The Lure of the Lost Dutchman

Last night, I watched several YouTube episodes of a group of five men in Arizona who were searching for the Lost Dutchman Mine in the Superstition Mountains. Mesmerized, I sat and watched until nearly midnight, when I tore myself away in favor of going to sleep.

I’m sure you’ve read and heard about the gold mine that was discovered by a German immigrant, Jacob Waltz, in the mid-1800s. Through the years, people have hunted for the treasure and, as far as anyone knows, no one has found it, although more than 200 people have lost their lives in trying.

What is it, I wondered, that caused men to fixate on one hidden, elusive treasure (tesoro) and, to the exclusion of all else, spend years and money trying to find? Of course, in this case, it was over $200 million in gold. These five last night had a map that they were sure was accurate. They kept finding markers, teasers that pointed to the trail and led them on and on. They endured the danger of rattlesnakes, spiders, and scorpions; they squeezed into tiny holes, climbed hot and smooth boulders, slept on the ground, and were shot at. Still, they kept doggedly on.

Did they find it? I don’t know. I forsook the gold in favor of sleep, so I haven’t seen the final filmed episodes. I sincerely doubt it. If anyone has found it, they’d be foolish to announce it, so maybe the gold is no longer there. It’s a very iffy situation, based upon mostly hopes, dreams, heresay, and a burning desire that takes over the mind.

Yet, in spite of what I considered chasing after the wind, I admired their fervor. Are great things accomplished only by people who devote their whole lives, heart and soul, to winning the goal? Are there a fortunate few who simply stumble upon unexpected wealth (in whatever form; wealth comes in many guises)? It’s something to consider.

I’ve no doubt, that if these five searchers do not find the gold mine, that will not stop others from trying. It’s a dream that won’t die; a fire that keeps burning. It beckons to restless souls and, despite the dangers and hardships, people will continue to follow the mysterious clues left by Jacob Waltz, lured on by the legend of the Lost Dutchman.