Finding the Cobalt Bonus Prize: Simon’s Tell-All Story

Key Concepts

• Great Canadian Treasure Hunt: A national treasure hunt with over $1.3 million in gold still to be found.
• Regional Treasure: A specific prize within the larger national hunt.
• Gold Coins: The prize for finding a regional treasure, consisting of 1oz gold coins.
• Nippison Falls, Cobalt, Ontario: The location where the second regional treasure was found.
• Simon Fallen: The winner of the second regional treasure.
• Father and Son Team: Simon and his father, Michael, collaborated on the hunt.
• Clues: Riddles or hints provided to guide hunters to the treasure.
• Systematic Grid Style Search: A methodical approach to searching an area.
• The Lookout: The specific location where Simon found the treasure.
• Mining History and Future: The clues and location related to both the past and future of mining.
• The Northern Miner: A publication that sent clues to subscribers.
• Forest Fen Treasure: A previous treasure hunt that inspired Simon.
• Canadian Mining Sector: The broader context of the hunt, highlighting advancements and history.
• Agneo Eagle Mines, Sprat Money, Earth Labs, Biome Gold, King Ross Gold, World Gold Council, Mccuran, Animus Gold, Ernston Young, Mining Matters: Sponsors and organizations behind the Great Canadian Treasure Hunt.

Second Regional Treasure Found in Cobalt, Ontario

The second regional treasure in the Great Canadian Treasure Hunt has been discovered near Nippison Falls in Cobalt, Ontario. The prize consists of six 1oz gold coins, valued at over $30,000. This discovery adds another exciting chapter to the national hunt, which still has more than $1.3 million in gold remaining to be found.

Winner and Discovery

The latest victory belongs to Simon Fallen from Hamilton. He and his father, Michael, embarked on the journey after Simon received a clue via email. Recognizing the potential proximity of the clue to their location, they decided to pursue it. Despite having busy schedules on Monday, they set out from Hamilton at 2:00 a.m., aiming to arrive in Cobalt around dawn.

The Search Process

Upon arriving in Cobalt, Simon observed that several other participants were already present and searching. Initially, he suspected the treasure might be located further afield, outside the immediate town. They explored a couple of portage trails but found nothing. Their strategy involved a pre-determined list of approximately six potential search spots. The second location on their list proved to be the successful one.

Simon described the moment of discovery not as a sudden flash of inspiration, but rather as a result of a systematic, grid-style search. He mentioned having a "feeling" when they reached the correct spot, followed by disbelief and a quiet realization of their success.

Deciphering the Clues

Simon indicated that the clue led them to "the lookout" in Cobalt. This location was a high priority for him because the clues seemed to encompass the town's past, present, and future. Specifically, he noted the view from the lookout encompassed the town, its mining history, and forward-looking elements like the water tower and solar panels, symbolizing the future of mining. He spent considerable time at this location due to this dual representation of past and future.

While the treasure was found relatively soon after the clue was sent to subscribers of The Northern Miner, Simon revealed he had been scrutinizing the hunt's clues since its launch. He has a background in studying writing and was inspired by the Forest Fen treasure hunt, appreciating the mystery aspect. He dedicated significant time to deciphering the main hunt's clues.

Interest in Mining

Simon acknowledged that his knowledge of mining, particularly within the Canadian sector, has significantly increased since participating in the hunt. He finds the advancements and the historical depth of Canadian mining to be "astounding," recognizing Canada's legacy as a nation of miners with abundant natural resources.

Plans for the Treasure and Future Hunts

Simon and his father, Michael, plan to split the six gold coins equally, with three coins each. As of the interview, they had no specific plans for the coins themselves but expressed their father's happiness with the find. Simon emphasized the special nature of the experience, bonding with his father through a shared activity that aligns with his upbringing in backcountry camping and dog sledding.

Crucially, Simon confirmed that the main hunt remains their primary goal, and their search for the grand prize continues.

Sponsors and Organizations

The Great Canadian Treasure Hunt is made possible by Agneo Eagle Mines, Sprat Money, Earth Labs, Biome Gold, and King Ross Gold. Additional support comes from the World Gold Council, Mccuran, Animus Gold, Ernston Young, and Mining Matters. The hunt is ongoing.