikers, off roaders, and even paintball gun enthusiasts, so don't expect to prowl the area unnoticed. Also, I heard recently that at least one large section of Morgan City Wash has been posted with "No Trespassing" signs, an indicator of private property. J.R.)

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "James Boys Treasure Signs and Symbols: Important Reader Information"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2011/01/charles-kenworthys-treasure-signs.html

(c) J.R. 2011

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

James Boys Treasure Signs and Symbols: Important Reader Information

(Charles Kenworthy's "Treasure Signs, Symbols, Shadow and Sun Signs.")

No Expert

As I’ve stated in the past, I don’t consider myself an expert when it comes to treasure signs and symbols. Although I have passing skills in this regard there are some researchers and treasure hunters out there who could dance circles around me when it comes to this facet of treasure hunting. And I’ll be the first to admit it.
I just received the following comments from a reader who wishes to remain anonymous. What this person has to say about James Boys' treasure signs and symbols is not only intriguing, but underlies the fact that this person is obviously highly experienced in reading and interpreting treasure sign.

Print a Copy

How do I know this? I can tell by this person’s obvious attention to detail and the deliberate and highly literate manner in which he (or she) comments. At the same time certain aspects are left open for your interpretation, which is as it should be.

If you’re at all interested in James Boys or Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) caches or troves I strongly suggest that you commit what this person has to say to memory or print a copy of this page:

“A Good Start…”

“A good start for the adventurous seeker of the James' path of deception would have a close path by starting in the Ouachita National Forest near the Dutch Creek Mountain area, east by northeast of Mena, Arkansas. There are symbols a plenty here with some very positive finds by a knowledgeable researcher.”

“The cross, knife, and arrow are used to throw off the novice seekers as to the actual direction to follow. The position symbol of the leaf is the true path to follow. Right, left, up, or down will determine the direction to a clump or small mound of stones or slate rock.”

“The Years Are Taking Their Toll”

“Certain symbols will be near to fading away. The years are taking their toll on the true symbols. The distance from one point to the next is in a reflection distance, times ten, of the noon day's sun from the leaf side of the tree to ground level in one wide step.”

“The tree signs are best visible in the late Fall of the seasons. Again, the years have taken their toll on the true carved symbols which were first set at eye level to an average human's height. The tree symbols will only rise higher up on the tree but will never change sides.”

“The Most Positive Indication”

“In the past several years the stone markers have been renewed (altered? J.R.) to a lesser detection view, but they are the most positive indication of that which many seek. Using a metal detector is, in some areas, forbidden.”

“However, a hand-held magnetic compass would serve an equal purpose without being detected by onlookers. That is what was used by the first guardians. Once again, metal detectors are better, but will alert many to one's activity.”

There you have it. I’ll leave the rest to you.

Good hunting.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: “Lost Gold in Arizona’s Morgan City Wash (Part 1)”

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2011/01/lost-gold-in-arizonas-morgan-city-wash.html

© J.R. 2011

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

Lost Gold in Arizona's Morgan City Wash (Part 1)

(The red dot is the location of Morristown within the boundaries of Maricopa County, Arizona.)

A Highly Mineralized Region

In 1934, at the height of the Great Depression, young Palmer Ashley was helping his father work a low-grade gold prospect southeast of Morristown, Arizona. This region of south-central Arizona is highly mineralized and a number of rich placer gold and lode mines were discovered here, including the famous Vulture Mine near Wickenburg.

One day Mr. Ashley decided to head to Phoenix on a business trip and left Palmer behind to “hold the fort.” Glad to be free from the restrictions of the daily grind and hard work at his father’s claim, Palmer decided to do a bit of exploring.

Rich Galena Ore

Some weeks earlier a grizzled old prospector told Palmer about a rich ledge of galena the oldtimer had come across farther up Morgan City Wash from the Ashley prospect. (Note: Galena is best known as a form of lead ore, typically known as lead sulphide or PbS. Galena can sometimes also carry small amounts of silver. J.R.)

The oldtimer had also given Palmer specific directions to the ledge of galena:

“Hike about a half mile up Morgan City Wash from this spot till you come across a 20-foot high fluted wall on the right side of the wash. You’ll notice this vertical wall since it sort of looks like it’s made of organ pipes because of heavy erosion. Once you get up and over the ‘organ pipe’ wall you’ll see a steep rise a bit farther on. On the other side of that rise is a shallow prospect pit with rich galena ore scattered about.”

A Hard Fall

Grabbing a canteen of water Palmer headed up Morgan City Wash to see if he could locate the galena. However, the young man quickly became confused because he encountered more than one high wall displaying the “organ pipe” erosion the oldtimer had described.

Here is what transpired in Palmer Ashley’s own words:

“I couldn’t figure out which ‘organ pipe’ wall the old guy meant, so I went back and climbed the first one I came to. I hiked over the first steep rise I saw but there was no prospect pit on the other side.”

“So, I decided to head back down into the wash and search for another fluted wall. Well, as I was descending that steep rise from another angle, I took a hard fall and went tumbling on down the face. When I came to a stop I was a bit disoriented and bruised and banged up.”

I’ll finish this treasure tale for you in my next post. Until then be safe and, as always, good hunting out there.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: “More Tips for Treasure Hunters (Part 3)”

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2011/01/more-tips-for-treasure-hunters-part-3.html

© J.R. 2011

Questions? E-mail me at mailto:athjr872vt90@yahoo.com

A Rosicrucian Connection to the Knights of the Golden Circle?

(Example of Rosicrucian imagery and symbols.)

A Secret Society

In his highly detailed account of treasure hunter Bob Brewer’s search for Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) caches, “Rebel Gold,” writer Warren Getler suggests there may be a Rosicrucian connection to the KGC. Whether or not this is taking things a wee bit too far is open for debate, but I thought I’d pass it along anyway.

Treasure Hunting

Who are the Rosicrucians? They are a secret society composed of self-proclaimed Christian mystics whose doctrine is based on ancient “truths” supposedly not known or available to the common man or woman.

Rosicrucian Symbols and KGC Treasure

Rosicrucianism got its start in the early 1600s in Europe and has a distinct link with Freemasonry. What’s interesting about Rosicrucianism is its use of a wide array of symbols that could have significance in identifying and locating potential KGC troves or repositories (providing you accept Getler’s initial premise).

Metal Detectors

Many of these symbols are Christian in origin and others could be rooted in ancient or even pagan thought, although the Rosicrucians themselves would adamantly refute the latter. After all, their overall philosophy is one of enlightenment for the select few in this secret society.

Symbols for Your Consideration

OK, if we accept a Rosicrucian connection to KGC treasures, what sorts of Rosicrucian symbols might crop up in the field? Here are a few for your consideration and interpretation:

Sun with face and rays: Wisdom. Gaining knowledge. You are on the right track. What you seek is within this circle.

Number 12, 12 circles surmounted by triangle: Signs of the ancients. Revelations lie within. Treasure beneath or below.

Series of six or more 5-pointed stars shown above other symbols: Designates highest order of knowledge. Attainment. May designate a large repository.

Depiction of water or blood or the colors white or red: Life-giving sustenance, providence. The source of all life. Riches, both internal and external. Treasure nearby.

The number 7 with lion(s), eagle(s), raven(s), circle(s): Power, majesty, decline, resurrection. Indicators of caches or troves.

Skull, skeleton: Death, part of the ongoing cycle of existence. Darkness, ignorance. A warning. Danger, do not pass this way. May also be a misdirection to turn you away from a cache.

There are many other Rosicrucian symbols that may be related to the KGC and KGC caches and troves but they are too numerous to list here. However, this small sampling may provide food for thought.

That’s it for now. Be safe out there and good hunting to you all.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "$2,000,000 in James Boys Loot? (Conclusion)"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2011/01/2000000-in-james-boys-loot-conclusion.html

(c) J.R. 2010

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com

$2,000,000 in James Boys Loot? (Conclusion)

(Part of southwestern Oklahoma's Wichita Mountains.)

In the first post in this 2-part series I brought to your attention the possibility of a $2,000,000 cache buried by the James Boys somewhere in or near southwestern Oklahoma's Wichita Mountains. There are also those who believe that this princely sum represents a large Knights of the Golden Circle (KGC) repository.

Disrupted by "John Law"

According to this treasure legend, Jesse and Frank James could not return to recover this cache because the Pinkerton Agency and law enforcement in general was hunting them down with a vengeance. Each time the James Boys made an attempt to return to southwestern Oklahoma to recover all or a portion of their 2 million in "goodies," their plans went awry or were disrupted by "John Law."

Metal Detectors

Eventually, as we all know, Jesse was gunned down by "that dirty little coward" Bob Ford and Frank ended up behind bars doing a stiff jolt for his, Jesse's, and the James gang's transgressions. Ostensibly this is the reason the $2,000,000 trove was never recovered.

Frank and Jesse Were Not Stupid

Somehow I can't see Frank James walking out of prison and forgetting about that stash. The James Boys and their cohorts were desperadoes all right, hard cases that had served with Quantrill's irregulars during the American Civil War, had ridden with "Bloody" Bill Anderson at one point, and whom had both seen and served up much of what could be considered in some circles as atrocities.

Yet, criminals or not, Frank and Jesse were not stupid. They could not have survived as long as they did both during the war and after if they were your typical moronic thieves. No sir...no way, no how.

An Elaborate and Deliberate Plan?

Frank James would never have willingly left a trove totaling out to $2,000,000 buried somewhere between Fort Sill and the Keeche Hills. UNLESS that trove was a KGC repository buried to fund the Golden Circle's plans in the Southwest.

Yet to believe this, you must first believe that the James Boys (and perhaps the Younger Brothers as well) were, at the very least, KGC members and at the far end, dedicated KGC "Sentinels." If they were either of these (and many treasure hunters and researchers believe they were one or the other), then that $2,000,000 was buried in an elaborate and deliberate plan.

I'll Leave it at That

I know some of you out there scoff at the idea of the KGC, let alone the involvement of American legends like the James Boys, the Youngers, and the James gang in such a secret society. But I will tell you this here and now:

1) The KGC did exist and that much is proven fact.

2) KGC treasure signs and symbols have been found in many parts of the United States, including Oklahoma.

3) KGC caches and troves HAVE BEEN RECOVERED.I'll leave it at that.

If you liked this post, you may want to read: "$2,000,000 in James Boys Loot? (Part 1)"

http://treasuretrovegold.blogspot.com/2010/12/2000000-in-james-boys-loot-part-1.html

(c) J.R. 2011

Questions? E-mail me at jr872vt90@yahoo.com