2008 St. Paul Winter Carnival Medallion

I have to agree with you Tim on this post. However I think they gave us the park in clue one. Regal runt= Earl, We all knew that, yet no one searched hard enough. Of course the next few clues didnt do much to solidify the Earl thought.But by Clue 8 it definatly was mounds.

Jake's not going to like the fact that they said he followed their footprints.

Terry had the pointy star correct. I think she was the first one to get that. And she stayed true to herself and hung on to it.

I think, for the lame clues and xplinations, we guys did pretty dog-gone good. Ittiz hard trying to noodle a complete idiot like the Clue Writer and we did very well figuring out his moronic thinking.

Six! Six!!! I got six! I figured out regal runt, but it was Wolf Pac that came up with the entire list.

And I was going for Page, at Chair-O-Key back then. <sigh>

What a BANNER year! I got six noodles.

Hhhuummm... Oh, dear! I guess I think like a moron.

Never mind!

Jake has mellowed out quite a bit lately, I don't think he'll mind too much. However it is factually incorrect.

cheers Allison - in my memories of going back last year - it was the time I got to spend with ya'll - doing the ice sculptures, the vulcan dance, the rehash, the drinking (ohhh the drinking!) be it in a park, in a bar or in a hotel room...

That's the part that made me homesick this year - was not getting to go down to Matty B's and hang out. Frankly, I prefer my fingers & nose to be warm.

Randy,

you gotta get out sometimes in between a couple weeks each winter.

It will fuel the fire over at the PP board though. He needs to stop responding to the posts where people claim that's all he did.

21 01/29/2008 10:51 PM 11:16 PM 651-216-xxxx 26

 checking in...

I stopped by Mounds on the way in today - Jake was there with a few others and a camera man... go figure, does he have a camera following him all the time now?

Anyway, went down the wrong path again, so I'll have to go back yet again. If there's something happening at Obbs tonight I'll probably stop in, but won't make the RHB - too much to do that day.

Randy was right, I was a bit too self centered in my original post about the explanations.

What I meant to say was the Cooler Crew figured out every single explanation. It was up to our individual members to figure out which ones were correct but if you were out in the bar/line/park and read all the posts you would have heard every single thing written in those explanations.

On top of that, we used the conference call flawlessly. The only thing that slowed us down was mother nature and even then we overcame.

Cooler Crew in '09!

Agreed.

I also think there might have been a subtle hint to the park in clue one

Devil = IMP (Indian Mounds Park)

Can someone copy and post the explanations, for some reason my password isn't working now

Username grez@gov.gov

Password bugyouno1

and why did they say they'd rinsed their prints when clue eleven says follow the prints ...?

I know...it's their treasure, it's their game, we have to live with their rules and lame (incomplete-on-purpose) explanations,..but I think perhaps the real problem i have is the feeling that their clue writer isn't worthy of having such wise and intelligent people playing the game...I hate playing down to his level and wish he'd bring it up to ours.

(Look to the Buck! sheesh)

http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/NR/rdonlyres/A42D4711-3968-4E5B-991D-3904FA33A007/6196/2006DeerHuntSummary.pdf

...guess you have to look pretty hard...(while I didn't see the buck, I saw many dear friends in Kellogg).

Oh, my! What a noodle! I love it!

No problem... As a matter of fact, during this hunt, there was no others I'd rather have been stuck in the wrong park with than you and lil man.

"Hunters must be on their toes because we've hid it in hilly territory"

Obviously they're not too aquainted with walking around on hills. Walking around on your toes on a hill is not the brightest thing to do...

I never heard that noodle :frown:

Yeah, what happened to the bower!! The clue says you can see it from a bower!

If Digger has them... call Rudy Luthers Toyota, would probably help if you knew his last name, but he's a manager. If this helps at all...

To start with, I understand they don't explain all the clues fully. There's always obvious stuff that the clue says that fits perfect, but then is never in the explanation (take following the bouncing ball/bouncing ball mural at Phalen04). That said, the explanations really sucked.

1- Doesn't say much not surprising

2- I'll give you rash, but guys and a gal who is wise doesn't sound like the Order of the Eastern Star. More than one gal in that organization. Not sure how anyone would have ever got that out of that sentence any how.

3- all good

4- WTF? If the cluewriter is admitting it's obscure then it should never have been written

5- all good, though Ann Balanski could have fit too.

6- outside "hope" another WTF clue. Very Como03ish

7- all good, though it still says tent shaped pavilions to me.

8- Deer fits most every large park. The rest I'm OK with

9- OK with the second half. Johnson filling 12 pages fits but the rest of that list, huh? Then again when ladies see my johnson it brings elation and cheers (aye-oh!)

10-12- Leads anyone who can read English to the park and site. It was kinda nice to get a clue 12 like clue on 11, almost to give us dedicated hunters some respect and a fair chance to find it before the mayhem of clue 12.

Over all, I agree with brassmonkey and others that even if you can get Mounds out of the early clues, nothing till clue 11 tells you where. There was the Point Douglas and Johnson clues which I suppose frame in the area where it was. But who got Johnson out of 9 to create that frame? I too long for the good old days when they started broad and narrowed things down slowly. Maybe when they give you landmarks they aren't just telling you Mounds but rather where in mounds. I can't cry too much cause I'd rather have a long hunt like this than a short one that doesn't make the weekend. None the less, I'd like to have a slight chance in hell of actually figuring out the clues and better yet the location before clue 11 when you have to tell us it like I'm 5.

//end rant.

Go on the path between The Star and the woods, directly in front of Obb's. Roughly 2/3 of the way back there is a steep path to the top of the hill, which would act like an overlook to Pigs Eye Lake (Just south of where the Wild FLag was hidden, top of hill).

Look over the side of the hill and you'll see the "shelves" made into the hillside. The 2nd shelf down, to your visual right (west) on a bend in the shelf is the sign.

Wow OT! Again you prove that you are a force to be reconed with. I thought for sure that was too far out there. I guess I should start listnenig to my elders.

After reading the explaination - I liked the hunt - alot. I found it to be very witty.

And the hunt has helped me learn a new word for my spanish class - Riza = laugh

Now that word will be planted into my memory - thanks to the hunt.

Puck/woods/ fallen tree/same clue writer since 2003. Same MO all the way on evrey hunt since. Actually some think he started with 2002 but changed his method after that disaster.

Thanks Tim!

Clue 1

You've joined the hunt for the regal runt

    To prove searching does pay

    Don't dig a hole or knock down a pole

    And the golf course is out of play

Last year Jake took home the cake

    With a clue a bit off level

    This year we'll rinse off all our prints

    Lest this hunt go to the devil

Explanation: We advise hunters not to dig or knock down anything, and to stay off golf courses. We refer to the hunter who found the medallion after the second clue last year, the fastest on record. He said he deduced "Cleveland" Avenue from the word "level," then followed our footprints to the prize. This year we vow to keep the hunt from going to the devil by making it more challenging and not leaving telltale footprints behind.

Clue 2

The point of all this is so that you won't miss

    Your big chance to grab all the cash

    Now gather your guys and a gal who is wise

    You'll have to do something quite rash



Explanation: This is a reference to the proximity of Point Douglas Road to Indian Mounds Park, where the medallion was hidden. "Guys and wise gal" refer indirectly to the Order of the Eastern Star, a male-and-female fraternal organization that is an offshoot of the Masons, and which planted a star-shaped "Matron's Grove" of trees at Indian Mounds park. A "rash" often accompanies a burn -- an indirect allusion

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    to Burns Avenue near the park.

Clue 3

We've scanned the county to hide our bounty

    And keep you on your toes

    It may sound risible, but our puck's invisible

    Although it might just stick to your nose.



Explanation: Hunters must be on their toes because we've hid it in hilly territory which we scanned from the top of a hill in the park. "Invisible" and "stick to your nose" refers to the "invisible tape" box in which the medallion is hidden.

Clue 4

How fun is the snow how far will we go

    You really ought to go see

    Get up for the mission and not just the wishin'

    Get into the game - it's all free



Explanation: Pretty darn obscure: "Game" is a reference to Obbs Sports Bar across the street from the park. Really obscure: "Far" and "go" are a reference to Wells Fargo Place downtown, which is visible from Indian Mounds Park.

Clue 5

There once was a clue that drove you-know-who

    To threaten a heinous act

    We'd use it again, but we're afraid of his pen

    My friend, that's an unfortunate fact



Explanation: This is a reference to a certain newspaper columnist who freaked out several hunts ago. He took issue with a clue referring obliquely to the location of a French immersion school - which is now at Parkway School, not far from Indian Mounds Park. The Pioneer Press had a short article about a play at the school called "Kaposia,'' which debuted during this year's hunt. The play dealt with the Native American community that once thrived at Indian Mounds Park.

Clue 6

All ye who look should honor the book

    As one who stood for hope

    Much was built in the name of the kilt

    Look sharp now and never mope



Explanation: Calling all history buffs: Edward Duffield Neill was the first to conduct excavations at Indian Mounds Park. He was a Presbyterian minister and educator ("ye," "honor the book") who had been a presidential aide to Abraham Lincoln. In Minnesota, he founded Macalester College and the House of Hope Presbyterian Church ("hope.") These are two St. Paul institutions that honor the Scottish traditions ("kilt.") The word "hope" also invokes the Hopewell Indians, the ancient tribe that built the mounds.

Clue 7

If you should go look high then low

    One could see it from a bower

    If it's your bent you might seek a tent

    To protect in case of shower



Explanation: The tent refers to the Indians who lived on the site of Indian Mounds Park. "High then low" refers to the hilly terrain where the medallion is hidden. The "shelf" refers to the side of the hill where the medallion is hidden.

Take note of the wood and do what you should

    To extract the prize for yourself

    Build a bridge to your dreams as high as they seem

    Leave nothing behind on the shelf



Explanation: Another reference to the woods in the area in which it is hidden and to the bridge that crosses Warner Road from Mounds Park.

Jesse's friend Tom came up with it. BFG probably felt uncomfortable sharing. He and I both heard Tom say it. I didn't like it because it depended on the phone book. (And it is not like I don't immediately recycle the ones I have.) However, I guess it fits. I'm sure Johnson HS fans have lots of emotions about their teams.

Yay! I am #9 and 48!

And all of these years I thought I was number one... :frown:

Clue 8

Look at the buck to acquire good luck

    In finding the grail this year

    Link a jar, a line, a star lawyer divine

    While crying in your beer



Explanation: There are deer in Indian Mounds Park. Jar, line and star lawyer refer to the word "Mason,'' a reference to the Masonic memorial in Mounds Park. There is also a reference to the beverage enjoyed at Obbs sports bar.

He won, then lost and the nation was tossed

    Into strife that was far from civil

    The point I'm making is yours for the taking

    Believe me - not the message board drivel



Explanation: Another reference to Point Douglas Road, located near the park, which was named after Stephen A. Douglas, who defeated Abraham Lincoln in the 1858 U.S. Senate race but lost to him for the presidency two years later. The Civil War followed shortly after the election. We also refer to the many message boards purporting to know where the medallion was hidden.

Clue 9

This name brings tears, elation and cheers

    And occasionally even outrages

    It sits on walls and rides the halls

    And fills a dozen pages



Explanation: The name is "Johnson," filling 12 pages in the telephone book. Johnson Parkway ends at Indian Mounds Park. There is also a bench at the park ("sits") named for a Minnesota "Johnson."

The hills are alive and you'll have arrived

    Refrain from the very injurious

    Be bold and be brave but your skin you must save

    What's off-limits should frankly be obvious



Explanation: Another reference to the hills and potentially dangerous terrain in the area where it is hidden; "brave" is an Indian term. The "frankly obvious" area that is off-limits is the area of the ancient mounds themselves.

Clue 10

Look for the sight you hope is just right

    You're doubtful and you're torn

    Make the rounds for what rhymes with grounds

    And part of a rose with a horn

Through flames and flow this park where you'll go

    Is the site of sacred relics

    Stay away from these and the cliffs if you please

    Or you'll be in a heckuva fix



Explanation: Both stanzas clearly point to "Mounds" park, rhyming with "grounds,'' and to the "horn" of a rose, referring to nearby Thorn Street. We tell people to stay away from "sacred relics" - the actual Indian mounds - and from the cliffs. "Flames" refer to Burns and "flow" to Etna, two streets near the park.

Clue 11

   (This clue, released in the early edition of the newspaper at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, led to the discovery of the medallion about midnight.)

Air and river sounds lead all to Mounds

    Far from the graves take your entourage

    'Twixt Burns and Thorn an icy pathway is born

    Across Mounds from a gray house and tan garage

Hell no fury hath as those on the wrong path

    Mounds and Warner form a woodsy perimeter

    The path, not official, contains footprints beneficial

    Some 300 trudges in - not a quest for a quitter

This trail you must follow goes down a narrow hollow

    Under a fallen tree to an old rusted drum

    From here you must search for a hillside path perch

    Wherein lies the center of fun



Explanation: These stanzas get the hunters into the area where the medallion is hidden in Indian Mounds Park. Between Burns and Thorn street, across Mounds Boulevard from a house-and-garage, begins an icy path worn by many footprints. It goes through a narrow hollow or creek bed, under a fallen tree, to an old rusted drum. We counted 300 steps from the street to the drum. We encourage hunters to look for a "hillside path perch" in this area -- on a hillside, near a path -- but we did not give the exact location.

Clue 12

   (This clue was scheduled to run in the newspaper on Thursday, Jan. 31)

Your blood will coagulate whilst you triangulate

    From the drum at the heart of it all

    A slope nearby you will espy

    Fifty steps up the hill - careful, don't fall

Near a hollowed half-tree a fallen limb you will see

    The cover for our precious goods

    Across the path from the half-tree lift the limb and you'll see

    There's gold in them thar' woods

Quick like a fox see the blue-and-white box

    Away you casually sidle

    Inside is the prize, two-domed and super-sized

    Congratulations - you're our Minnesota Idol

Explanation: This identifies the exact spot where the medallion is located. It is close to a "hollowed half-tree" - a split trunk that is a marker for our treasure. Across the icy path from this half-tree are some dead limbs on the ground. The treasure is under one of them. It is in a blue-and-white box of 3M invisible tape. The marker tree is about 50 steps up the hill from the rusted drum.

Thanks for telling it how it is Timmers.

and thanks BFG & Leelabell for setting up that phone conference - that was awesome, wish I would have paid more attention to it though - I went down the wrong path... (twice now) yesterday, and again today

Yup. Good job on that.

Was a lot of fun noodling clues with you this year. Hope the hot chocolate helped a little :smile:

I slept in until about 1 pm... I am so tired from climbing the hills....

I agree with you on the 1st part of your post. I love the social aspect also and find that you really help that along for me. Thank you!

The last part of your post My only wish is that we'd have all been in the same park digging together this past weekend. dont ever happen because not everyone is as close as we could be.

I'm #1 ... hmm - I should say that more often.

your right on this. Rember crosby and the Life Board?

Just a quick correction - it was RedBear who set it up and stayed on the phone line and got the clue written up. Thanks to him.

It was a great time Zephy. The hot chooclate was greatly appreciated.

(PS I'm getting old. My knees were tired this morning.)

Awwww. Thanks!

why do you want to hang wanda? :wink:

uh, yeah it is.

It is like saying :"Fire kills enough people every year to fill 40 pickup trucks." And saying that you are to get the word firetruck from that clue. It is very obscure.

Good call if you got it, but it is pretty ludicrous to think that people were to dig that out of there.

I was gonna put some up, but I'll wait for yours then add my obsessions after.

Self centered part aside, I agree with almost every word of this post. You gotta be out and about to get all the info. Thats all there is to it. Its that easy.

Maybe somebodys "johnson" does that???

Clue 7

If you should go look high then low

    One could see it from a bower

    If it's your bent you might seek a tent

    To protect in case of shower

Explanation: The tent refers to the Indians who lived on the site of Indian Mounds Park. "High then low" refers to the hilly terrain where the medallion is hidden. The "shelf" refers to the side of the hill where the medallion is hidden.

Shelf is not mentioned in the clue