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2016 - Bald Eagle Otter Lake

Submitted by ares on
Clue 1

Last year's rich bounty was found in the county 
A new park for all to explore 
This year's bauble will cause you no trouble 
If the rules are kept in the fore 

Clue 2

Some may well kvetch that the horizon's sketch 
Has artifacts rather than trees 
But if you follow the plan pure gold you will pan 
And life will be but a breeze 

Clue 3

Old Ma Press has moved from her nest 
Cross the water from her former home 
From the top of her perch you may want to search 
For a playground that's fit to roam 

Clue 4

The spot this year goes well with beer 
And water in great profusion. 
But when the crowd is a bit too loud 
It offers quiet seclusion. 

Clue 5

If young Huck Finn had a boy twin 
He might have camped here awhile 
Like him you're wishin' that good luck fishin' 
You'll find treasure to keep you in style 

Clue 6

Man against beast, or that tale at least 
Is being told and with much spirit. 
If hunting's just you and a man or two 
Listen close so that you can hear it. 

Clue 7

The wait is long and the siren song 
Calls people summer to spring. 
Ticket in hand, go find the land 
Where the route takes to the wing. 

Clue 8

Keep your attention rapt and you'll be apt 
To find the medallion, it's clear 
Just follow the map - don't take a nap! 
To see that the X marks here 

Clue 9

A place for dogs, lined by pollywogs, 
Will bring you closer yet. 
So if you veer very far from here; 
You’ll end up with a nap that is wet. 

The election goes on, our misery prolonged 
Til payday for the winning party 
Tall and delicate, will a broke delegate 
Cast a ballot for greed or tea? 

Clue 10

Don’t be careless and venture out hairless 
In temperatures bound to freeze-bite 
Fly straight as an arrow and down in your marrow 
You’ll trust that the goods are in sight. 

Work without thanks is sticking up banks 
Even if the fuzz has your back 
Idle at the lake, a short respite to take 
It’s a good place to set a sack. 

Clue 11

An ink-stained wretch, not apt to kvetch 
Sited a plat along the wood. 
Over a cigar, under northern star, 
Now it’s lit up pretty good. 

Be straight of stride, or float your ride, 
N-no sputtering about. 
Son if you’ve starred flipping card for a bard, 
You’ll know you’re on the right route.




 

GreenTeam

It's snowing pretty good here (north metro) right now. Stay safe out there!

So what will they do if nobody finds it after clue 12? What are the chances it won't be found?
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 10:13 AM Permalink
NSBAngler

" if hunting is just you and a man or two" - JUST US. Dr Justus Ohage donated Harriet Island.

Don't be careless and venture out hairless - don't venture out of Harriet

Trust the clues and don't go after something bald! :smile:

Work without thanks means if you hunt in the wrong place you won't get it, and climbing up banks should not be done.

Fuzz at your back, police department behind where you look toward puck area?

I can't believe it is at a big wooded park like bald eagle otter or other, but must be around downtown river lowertown, etc. Maybe you all know this and are hunting which is why there is little discussion? I'm not in town or I'd do the same.

So many of the clues are so strong for downtown - and vague clues because it may be a small park or public area. Chuck Finn statue and its camp spot at lambert's landing is just too strong to discount.

I guess we'll see...
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 10:29 AM Permalink
TickTack

For those few on the BE-O train, what are your thoughts on one side or the other? Are the masses interpreting "don't be careless and venture out hairless" as NOT the B side? I hate the O side, but for no legitimate reason.

If it's snowing up there like it is in NE Minneapolis right now, mother nature will spend all afternoon mashing the RESET button on the hunt.

Lastly, I imagine that tonight's parking situation will be disastrous.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 11:35 AM Permalink
GreenTeam

Anyone have a link to Allisonwonderland's Yahoo group? Thanks!
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 11:52 AM Permalink
KITCH

Personally I'm really confused...I drove up to the turn around/ fishing area, dog park...and convinced myself not it....(not a car in the lot) and no real area to write clues to.

I don't know where to look but Otter has me so "not feeling it".
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 12:58 PM Permalink
Smore

The punctuation thing still perplexes me. Could the clues without punctuation be the red herrings? I have nothing to back that thought up, but I can't help thinking it's significant.

I've buried a medallion in my driveway. It's worth $20 to anyone who finds it! :smile: :cool:
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 1:02 PM Permalink
GreenTeam

Yes it does, thanks! :smile:
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 1:05 PM Permalink
GreenTeam

I wonder if they would "postpone" the clue tonight (until tomorrow night) due to the weather?
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 1:13 PM Permalink
Gilby

I wasn't feeling it either, but the porta potty at Otter maybe a sign. That said, most of the clues seem more Bald Eagle side to me. Even then, I am waiting and expecting and hoping for the bombshell small park clue tonight that sends everyone scrambling (extremely long odds wishful betÂ… Irvine). With the heavy snow, the diehards may be rewarded tonight with less competition! Chaska to St. Paul tonightÂ… not happening for me! If it holds, I will hopefully see you all out there tomorrow night!
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 1:26 PM Permalink
nancydrew

So how does BE fit clue 3? Theoretically you can see 12 miles. I think it's Swede or Como. My Mom told me the story of when Fred Barker shot Oscar Erickson in Como, at Hamline and Midway. Oscar had the proceeds of his Christmas tree sales in a paper bag. Tea is McMurray (field), he was a tea merchant. Old frog pond was up by Lex. foot bridge. A bit more obscure, Horton is pretty much bald.

Swede, tea, Palin lipstick pig. Cop shop, just west of the park.

Tall and delicate, could be Anne Bilanski, which could fit both parks.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 2:43 PM Permalink
matix763

Stolen from the pit that is the pi-press forums, but they do offer the odd noodle.

Polywogs->tadpoles-> short poles

A place for dogs lined by short poles.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 4:19 PM Permalink
NSBAngler

This is so perplexing. I refuse to believe it is up north in BEO. How does that or any wooded big park fit "Horizon's sketch has artifacts rather than trees"? I mean c'mon! In clue 1, that must be purposeful to give us all the idea that it won't be out in some place like Otter. My daughter lives right off Otter Lake and there's nothing but trees. If they mean something else, it is lame.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 4:30 PM Permalink
TickTack

Artifacts rather that trees is telling hunters to focus on history rather than physical features. That's how I approached it, anyway.

Sort your noodles using that criteria and I think you'll find that the CW has offered a clearer picture than many think.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 4:42 PM Permalink
brasscat

Thats where my son Brass Monkey lives...in Chaska
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 4:47 PM Permalink
Terry

I am convinced, right or wrong, it is not in WBL in the middle of all those trees.

My theory is that the anagrams that people have found are the red herrings and everything else points to a St. Paul park.

I might be way off base, but I've been right and I've been wrong. Nothing new.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 4:52 PM Permalink
Downtown Dave

It is gonna be tough with all the new snow, wherever you look. I'm gonna dig my sidewalk and driveway tomorrow morning at five. Medallionation is targeted for Niles Ave
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 5:09 PM Permalink
TickTack

Given the dangerous conditions, who's going to be in their park for the new clue and who's going to wait at home or in a central location, to minimize risk?
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 5:11 PM Permalink
NSBAngler

TickTack, well said regarding history. Didn't think of it that way. I am still so hung up on so many other clues pointing to the river area, but as I have done many times, I'll go thru clues again trying to use a different paradigm. I want the clues to lead, not manipulate clues to fit.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 5:31 PM Permalink
dogma13

Can anyone tell me where this old ma press is from? Cannot find it anywhere. I thought it was because of a story from way back when a speaker didn't recognize a reporter or something and they got the nickname old ma press. I am just not seeing the ma barker thing. It doesn't make any sense.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 5:35 PM Permalink
NSBAngler

I hear you, Terry. This is almost ten years of hunting for me and my wife and daughter. Every year on the forums we see so much over analysis and over-noodling - people finding reasons for a clue to fit their chosen spot. I am guilty as well at times but I go back often to try and avoid that. In reviewing years of clues and explanations it never seems as complex as people make it.

There is a conspicuous absence of regulars here on this discussion board this year, which makes me think the real place is known and therefore no need to publicize it. That is cool and understandable. Alison Wonderland has some excellent noodling going on as well.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 5:40 PM Permalink
Terry

I also follow Allison's group. He's pretty good at deciphering things, but I just have to believe it's not in WBL.

The majority of people here have been out hunting since early on - probably some before the first clue.

No one knows where the thing is except the guy writing the clues. I have a friend who worked for the PP for many years. It is an extremely well kept secret who that person is, and from what we think we know, the clue writer is also the person who hides it.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 5:53 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

most people abandoned this site for facebook
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 6:02 PM Permalink
Terry

Or texting/cell phones. :grin:
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 6:11 PM Permalink
Smore

Facebook is OK, but it's a lot of nowhere noodles and pranksters. I like it here because you guys are serious hunters. Thing is, if anyone thinks they know where it is, they're not saying. Or, they just have no idea. I'm with the latter group. The snow today doesn't help matters, either.

I like WBL and wonder if the lack of punctuation in the early clues signify red herrings.

There is nothing in clue 3 that says you should be able to see the park. Perhaps they mentioned the move so people would know where to go to turn in the prize? Ok, that's dumb. But, moved her nest does signify a bird, or an eagle. There are other bird/flying references in other clues, too.

From clue 2: There is a Prospect Ave. off Bald Eagle/Otter.

There is an Irish Pub called Manitou Station off 61. We also have spirit island an that legend. I'm not going to elaborate on that...but, it's another draw to WBL.

Puzzles: 1) The punctuation thing. 2) The apt, map, nap, rapt(or)? thing. 3) Huck Finn...and many more.

That's just the sum of some of my noodles. :smile:
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 6:38 PM Permalink
Downtown Dave

Clue 11 is going to be a clue 12, like at Mounds when it was so cold.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 6:39 PM Permalink
Smore

OH..and Pollywogs could literally be frogs. Or, small children...there is an elementary school near Bald Eagle/Otter
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 6:40 PM Permalink
GreenTeam

I like this forum for noodling too. It's hard to wade through all the "FUs" on FB! :chagrin:

Maybe the "nap" references are about kidnapping, ie Ma Barker gang?
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 7:05 PM Permalink
Smore

I like that!
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 7:11 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

Personally, I'm not chimeing in much because my hunt is over.

But if I was hunting at this point, I'd be in the park digging and not posting much.

I dug 3 and a half days and stopped Sunday night. Monday was the 1st time I was glad I had to work during the hunt. I just couldn't do the needle in a haystack (literally) at bvns anymore. The clue had me lost monday.

Now I'm leaning with everyone else that thinks otter-BE.

It's to far away for me to go after work, and the snow storm really put the kabosh on it for me.

Maybe next year...
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 7:16 PM Permalink
Smore

I live in Lakeville/Farmington, but am a sub teacher in St. Paul. I took the day off today because of the snow. But, I'll be on the East Side tomorrow. I think I'll give it a go after school for a while. I get it, though. It's not fun to be out there in the dark and all this snow.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 7:21 PM Permalink
Terry

I am hopeful to be in the park we are hunting in by tomorrow afternoon.

Inks was out there this morning. We were out there yesterday afternoon.

I have likely given up night time digging.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 7:30 PM Permalink
KITCH

I am here at otter now, I like the idea of I need a-otter clue.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 7:42 PM Permalink
Terry

Cute! Where is the like button?
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 7:45 PM Permalink
SJBarney

The boat launch is packed with cars even some

Idiots digging on the other side of the road. It's going to be here
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 7:58 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

I remember the old day when the who's here list had all kinds of names on it. Now there's like 3 people here on clue 11

sad :chagrin: :frown:
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:24 PM Permalink
Eags

I miss the old days, Mikey.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:28 PM Permalink
Terry

Clue 11 Scrambled

By Pioneer Press

February 2, 2016 | UPDATED: 1 min ago

ink-stained not star now itÂ’s good

the over apt pretty kvetch

sited wood along a a lit cigar

northern up wretch to plat under an

stride route be or of bard

youÂ’ll for flipping about son

your youÂ’re sputtering starred straight if a card

on ride n-no the right know youÂ’ve float
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:32 PM Permalink
Terry

I agree. I do miss the all the noodling that would happen here.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:34 PM Permalink
Terry

Seems this scramble is full of words that won't make much sense until unscrambled.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:36 PM Permalink
Gilby

Agreed. The community of the crew helping each other out has slipped. There are many people here who noodle from a distance so that they can feel a part of the hunt, even if they can't dig. I've seen others look down on that because they don't want their own noodles that they have kept secret be told by others that aren't searching. I get it, but kind of sad.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:37 PM Permalink
TBones

ink-stained not star now itÂ’s good

the over apt pretty kvetch

sited wood along a a lit cigar

northern up wretch to plat under an

stride route be or of bard

youÂ’ll for flipping about son

your youÂ’re sputtering starred straight if a card

on ride n-no the right know youÂ’ve float
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:37 PM Permalink
Terry

I think that's part of it. People are spending more time in the parks early on - at least that really felt like that this year with the nicer weather.

And the smart phones adds to the fact people can look up stuff in the field.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:43 PM Permalink
GreenTeam

Well, that clue doesn't seem to spell out what park it's in.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:50 PM Permalink
Terry

No it doesn't. I was hoping for something to confirm the park. Any of the parks people are searching in are big enough to name the park outright and not really give much away.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:54 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

especially with the snow, they could have said the park name
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:58 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

more noodling on the PP boards than here or cooler crew FB
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 8:59 PM Permalink
SJBarney

Cigar island is on bald eagle lake you can see it from the boat launch. I'm at the boat launch its filling up :smile:
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 9:03 PM Permalink
Terry

Anything to share? I don't go to those boards. It used to drive me batty - or battier.
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 9:03 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

not really much there Terry

Sounds like papers are at gabes now. Should have clue soon
Tue, 02/02/2016 - 9:09 PM Permalink