2016 International Festival of Owls Medallion Hunt

Now I must warn you, last year was a shame
My clues were too easy, too few ended the game
So I’ve resolved to challenge you, friends
To take it to the mat, to the long bitter end
Houston is such a wonderful town
If you go up, or if you come down
And even if you are in between
You can find joy, if you know what I mean.

Back and forth so many folks go
Sliding around on top of the snow
Sleds and toboggans might be too fast
But even on foot you could fall on your past

For this search, don’t worry, Tim Cook isn’t encrypting
Brin and Page have the answers to this simple scripting 
So don’t waste your time, don’t bury the truth
Gems oft are found ‘tween Waukon & Duluth
Marshal school knowledge, don’t quit the race, 
From high land and prairie have faith to bridge space

Granted, you just might hit a dead end
But have courage, seek truth and fight to the end
The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow
Gives the lustre of mid-day to objects below

If you was travelin’ west, ‘neath a hot burning sun
And yer toenails was thirsty, you’d wish for one
But this one is old you’d soon surmise 
Yet that ain’t gonna mean the prize ain’t nearby

For medallion obsessing, there’s really no cure
We ain’t talkin’ ‘bout mountains, they’re tough to be sure
For finding a prize can mean a steep climb 
Be careful, don’t slip, and watch your behind

I won’t mince words, but mincing’s involved
Like the chipping and grinding of a termite’s resolve
March Madness comes soon and as part of that racket
You should surely consider completing a bracket

Dave, Bob, and Nick uncovered the plan 
Way out in the desert, left under a can
So like them, have faith. The cues are uncanny
And search every crevice, every shelf, nook, and cranny

Like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, some things ain’t what they seems
Though rooted in earth and seeking sunbeams 
Step back from danger, 30 steps just for room
Like a gnome, seek your spot ‘neath a tiny mushroom.
And just in case, there’s a purist among us
I guess to be clear, I’m talkin’ ‘bout fungus.

Well, well, the prize is still unfound
So now I feel guilty that I’ve left you tied and bound
But if you go back and look at #3
And google map a crow’s flight, the crosshairs you will see
Then just like Desert Pete describes, you’ll find the public structure 
And I hope that it will help you to your winning way for sure

Don’t follow Horace Greeley’s words. Choose a new direction
And if you see the chemistry in that particular perception
Reverse your sight and up you go but don’t venture very far
For birch is birch unless your search reveals a sweet deception
When one wins, one often casts their eyes up to the heavens
But in this case, humility would be the best expression
Branch out and find the thing that’s there but really out of place
Then check it well from stem to stern and you’ll complete the chase

Now don’t give up, you’re getting close
And don’t pass by the old blockhouse,
For that would be too gross
Look for key words in the front or maybe at the back
Key words from 11/9 will hit your face KER-SMACK!
From 11, go 2 down and then go 6 across/
Then from 9, go 3 down and slide to 4 across
Then what to your wondering eyes will appear
From where to walk, it’s very clear
Head south and slide uphill a bit
Stick it out, don’t have a fit
And as I’ve said, you soon will see
Birch is birch, as bark or tree
And though your chances may seem slim
Just stop there, you’re on a limb