Greetings all. While I may be new to this site, I'm certainly not new to the chat board experience. Being the current Site Administrator on a leading AZ Hunting discussion board, I can definitely relate to the day-to-day tasks involved in keeping a board top-notched - just like this one. And while I openly acknowledge this may not be the appropriate place for new member introductions, I think if you read on you'll understand why I chose this thread to do so.
Now - a little about myself: Retired railroad conductor with 34-yrs of service, and one who loves the great outdoors... for all the magnificent wonders it can offer the motivated explorer.
I believe it's important to start out here by saying I've known "twoguns" for over 42-years now, and that it's accurate to describe him as one of my all-time best friends. One thing I can say for sure is, he can be extremely difficult to communicate with, and while he may be many things to many people, he's a most persistent individual when he thinks he's right. He's also not one to take others advice, nor exhibit much patience when it's probably in his best interest. Having said all that, I also think he see's things on Google Earth images that most others generally don't. Many of his Google images are as equally ambiguous as his claims, but I'll always give him the benefit of the doubt.
I've also known about his alleged discovery of the Sombrero Mine for well over a year now, and I've even joined him on an effort to hike into it. To date, I have no doubts that he's found a "place" where all of Waltz's clues exist (and those of others). What I don't know is, if he's actually found the mine of the famed Lost Dutchman, or a place that's synonymous with many of the clues.
Against most of my advice, his foremost goal was to make the history books as being the first person to actually solve the location of the "Holy Grail of all lost treasures". I've encouraged him from the beginning to; (1) find the mine/vein and secure a small sampling of the ore, (2) take pictures of any evidence that would undeniably prove his claim, (3) be patient in his endeavors, and (4) to keep his mouth shut until he had undeniable proof. Unfortunately, he's not adhered to any of those suggestions, and the reason is simply due to the fact that he's insanely fearful of being prosecuted for violating any Wilderness Act laws. Unfortunately once again, any good reason or due diligence on his part, has been clouded by his deep-rooted fear of prosecution.
I'd like to end by saying how disappointed I am that he's announced to the world where the famed mine is possibly located, and that I also can't believe he's posted a detailed map of where "X marks the spot" on the web. This can't possibly be in his best interest.
And finally, if this "place" is the actual location of the famed mine or not, it will certainly come to light soon enough. My personal congrat's to twoguns for making the history books, but I'm deeply disappointed in the decisions/choices he's made. Personally, I believe he's assured himself as being "the biggest loser" on his alleged discovery.
Take care all, and Happy Trails!
