Quest4Treasure Archives

I AM VERY VERY CLOSE TO FINDING THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH TREASURE BOX. I'VE UNCOVERED SOME MAJOR CLUES. HERE IS JUST ONE OF THEM.

Welcome to the forum C.Zossima. Just to make sure you're aware, FOY is a real zero tolerance, no-dig zone. That area has been abused by diggers and the owners are willing to hit hard anyone who takes a shovel to their place, and are not giving permits or allowing people to dig. So... if you do have a theory as to where the casque is dug and it's at FOY, you might as well post it here in full instead of being secretive. People here will enjoy reading a well-thought out theory, but will be a bit narky with yet another person doing a slow spill or telling everyone they know where it is and never digging a hole or not telling everyone their theory. If you do have something, it would be great to hear, and it may help other people with their theories. Happy hunting. XdM

The cross has been excavated multiple times by the state since 1980 btw.

Thanks XeroDM for the feedback. I get it. My enthusiasm was not meant to be cognitively nefarious. Also I have no intention of digging anywhere. I believe the casque could be anywhere. the reason i say this, is that the 'clue' about the moon being the planetarium is wrong. (my opinion) I am posting an old photo, somewhat blurred to show where the actual 'moon' once was. It was the source of light for the moonlight in teardrops. i hope others can use this clue to expand their thinking. Again, thanks for the honest feedback.

HERE IS ANOTHER GREAT clue never before addressed. On top of the planetarium is a wind vane. long ago it had a sailing ship on it, and then the weather made it disappear. However the remaining vane is still there. IF you look close at the rock clue just beneath the statue of the Conquistador, you will see the vane pointing a new direction. Good luck!

Here is another important clue never addressed. In 1513 Ponce De Leon did not have a Spanish flag...so he used this symbol. i think you can make out similarities in the artistic rendition in the rock clue. Good Luck.

WOULD IT BE A TRUE STATEMENT THAT THE ARTWORK ONLY HELPS IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF THE CASQUES? THAT SINCE THE ARTIST HAD NO IDEA WHERE THE CASQUES WERE BURIED, ALL IMAGES ON THE ART ARE RANDOMLY PLACED? IN FACT IT IS THE VERSES THAT TELL EXACTLY WHERE THE CASQUES ARE BURIED, NOT, THE ARTWORK? ANY FEEDBACK IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.

C.Zossima wrote:: IN FACT IT IS THE VERSES THAT TELL EXACTLY WHERE THE CASQUES ARE BURIED, NOT, THE ARTWORK? I WOULD AGREE WITH THAT STATEMENT!!!!

What do you think of that Palencar quote: “where the verse leaves off, the painting may begin.”?

THANKS A MILL FOR THE FEEDBACK. HERE IS A PHOTO OF THE ART CLUE UPSIDE DOWN THE TOP PORTION. I ADDED IT NEXT TO A PHOTO OF THE SELOY VILLAGE. PLEAE NOTE AND FOLLOW THE RED LINES POINTING TO THE ALLIGATOR SKULL AND THE TALL TREE NEXT TO IT. ALSO NOTE THE FORMATION OF THE CIRCULAR LOGS AND ROCKS. I THINK BYRON PRIESS MADE IT OVER TO SELOY AT NIGHT..AS THE FINAL FIVE LINES SPELL OUT SELOY. GOOD LUCK.

AND HERE IS ANOTHER COMPARISON THAT PUTS THE CASQUE NEAR THE ACTUAL VILLAGE OF SELOY. NOTE THE SPRING POND AND TREE ISLAND.

C.Zossima wrote:: ANOTHER COMPARISON Those are some dead on image matches. Well done.

canvas_writing.jpg (171.15 KiB) Viewed 671 times I played around with the contrast on the Florida painting and found what looks like words. Would the artist have labelled his canvasses before painting over them?

canvas_writing.jpg (171.15 KiB) Viewed 679 times I played around with the contrast on the Florida painting and found what looks like words. Would the artist have labelled his canvasses before painting over them?

What's it say, Old Senator?

Finchlj wrote:: canvas_writing.jpg I played around with the contrast on the Florida painting and found what looks like words. Would the artist have labelled his canvasses before painting over them? I noticed the letters a long time ago - it may just be the way our graphics processors render things - on my laptop it looks like E.ENDFE2 - no idea

Not sure. Looks like “side” to me. The end part of Florida looks like it’s written underneath...

Finchlj wrote:: Not sure. Looks like “side” to me. The end part of Florida looks like it’s written underneath... Try viewing it from this site - see if you notice a difference - https://12treasures.com/

C.Zossima wrote:: WOULD IT BE A TRUE STATEMENT THAT THE ARTWORK ONLY HELPS IDENTIFY THE LOCATION OF THE CASQUES? THAT SINCE THE ARTIST HAD NO IDEA WHERE THE CASQUES WERE BURIED, ALL IMAGES ON THE ART ARE RANDOMLY PLACED? IN FACT IT IS THE VERSES THAT TELL EXACTLY WHERE THE CASQUES ARE BURIED, NOT, THE ARTWORK? ANY FEEDBACK IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. It is my understanding that Palencar gave Bryon the idea to buy a casque in Cleveland and he was present when the casque was buried in the Greek Cultural gardens So if the casque burial spot and gem location in the image have any relevance it would probably be in image 4 I recall Palencar saying he received polariods and a list of what was to be in image and worked from those. I would guess Palencar knows some if not most of the casque cities, i.e.exact Charleston harbor match, but not the exact locations or parks even. I believe the images get you to the city and park, the verse leads you to a specific spot and then the artwork has an single "confirmer" image you can see from burial spot So you would use image, then verse then image to confirm, in my opinion

phrabbott wrote:: What do you think of that Palencar quote: “where the verse leaves off, the painting may begin.”? “Bump” Unless no one thinks anything of it. As a traditional image-before-verse-ist, I certainly found that line from the article interesting.

phrabbott wrote:: “Bump” Unless no one thinks anything of it. As a traditional image-before-verse-ist, I certainly found that line from the article interesting. Yes, very interesting. Add the notion the lines of the verses 'may' not be in 'order' and we have a puzzle indeed. Of the two puzzles that were found, did the verse lead to the exact spot? And how significant were the images? BTW, I think a huge clue is the "You can still hear the honking." Is this a clue about distance?

Doghousereiley wrote:: I would guess Palencar knows some if not most of the casque cities, i.e.exact Charleston harbor match, but not the exact locations or parks even. I believe (and this is just my opinion which to be fair isn't worth much ) is that JJP knows a lot more than he's lets on, and quite rightly so. He will know at minimum the cities, and probably the parks and a rough location along with the correct image / verse pairings. He is right to keep this to himself and should not be pushed to give up any information. I only found out about The Secret around 18 months ago but find it very interesting. I grew up in the UK and loved Masquerade as a kid even though it had been 'solved' before taking an interest. I think that eventually more casques will be found. My theory is that there is something common that links everything together, it just isn't as logical as BP thought it was and that's why nobody has had that real ah-ha moment. I'm going to be in St Augustine next week. I'll probably take a walk through FOY, be happy to photograph anything that may be useful.

metaridley81 wrote:: JJP is right to keep this to himself and should not be pushed to give up any information. Spot on, and I completely agree. If he were to give out information, not only might that provide an advantage to some and not others, but it would be seriously unfair to those who had worked diligently to figure out the information for themselves.

C.Zossima wrote:: Of the two puzzles that were found, did the verse lead to the exact spot? Yes.

C.Zossima wrote:: And how significant were the images? Only 3 or 4 clues from the images were helpful in both Cleveland and Chicago. All of them were exact matches for what they represented. Once at the park, you only needed one clue from each of the respective paintings to get your bearings. In 20/20 hindsight you didnt NEED any of the image to find the dig spot, the verse describes how to find it in each case. It just describes it kind of badly.

Hirudiniforme wrote:: Spot on, and I completely agree. If he were to give out information, not only might that provide an advantage to some and not others, but it would be seriously unfair to those who had worked diligently to figure out the information for themselves. Weren't you just posting the other day about wanting to be put in touch with JJP? I think that John Michaels was in his house and spoke with him when creating that side hunt. He may have some info that everyone else does not.

GoldenMartyr wrote:: Weren't you just posting the other day about wanting to be put in touch with JJP? I think that John Michaels was in his house and spoke with him when creating that side hunt. He may have some info that everyone else does not. Maybe the tribute hunt uses the same methodology, might explain why it hasn't been found yet (I'm joking of course) It would also destroy the hobby (or obsession) if 'the secret' is revealed. I'm hoping to walk through FOY park next week while following verse 9, see if anything jumps out at me - so much has changed in the last 40 years, I guess that what party makes this so difficult.

metaridley81 wrote:: Maybe the tribute hunt uses the same methodology, might explain why it hasn't been found yet (I'm joking of course) It would also destroy the hobby (or obsession) if 'the secret' is revealed. I'm hoping to walk through FOY park next week while following verse 9, see if anything jumps out at me - so much has changed in the last 40 years, I guess that what party makes this so difficult. This is why we want to talk to JJP, not to get information, but to share in the excitement. The message I asked to be passed on to him said that I wanted advice on how to share the information without ruining the hunt. And, I am quite certain there is some shenanigans going on with JJP and the sharing of information. I honestly just wish he would close his dang mouth.

Makes sense. He's probably in two minds - partly wants to keep quiet and preserve the hunt, partly wants it all to be over with so he doesn't have to deal with it anymore

metaridley81 wrote:: He's probably in two minds - partly wants to keep quiet and preserve the hunt, partly wants it all to be over with so he doesn't have to deal with it anymore Agreed. I'm sure it's hard for him to sit on any information he may have. He does seem to be totally back-and-forth... He says he doesn't want to be contacted, but then grants interviews to producers. He takes calls from randos on the wiki who find his number, but won't respond to requests passed on to him. It's been said he's confirmed some things, but it's also been said he lied about others. Doesn't make a lot of sense to me. I'll take the guy at his word and try to respect that he wants no part of this, but his actions sure seem to suggest otherwise. Luckily, I'm of the mind that no help is needed. Unfortunately that means any help he does provide to people actually works against me.

burnstyle wrote:: Yes. burnstyle wrote:: Only 3 or 4 clues from the images were helpful in both Cleveland and Chicago. All of them were exact matches for what they represented. Once at the park, you only needed one clue from each of the respective paintings to get your bearings. In 20/20 hindsight you didnt NEED any of the image to find the dig spot, the verse describes how to find it in each case. It just describes it kind of badly. phrabbott wrote:: Those are burnstyle's opinions, as well as many others. And there is evidence to support those opinions. And so those opinions may well be correct. However, there's no way to know if we have ALL of the clues that may have been encoded in Chicago and Cleveland puzzles figured out. So myself, personally I would not discourage anyone from trying out alternate approaches. See my comment above.

From what I can see, both locations - for Chicago and Cleveland - had the exact location of the casque painted into the image. The fence post was included for Chicago and the stone flower-bed/container for Cleveland. Is this the case for all the locations? As far as St Augustine goes, I think we need to work out what/where this bit of the painting is (see uploaded pic). I was at the FOY last weekend and wandered around the car park area, next to the tree and green picket fence. It's all very close together. I just think that Preiss travelled farther from the starting point to the actual casque in the two locations that have been found so far.

MERLIN wrote:: I noticed the letters a long time ago - it may just be the way our graphics processors render things - on my laptop it looks like E.ENDFE2 - no idea Could it be Fernandez or Hernandez? Something Spanish?

Finchlj wrote:: Could it be Fernandez or Hernandez? Something Spanish? I think whatever the the letters are - they are most likely not part of the puzzle - maybe some ghost image picked up during the scanning process.

I'm just going to leave these here: https://i.imgur.com/oncIOCT.jpg https://i.imgur.com/iiOcp8p.jpg

Hi treasure solvers. Is it true that the harder puzzles have more valuable jewels? Could it be that Mr. Preiss put hints in the easy to solve puzzles that could then be used to help solve the harder ones?

MERLIN wrote:: I noticed the letters a long time ago - it may just be the way our graphics processors render things - on my laptop it looks like E.ENDFE2 - no idea....I think whatever the the letters are - they are most likely not part of the puzzle - maybe some ghost image picked up during the scanning process. My opinion only, but there appears to me to be written words all over Image 6. More visible in some scans than others. (burnstyle's super-high res images on 12treasures.com are a good place to start). JJP has been super tricky. Some of the letters are light in color (the highlights), some are dark in color (shadows). @Finchlj, it looks to me like your image processing has brought out the ENDE. However you lose the MEN and the Z by darkening it. I believe the word - or name written there is Menendez. (The founder of St Augustine). Who first took up residence at - you guessed it...Seloy, where the Fountain of Youth Park now is. He's mentioned at the park and on their website. https://www.fountainofyouthflorida.com/exhibits/1565-menendez-settlement/ The story of Menendez founding St Augustine is told in the play burnstyle alluded to (Same guy who wrote The Lost Colony. Hmmm....) https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1985-06-30-0310170144-story.html So, would be very much a part of the puzzle...

Kang wrote:: ...More visible in some scans than others... ...and not at all present in the printed book. I cannot prove it, but I don't think any decent puzzle-setter would intentionally hide letters that do not look like letters, make any clues indistinguishable from random scratches or brush strokes, and make those scratches open to individual interpretation. Those are not clues in my world.

burnstyle wrote:: I'm just going to leave these here: https://i.imgur.com/oncIOCT.jpg https://i.imgur.com/iiOcp8p.jpg Thanks Burnstyle. I’ve read about that play before. Then I started thinking about the amphitheatre. So many possibilities.

catherwood wrote:: ...and not at all present in the printed book. I cannot prove it, but I don't think any decent puzzle-setter would intentionally hide letters that do not look like letters, make any clues indistinguishable from random scratches or brush strokes, and make those scratches open to individual interpretation. Those are not clues in my world. I don’t think they are intentional clues. I think the artist scribbled them on the canvas before he started painting to help him draw out his plan. Just hoping that the odd legible word can help the search...

Finchlj wrote:: I don’t think they are intentional clues. I think the artist scribbled them on the canvas before he started painting to help him draw out his plan. Just hoping that the odd legible word can help the search... Yeah....no..... JJP painted in acrylic, Thick thick thick Acrylic. The entire text from the gutenburg bible could be back there - you wouldn't see any of it...

Why would anyone write notes on their canvas? You write notes to remember things... you can't remember them if you immediately paint over your notes. This fact is why god invented notebooks. I'm also fairly certain these aren't painted on canvas. I think Kit once said they were painted on hardboard and wood. Not that it really matters.

JUST BEAR WITH ME. WHAT PERCENTAGE OF US MENSA CODE BREAKERS FEEL THE CASQUE IS INSIDE THE PARK? THANKS.

Is that you Dr. Gay?

burnstyle wrote:: Why would anyone write notes on their canvas? You write notes to remember things... you can't remember them if you immediately paint over your notes. This fact is why god invented notebooks. I'm also fairly certain these aren't painted on canvas. I think Kit once said they were painted on hardboard and wood. Not that it really matters. If you’re planning a painting that is basically a collage you might do this

maltedfalcon wrote:: Yeah....no..... JJP painted in acrylic, Thick thick thick Acrylic. The entire text from the gutenburg bible could be back there - you wouldn't see any of it... It’s only in the lighter colour areas and yes, it’s acrylic. Not all acrylic is opaque though. Do you think that the lettering is just brush strokes? It could just be our eyes wanting to see something there...

Finchlj wrote:: It’s only in the lighter colour areas and yes, it’s acrylic. Not all acrylic is opaque though. Do you think that the lettering is just brush strokes? It could just be our eyes wanting to see something there... I think they were quite aware of the book printers capabilities, each image while originally fairly large was shrunk to 7.5 inches tall they would know that to survive the printing process a clue would need to be a certain size, have a certain contrast and color. microscopic clues, clues that can only be brought out via photoshop.... none of those are clues....

Choice wrote:: Is that you Dr. Gay? Never heard of a Dr. gay. I am serious about the percentage of people who think the casque is inside VS outside the park. I find it difficult to accept Byron would have trespassed onto private property...then expect searchers to carry a six foot shovel in also.

Here's an interesting 2013 interview with JJP about his painting process : https://www.tor.com/2013/04/16/making-art-rag-and-bone/ In short : - he makes a couple of sketches - final drawing on a plate finish board - Pencil drawing first with subtle shading. Just enough to indicate general shapes - transparent washes at the beginning - working in acrylic in a watercolor fashion - Over the course ... begin to introduce opaque and semi opaque washes. - These veils are also intermingled with transparent glazed colors - Each layer is contributing to the layer underneath. Each color, value, and layer shines through the previous layer to create some unexpected textural effects. - In some cases will build up a physical texture to enhance a particular area.

C.Zossima wrote:: Never heard of a Dr. gay. I am serious about the percentage of people who think the casque is inside VS outside the park. I find it difficult to accept Byron would have trespassed onto private property...then expect searchers to carry a six foot shovel in also. I think it's outside the paying part of the park. That's just my gut instinct.

I HAVE CONTACTED THE NEW OWNERS OF THE SECRET PUBLICATION AND FORWARDED MY CONCLUSION OF WHERE AND WHY THE CASQUE IS BURIED. I INCLUDED PHOTOGRAPHS AND AND A WRITTEN EXPLANATION AND NOW AWAIT TO SEE IF I WAS CORRECT. IF YOU FOLLOW THE WHITE ARROWS IN THE PICTURE I POSTED HERE, YOU CAN SEE CLEARLY A "C" ON THE ALLIGATOR SKULL. IT MATCHES PERFECTLY THE REAL WHITE STONE C AROUND THE FIRE PIT. I HAVE SUGGESTED TO THE OWNER OF THE SECRET THAT THE CASQUE IS BURIED VERY NEAR THE OLD TALL PALM TREE AS SEEN IN THE PICTURE OR LITERALLY INSIDE THE FIRE PIT "C". THE LAST FIVE LINES OF THE VERSE SPELL SELOY. I BELIEVE BYRON PRIESS WAS ACTUALLY LOOKING OUT OVER THE MARCH LATE AT NIGHT AND COULD SEE REAL SAIL BOATS IN THE DISTANCE THUS HIS POETIC NOTION. IF I HEAR ANYTHING FROM THE SECRET OWNERS I WILL POST IT HERE. THANKS FOR READING.

AWESOME. Anxiously awaiting the response from the new owners of The Secret Publication.

THAT FIRE PIT IS LIKE 8 UEARS OLD TOPS

burnstyle wrote:: THAT FIRE PIT IS LIKE 8 UEARS OLD TOPS So is it there?

GoldenMartyr wrote:: So is it there? We won’t know FOR SURE until the new owners of The Secret Publication respond to the submitted solution...

Unknown: microscopic clues, clues that can only be brought out via photoshop.... none of those are clues.... Where do you stand on things that only certain people can see? Or things that everyone can see, but no two people can agree on?

Erpobdelliforme wrote:: Where do you stand on things that only certain people can see? Or things that everyone can see, but no two people can agree on? Interpretation is obviously part of the hunt. just because nobody else agrees with you does not mean it wasn't what BP meant. Things that certain people see. at some point or another Paradolia gets all of us... but after the accuracy of the Halo, the wall, the columns, the transit building, the archer statue, the water tower, the fixture, the fountain(s) plural) the wall decoration. When someone says hey it kind of looks like... I have to think, probably not. Still I too am guilty of all of the above.

THE FIRE PIT HAS MOVED AROUND FOR DECADES. BUT THE TREE HASN'T. IN THIS PIC THERE ARE CLAY OR WOOD BOWLS AROUND THE TREE THAT LOOK VERY SIMILAR TO THE ARTWORK. SINCE JOSH GATES AND HIS GPR TEAM DIDN'T FIND IT...TIME TO THINK OUT OF THE BOX.

C.Zossima wrote:: THE FIRE PIT HAS MOVED AROUND FOR DECADES. BUT THE TREE HASN'T. IN THIS PIC THERE ARE CLAY OR WOOD BOWLS AROUND THE TREE THAT LOOK VERY SIMILAR TO THE ARTWORK. SINCE JOSH GATES AND HIS GPR TEAM DIDN'T FIND IT...TIME TO THINK OUT OF THE BOX. Sometimes I think it’s time to think out of the FOY park completely. Maybe somewhere else in St Augustine?

catherwood wrote:: ...and not at all present in the printed book. I cannot prove it, but I don't think any decent puzzle-setter would intentionally hide letters that do not look like letters, make any clues indistinguishable from random scratches or brush strokes, and make those scratches open to individual interpretation. Those are not clues in my world. maltedfalcon wrote:: I think they were quite aware of the book printers capabilities, each image while originally fairly large was shrunk to 7.5 inches tall they would know that to survive the printing process a clue would need to be a certain size, have a certain contrast and color. Microscopic clues, clues that can only be brought out via photoshop.... none of those are clues.... mariska wrote:: - working in acrylic in a watercolor fashion - Over the course ... begin to introduce opaque and semi opaque washes. - These veils are also intermingled with transparent glazed colors - Each layer is contributing to the layer underneath. Each color, value, and layer shines through the previous layer to create some unexpected textural effects. Each person is free to their own world of whether individual interpretation is or is not a part of this puzzle, good or bad ways to hide or not hide things like letters and what rules a decent puzzle-setter should use or not use. To each their own. Peace. However, I would say that placing relevant and critical information in plain sight in a way that disguises/hides it in a way that at first seems opaque or random is already a thing here. Indeed, I agree that they would probably know those things. However, what if none were microscopic? What if photoshop were not needed at all? What if all one needed was an original printing in good condition. If some things were actually quite huge instead of small but hidden in other ways? And for any things that are smaller than quite huge, would 1982-tech like a magnifying glass be out of bounds? (Or in lieu of that a really good scan). These are rhetorical questions that each person can only try and answer for themselves. If they wish. And if they do not wish, that is OK too. Layer upon layer, one over the other, sometimes one color or brightness value, sometimes another, transparent and semi opaque washes and glazes shining through the previous to create unexpected textural effects. Now that sounds like a technique that could have very interesting possibilities. To each their own.

Unknown: When someone says hey it kind of looks like... I have to think, probably not. One has to think definitely not. Or one has to hope that they possess the special set of skills BP had in mind when he conceived of the puzzle in the mold of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. Which sounds more likely for the book’s target audience?

Erpobdelliforme wrote:: one has to hope that they possess the special set of skills BP had in mind when he conceived of the puzzle in the mold of “The Emperor’s New Clothes”. Which sounds more likely for the book’s target audience? The emperor looks wonderful to me in his new suit.

Kang wrote:: Indeed, I agree that they would probably know those things. However, what if none were microscopic? What if photoshop were not needed at all? What if all one needed was an original printing in good condition. If some things were actually quite huge instead of small but hidden in other ways? And for any things that are smaller than quite huge, would 1982-tech like a magnifying glass be out of bounds? I think I said that, but I might have gotten lost in the whatifs... as far as a really good scan... actually only a photo taken in RAW format would be good, everything from an actual scanner goes through processing to make letters clearer, and purposely induce artifacts (so that letters become more readable and so people can't really get a good scan of money. It's built in to all scanners, although lately the newer ones just refuse to even try. any way back to the scan - basically the scan software automatically tries to clean you picture so vague shapes are digitally enhanced. any "clue" should be first checked against an original book.

IV'E TAKEN THE LIBERTY TO MANIPULATE THE COLORS OF THE IMAGE AND ZOOM IN ON A POTENTIAL CLUE. THIS IS OBVIOUS A FOUNTAIN...AND BEYOND IS IT'S SHADOW. AND THERE IN THE MIDST IS WHAT APPEARS TO BE A ROMAN LETTER V OR SOME THING THAT LOOKS LIKE (LOL) A V. MY BACK UP THEORY IS A...A DIFFERENT GREEN FENCE, A DIFFERENT LIGHT..AND A DIFFERENT TREE.

I don't see it but keep at it.

Dominick wrote:: I don't see it but keep at it. LOL!!!!!!

C.Zossima wrote:: IV'E TAKEN THE LIBERTY TO MANIPULATE THE COLORS OF THE IMAGE AND ZOOM IN ON A POTENTIAL CLUE. THIS IS OBVIOUS A FOUNTAIN...AND BEYOND IS IT'S SHADOW. AND THERE IN THE MIDST IS WHAT APPEARS TO BE A ROMAN LETTER V OR SOME THING THAT LOOKS LIKE (LOL) A V. MY BACK UP THEORY IS A...A DIFFERENT GREEN FENCE, A DIFFERENT LIGHT..AND A DIFFERENT TREE. C.Zossima wrote:: LOL!!!!!! After this: and this: I'm still not sure if this is satire or not. Take that as you will.

There are so many visible shapes, characters and numbers that haven't been interpreted yet. So I don't really see any need to seek or create any new ones. The two puzzles were solved with probably half of the inserted clues. IMO best to stick to what we see rather than what we may imagine. One thing I noticed in multiple images is the coordinates to the country of origin referenced by a monument or structure. Maybe this could be a good subject for deeper analysis of methodology. Looking at you Kang!

idyl wrote:: I'm still not sure if this is satire or not. Take that as you will. NO YOU MISUNDERSTOOD ITS NOT SATIRE, ITS A FOUNTAIN!!! ZOSS SAID IT WAS OBVIOUS.

The Milwaukee puzzle had a millstone which when combined with other OBVIOUS clues spelled out , Milwaukee. Has anyone addressed the millstone on the flag in image 6? I've tried to use 'mil' with other images to no avail. And BTW, in the lithic near the blue gem carved in rock are the initials PMA.. Pedro Menendez-Aviles

Have the new owners of THE SECRET PUBLICATION answered your solution submission yet? 15 years without a successfully retrieved casque would make one think they jump all over a correct submission. Unless, of course, they may be incapable of doing so for one reason or another...

BINGO wrote:: Have the new owners of THE SECRET PUBLICATION answered your solution submission yet? 15 years without a successfully retrieved casque would make one think they jump all over a correct submission. Unless, of course, they may be incapable of doing so for one reason or another... In the book it clearly says what to do if you cannot actually dig up the casque for whatever reason. i followed those guidelines. It is my opinion that the PO Box gets loaded with mail the new owner is tired of spending his time opening perhaps hundreds of letters and packages knowing full well the odds are against the treasure hunters. Subsequently it becomes a chore at the very least to address this almost forty year quest. I honestly don't blame the guy for not responding unless someone actually is 100% correct. So it begs the question if the more difficult task of paying the park owner to dig is the best option. i'm not holding my breath for any response from the Byron Priess Publication anytime this decade. However I would suggest to him to collect all the wild responses and write a book. It would definitely be a great read.

maltedfalcon wrote:: any "clue" should be first checked against an original book. maltedfalcon wrote:: ...actually only a photo taken in RAW format would be good, everything from an actual scanner goes through processing to make letters clearer, and purposely induce artifacts -so that letters become more readable..." Agreed. MaltedFalcon, can I ask you for more information about this? I know it's an area where you're very knowledgeable (one of many). I know about the 'clean up' being baked into scanner software and that it can artificially induce letters - as text reproduction is in its DNA. What I'd like to ask you about is why you say that a (digital) photo must be in RAW format to avoid this. Since the original purpose of a photo sensor (unlike older scanners) is not to create readable text would a photo (in general) be a way to avoid this possibility? And if so, though RAW would of course be the ideal - would lossless compression formats like TIFF or PNG not also avoid the 'induced text artifacts' debacle? Granted that any kind of compression by definition means somewhat reduced information from original - I would not think that in and of itself would result in induced text. Any thoughts? Thank you.

I think what he's saying is the other formats use compression to reduce size therefore manufactured and not as reliable as raw image.

C.Zossima wrote:: The Milwaukee puzzle had a millstone which when combined with other OBVIOUS clues spelled out , Milwaukee. Has anyone addressed the millstone on the flag in image 6? I've tried to use 'mil' with other images to no avail. And BTW, in the lithic near the blue gem carved in rock are the initials PMA.. Pedro Menendez-Aviles it's a match for the base of the ponce de leon monument from the grounds map at the FOY

Kang wrote:: MaltedFalcon, can I ask you for more information about this? I know it's an area where you're very knowledgeable (one of many). I know about the 'clean up' being baked into scanner software and that it can artificially induce letters - as text reproduction is in its DNA. What I'd like to ask you about is why you say that a (digital) photo must be in RAW format to avoid this. Since the original purpose of a photo sensor (unlike older scanners) is not to create readable text would a photo (in general) be a way to avoid this possibility? And if so, though RAW would of course be the ideal - would lossless compression formats like TIFF or PNG not also avoid the 'induced text artifacts' debacle? Granted that any kind of compression by definition means somewhat reduced information from original - I would not think that in and of itself would result in induced text. Any thoughts? Thank you. Even RAW format (and there are a bunch of different RAW formats, it depends on the camera manufacturer,) but it is the least processed of all the digital image formats. Lossless means no degredation in the size of the picture at saving time.... Anything is better than JPG but yes Tiff's and PNGs are processed to enhance the image.... Get an original book and a magnifying glass

C.Zossima wrote:: In the book it clearly says what to do if you cannot actually dig up the casque for whatever reason. i followed those guidelines. It is my opinion that the PO Box gets loaded with mail the new owner is tired of spending his time opening perhaps hundreds of letters and packages knowing full well the odds are against the treasure hunters. Subsequently it becomes a chore at the very least to address this almost forty year quest. I honestly don't blame the guy for not responding unless someone actually is 100% correct. So it begs the question if the more difficult task of paying the park owner to dig is the best option. i'm not holding my breath for any response from the Byron Priess Publication anytime this decade. However I would suggest to him to collect all the wild responses and write a book. It would definitely be a great read. The instructions in the original book are out of date. Byron Preiss Visual Publications is out of business. It went bankrupt not long after Byron Preiss tragically died in an auto accident in 2005. The current owner of the rights to the book "The Secret", Brick Tower Press, bought the rights to the book along with other BPVP assets at auction. Byron Preiss' widow has stated that the family was unable to find any list of solutions in his personal effects. Please respect the family's wishes and do not try to contact them about The Secret. Brick Tower Press has stated that the only way they will award a jewel is if a casque is dug up, as they do not have a list of solutions either.

Kalessin wrote:: The instructions in the original book are out of date. Byron Preiss Visual Publications is out of business. It went bankrupt not long after Byron Preiss tragically died in an auto accident in 2005. The current owner of the rights to the book "The Secret", Brick Tower Press, bought the rights to the book along with other BPVP assets at auction. Byron Preiss' widow has stated that the family was unable to find any list of solutions in his personal effects. Please respect the family's wishes and do not try to contact them about The Secret. Brick Tower Press has stated that the only way they will award a jewel is if a casque is dug up, as they do not have a list of solutions either. WELL PILGRIM, I'VE GOT SOME NEWS...IT MIGHT BE BEST FOR EVERYONE IF YOU POSTED CORRECT INFORMATION. I HAVE SOME INCREDIBLE NEWS FROM...YES ..COMING VERY VERY SOON. SO KEEP WATCHING AND READING..AND LISTENING TO OTHERS.

C Zossima - Kalessin is just trying to be helpful in answering the questions you have asked. They provided you with 100% verified correct information. Byron Priess had stated that the solutions were written up and somewhere safe. However, it seems that he misplaced them. After his death, his estate was not able to find them. Bricktower Press, the company that bought the rights to Byron Preiss Visual Publications reprinted the book in 2015. And while that edition like the original, contains wording that you may send in a 'correct' solution and receive the award, they are unable to fulfill on that. I know this because I personally contacted the owner of the publishing company last year. While the game is still on, he does not know where the items are buried. You will likely receive a response if this is where you sent your information. But when you do, it will be a form letter much like this one, which another user kindly posted. If you want to know whether or not your solution is correct, you must actually dig it up. I wish you well in the hunt, but these are the facts. You have the choice to either accept them or continue to create your own reality and behave like a jackass. Entirely up to you.

WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE...I APPRECIATE HONEST FEEDBACK AND MOST OF IT HERE IS ACCEPTABLE. WE ALL ARE SIMPLY PARTICIPANTS IN THE HUNT...NAME CALLING IS CHILDISH AND SPEAKS MORE ABOUT THE POSTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE. EVERYONE HERE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OPINIONS, AND NO ONE IS 'IN CHARGE' AS IF EMPOWERED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT SOON I WILL ALSO KNOW THE TRUTH. UNTIL THEN...PEACE AND GOOD WILL TO ALL.

Kang wrote:: You have the choice to either accept them or continue to create your own reality and behave like a jackass. Entirely up to you. C.Zossima wrote:: WHAT A TANGLED WEB WE WEAVE...I APPRECIATE HONEST FEEDBACK AND MOST OF IT HERE IS ACCEPTABLE. WE ALL ARE SIMPLY PARTICIPANTS IN THE HUNT...NAME CALLING IS CHILDISH AND SPEAKS MORE ABOUT THE POSTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE. EVERYONE HERE IS ENTITLED TO THEIR OPINIONS, AND NO ONE IS 'IN CHARGE' AS IF EMPOWERED BY THE ADMINISTRATOR. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT SOON I WILL ALSO KNOW THE TRUTH. UNTIL THEN...PEACE AND GOOD WILL TO ALL. Well, we know the choice they made.

Unknown: Well, we know the choice they made. They?

Download this colorized section of the FOY image and then expand it. i think the artist hid some clues that may be more visible with this methodology. Good luck.

You can still hear the honking...well i think it is the old duck pond with the fountain.

How about using this filter where the arrow is pointing?

I tried..not a whole lot there.

I THINK i SEE JEBUS.

Choice wrote:: I THINK i SEE JEBUS. I am a Buddhist as is my wife. So you haven't insulted me. But maybe someone else.

That's not an insult. People see Jebus in all sort of things!

C.Z. any chance you are the self published author who shares your username ? Possibly a fan of that author? My question is based on the artwork and graphics of those books is strikingly similar to the Photoshop manipulations that you have been drawing parallels to in this image.

I am a self published author of three books. My opus is titled Oracular Yahweh an American Tapestry..I am an atheist. I am a Buddhist..Violence as an answer is only the last straw. But when you do it...NUKE EM OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH.

Yeah. You're no fukin Buddhist. Just another radical psychopath

Choice wrote:: Yeah. You're no fukin Buddhist. Just another radical psychopath Really? I thought this site was about treasure hunting. You are a sick little man. And as time passes..you will suffer greatly.

You are the jackass that exposed yourself as a radical genocidal lil man with psychological issues. Seek help.

Choice wrote:: You are the jackass that exposed yourself as a radical genocidal lil man with psychological issues. Seek help. LOL!!! LOL!!! LOL!! Everybody knows you are a closet homo. LOL!!!

Oh brother! Add homophobic to your title.

LOOK. I AM TIRED OF THIS LUNATIC SHADOWING MY POST. I AM HERE TO ONLY DISCUSS TREASURE HUNTING. IF THE MODERATORS DON'T STEP IN SOON...I'M OUT OF HERE I WISH ALL THE REAL TREASURE HUNTERS . ALL THE BEST...BUT COME ON..ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

Yeah. Stick to your puzzle "solving" and stop with your terroristic threats and genocidal delusions.

Choice wrote:: Yeah. Stick to your puzzle "solving" and stop with your terroristic threats and genocidal delusions. THIS GUY IS FLAMING MANY THREADS HERE. HE IS AN IDIOT. I AM BEGINNING TO THINK HE HAS THE BLESSINGS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR BECAUSE HE IS SO VIRULENT. MANY WEBSITES EMPLOY LUNATICS TO STIR UP TROUBLE AND SOME HOW THE SITE BENEFITS. I'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE. I AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING LEAVING FOR GOOD. IF ANYONE AGREES WITH WITH THAN PLEASE START POSTING. THANKS.

Here’s the thing. You can’t change people, you can only change how you react to them. Choice has some great ideas and some not so great ideas. We all do. From what I’ve seen, their ideas have led to more contributions than feuds. It’s forum life and ideas are heavily scrutinized and critiqued here. That’s the purpose of presenting. If we don’t react, things don’t escalate.

C.Zossima wrote:: THIS GUY IS FLAMING MANY THREADS HERE. HE IS AN IDIOT. I AM BEGINNING TO THINK HE HAS THE BLESSINGS OF THE ADMINISTRATOR BECAUSE HE IS SO VIRULENT. MANY WEBSITES EMPLOY LUNATICS TO STIR UP TROUBLE AND SOME HOW THE SITE BENEFITS. I'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE. I AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING LEAVING FOR GOOD. IF ANYONE AGREES WITH WITH THAN PLEASE START POSTING. THANKS. A student asked his master how one deals with conflicting ideas. The master replied: The student was enlightened.

Unknown: The student was enlightened. Call me names, but I don't think enlightenment was the goal.

C.Zossima wrote:: . IF THE MODERATORS DON'T STEP IN SOON...I'M OUT OF HERE. very very rarely does the moderator step in here.

burnstyle wrote:: The master replied: If a shouting lunatic is your idea of a master then we have two totally different definition of a master. That really says something about your mentality BS. . o O (who heart you?)

got jokes?

Obviously not.

I think that one flew right by you. Much drama, it happens.

I often don't get sarcasm but good at making it.

Dang it, I guess I have to apologize to Burnstyle AGAIN! Last time GoGa (not goat yoga) made me do it but this time I mean it!

Download this pic and then expand it.

C.Zossima wrote:: Download this pic and then expand it. Why?

burnstyle wrote:: Why? Been using a program not dissimilar from LiDAR to peel away the layers of paint. i guess the artist repainted at least a few times, I even saw BP initial indications for changes. Initially i found the word SPAIN hand drawn in the right sky area. But later after hours of eyestrain I found several exciting notes the artist had hand written on the canvas. Not real significant since they only validate the FOY as the place. But take a look if you care.

WilliamTater wrote:: Been using a program not dissimilar from LiDAR Wow, this actually works. Good job man.

WilliamTater wrote:: Been using a program not dissimilar from LiDAR to peel away the layers of paint. This is extremely interesting to me. we know LiDAR uses a laser to map hundreds of points of elevation and then the software amplifies the differences so that they can be seen in 2 dimensional plots. and I actually have no doubt this could work given access to the original paintings. Since (and I just am making the assumption here) you do not have access to the original paintings. are you using an orignal book, otherwise your data is copies of a copy and suspect. and Even the original book wouldn't be a substitute for the original paintings. I wonder what it is your software is maping or measuring. It can't simply be shading and coloring as we know that 1 the images were post processed (i.e., the hidden fleur de-lis) and the coloring added to or changed 2 since the images were photographed, with a single lense they have no stereo information included,so no depth information at all. It really looks like you are just applying filters to the images, which we know actually adds data, it doesn't remove "layers" But I'd really like to know, what exactly is your software doing?

Unknown: But I'd really like to know, what exactly is your software doing? You can't be serious Matt. This is nonsense and you know it. And any attempt to legitimize it just erodes your credibility just that much further.

Erpobdelliforme wrote:: You can't be serious Matt. This is nonsense and you know it. And any attempt to legitimize it just erodes your credibility just that much further. GG ren, You know that, I know that, I just wanted to hear him admit it or be entertained by the bs. But seriously thank you for caring about my credibility so much

maltedfalcon wrote:: ...the hidden fleur de-lis... This is actually a good test of your app. See if it can come up with the fleur de lis by processing image 9 Also it would be nice to see what's at 5 o'clock where the flower is covered/painted over/erased on image 7

What flower at 5 o'clock on image 7?

WilliamTater wrote:: canvas. JJP does not paint on canvas.

Choice wrote:: This is actually a good test of your app. See if it can come up with the fleur de lis by processing image 9 no that wouldn't work since we know the blob was added in post processing and was never actually painted on the image.

As you wrote before, unless he has the original paintings the point is moot. The print even the original book is a print and does not have the painters layers. It has the printer's color layers. I'm just playing along to see if he can backup his claim of magic app.

Choice wrote:: backup his claim of magic app. Stay tuned, it's currently being developed under a bridge somewhere.

Choice wrote:: As you wrote before, unless he has the original paintings the point is moot. The print even the original book is a print and does not have the painters layers. It has the printer's color layers. I'm just playing along to see if he can backup his claim of magic app. Thats correct and there are only 4 layers. if you removed one you would just change the color of the image....

Oh oh Chongo! (1968) Image 9 BTW NO Fleur de lis