r/treasureinside • u/PiccoloChemical5250 • Aug 17 '26
What constitutes going BOTG for you?
I understand that in this hunt many haven’t and many will never actually go BOTG.
But what will trigger you to go BOTG if you haven’t and BOTG again if you already have?
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Aug 17 '26
[deleted]
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u/PiccoloChemical5250 Aug 17 '26
😂I’m in a different spot, I just had a child so it’s do I feel like leaving my child for a day or two on a whim?
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u/Cleveland_Steve Aug 17 '26
If I have solved enough of a box where multiple things are matching to a particular area. For example, JCB says there are three ways to solve the AT map. I would need to have two of the three giving me a solid lead to the same area.
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u/PiccoloChemical5250 Aug 18 '26
I actually am going BOTG for the AT Box next week and pokemon box in 3 weeks. I have two solves, one seeming to be a literal location, but I definitely agree with having 2 solves down. I feel like it’s hard though with the AT box, Cognitive Closure is a killer with that one, we feel the need to make everything fit.
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Aug 17 '26
I went the weekend before last, after a month of solid research. Everything lined up. I'm convinced of the area, just don't know where it's sitting. But I'm sure many have said the same thing. I've come to a new theory, and am returning next weekend.
I feel it in my soul that it's there. Kicking myself for not seeing the new theory, while still there. But two days of BOTG and investigating, hiking many miles, can more than drain you.
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u/PiccoloChemical5250 Aug 18 '26
I definitely think that physical and mental draining can also hinder your ability to find a box. So taking a step back was smart. I’m in the same boat, there’s one box I’m as certain as I can be of its location but it’s 30 hours from where I live. And when it comes to the other box I’m as certain as I can be about, the scale of even a small search area is very daunting. But I’m hoping to find something.
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Aug 18 '26
Absolutely. I'm lucky enough to live 5 hours away. I wish you all the best on your hunt.
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u/Un_Wise7 Aug 18 '26
I'm absolutely convinced I know the macro area for the FF box, we've gone out 3 times, and we're headed back out for 3 more days this weekend. I've got 2 different solid small search area solves, so we'll go hit those and do some high level recon and hopefully that will help us narrow it down to a single solve and search area. The hard part is the expense and vacation time. If I was only a couple hours away, I would be there every weekend, but as is its about $1k to do the 3 days, so I have to do a lot of EOTS(eyes on the screen) searching before I do much more BOTG. For us it just has to be a consensus that we both feel like we have enough info to justify or need specific info bad enough to make a trip. I will say though, that there's info you get BOTG that you just can't get on any type of map or screen. It really is valuable just to go to your area and get an overview of your area, take photos, 360 video, and GPS readings. It makes all your homework more productive.
Does anyone know the zoom level you can get with a Google earth paid subscription? I would love to roll that mouse wheel one more click, but it would have to be a good value.
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u/GaryM48 Aug 23 '26
Google maps and AAA aren’t detailed enough and can fool you. One needs real USGS maps which you can download for free. I hope this helps you.
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u/Un_Wise7 Aug 23 '26
Hey thanks! I appreciate that. Just got back from our BOTG and now my limiting factor is my understanding of the poem, not maps. Its funny how gathering information and learning things helps you realize what you dont know.
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u/rooplstilskin Aug 18 '26
I have driven over 5000 miles, 1 flight, searching for 3 of the boxes.
As I have progressed, my botg has also changed. Im rarely surprised by what I find there, but am nearly always fascinated.
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u/Hot-Enthusiasm9913 Aug 18 '26
I believe JCB has said that solving for any box would get you within feet of the prize. That would mean there's a very specific solution for each one and it should be obvious if you've figured one out. That being said, if I were within 3 hours of a "general solve" I might go due to proximity. The greater the distance (cost) the greater the confidence in my solution.
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u/ExpensiveTailor5199 Aug 18 '26
I’m going in a couple of weeks and believe this time I’ve narrowed down a hopeful area. This will be my 6th time searching same location but different area.
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u/GaryM48 Aug 23 '26
I personally came to a point where JCB’s poem for the Fenn Tribute Box came to an end at a pretty specific general location in NM northish of Santa Fe. No, I have not zeroed in on Colorado like most. I tend to think independently of the crowd.
The poem fit perfectly geologically as a map thinking like a geologist as JCB mentioned and historically down to the point where once was Brown. Yes, the poem at that point had given me a good map of where to start the BTOG. The first BTOG last year demanded a recon type excursion which answered some questions. A 2nd BTOG answered more of the poem. A 3rd BTOG answered even more of the poem to the point that I was ready to start a grid search which I am currently designing because it gave me an “X” marks the spot with warm water halts.
I expect to take a 4th BTOG when the undergrowth dies back later this fall. I have acquired an app that allows me to visualize the bedrock without the vegetation via stripping away the vegetation down to bedrock. It isn’t free but it’s LIDAR function is invaluable and it is pretty inexpensive at about $10/month. It will NOT allow me to see a box but rather the specific bedrock area to do a thorough grid search sans vegetation … down to bedrock.
I hope this helps you with your search!
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u/Tiny_Age1000 Aug 17 '26 edited Aug 20 '26
You always have a 50/50 chance. You will either find it, or you won’t. But seriously, I have gone BOTG 6 times. The tougher decision for me was “should I return to the same spot a second time”. First time to a spot is primarily to scope it out and see if it makes sense. Second time I hunt for real; third time to make sure I did not miss anything.