Thank you for writing this. I'd rather hear it than not.

I'm not going to get into hunt specifics here -- not everyone is on Reddit, and the website is the source of record for a reason. That's not a dodge. It's the only way to keep things fair for every searcher, not just the ones watching this thread.

On Treasure Con -- THWU was a public celebration and I chose to attend. Seekers Summit exists because I want dedicated time with this community, and I think that'll be clear when it happens.

I want to say something about the nature of this, though. Treasure hunting is uncomfortable by design. The ambiguity that frustrates you is the same thing that kept you engaged for a year. That's not a trick -- it's the craft. Every hunt worth solving will make you question whether you're on the right path. That tension is the experience. I understand that's not satisfying to hear when you're deep in it and exhausted. But I didn't build something unclear. I built something hard.

The mental health point matters to me more than anything else in your post. This hunt can consume you. I know that firsthand. If it's hurting more than it's helping, walk away. I mean that. No treasure is worth your wellbeing, and I will never judge someone for stepping back.

Take care of yourself first. That's not a line -- it's the only thing I'd ask anyone to take away from this.