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2008 Allison Wonderland Mock Hunt

Submitted by Clue Master on
Going forward the next clues will come out daily at 6pm. They will be posted to the Allison Wonderland yahoo group at that time. They will also get cross posted to the Ableminds site and the Pioneer Press message boards, though possibly a little later. 

As of last night the prize was up to $155 based on the number of registrations and donations taken in. One can still register for the hunt up through the release of the 4th clue. The cost is $10 to register and I anticipate the total prize will exceed $200. One can also hunt without registering, but then the prize is just $100. If you would still like to register, you can do so by Paypal to AllisonWondrland@yahoo.com or let me know you'd like to register and I can give you an address to send a check to. 

There will be 12 clues, released one per day. The hunt will continue until the treasure is found. The medallion you're looking for is a disc that is white/clear in color, about 2 inches across and half an inch wide. It will not be hidden in or on water, up in a tree, underground, on the side of a cliff, inside anything electrical, inside a garbage can, or anywhere else that would make you ask yourself "Should I be doing this?" Once the treasure is found, call the phone number on the back right away, any time of day. 

Clue#1

The hunt has begun, thus clue number one 
Should hint at where the treasure hides 
Best not to spill all, but let's say St. Paul 
You can even find it in all your guides 

Just look for some trees, not many of these 
In any park so you're well on your way 
To focus your vision, use some precision 
Be counting from the start for the big pay 

Clue #2

Some remedial math puts you on the path 
Begin the equation by starting with a trinity 
Count another two, then one more will do 
Then put two and two together to mark the vicinity. 

Clue #3

To be rude and abrupt, or even corrupt 
Puts you on Santa's naughty list, not nice. 
But this is the day you will find your way 
If you can keep our vagueness on ice. 

Clue #4

Stay true to your mark and look in a park 
Where one can see land both low and high 
Though it sounds funny, you’ll be in the money 
If you lay bets mixed up and know why 

Clue #5

It’s to the hider’s delight when the weather is white 
As it keeps a buried treasure from view 
But not all is on the ground, you should look up and around 
And to the white add some red and some blue. 

Clue #6

Rid of the fan, he ran and he ran. 
There’s no doubt he was quite a talker 
Mother Nature’s beau- the lawyers said so 
Post finish, still serves a walker 

Clue #7

Look and you can see most beautifully 
A skyline with a splendiferous view 
But that’s not enough for foes to rebuff 
Play this clue right and you can score too. 

Clue #8

Cheer up if you're lost or sensing exhaust 
I promise there will still be more clues 
Perform to your peak, and for what you seek 
Watch for those who are playing the blues 

Clue #9

No hunt for grandpa, get rid of the blah 
This game is for those of a hip age like Reggie 
He found the jewel hidden in Newell 
So follow his lead and be a bit more edgy 

Clue #10

A heritage to share will get you mostly there 
As one should know what flows in one’s blood 
And though it be punny to say it’s not sunny 
Dig where the moon struck with a thud. 

Clue # 11

On Indian grounds, and I don’t mean Mounds 
Is the park that will take you to greater heights 
There you’ll have to go and look through the snow 
And soon you will find something that delights 

The sign of Gemini you will have to spy 
Keep asphalt never more than a few strides 
Find just the right tree, it lines up you’ll see 
And then you will conquer where it divides



 

Terry

I have created a list of parks from the thg that I believe have some promise of being "the" park.

Unfortunately, it's a bit long.

Parks with some change of grade that are listed in the thg as with a hill or slope, picnic bench(es)

Arlington/Arkwright Some woods and no picnic tables mentioned

Arlington Hills Rec Center Few trees, a couple of picnic benches but no hills

Belvedere Rec Center - hilly on the south side

Baker Rec Center - woods on a steep slope, another hill good for sliding

Burns Park - 20 foot slope, steep path up through woods to street on southwestern side.

Cayuga Square Park - hill up to play area, hill down to court, few trees shown.

College Park has many trees on the east, north and south sides. Western side is more open. Is bowl shaped and slopes down to street level on all sides.

Conway - hill to the east. Near I94

Duluth and Case Rec - the 96 version of the thg mentions construction for trail along tracks. No mention of hills - shows only a few trees.

Eastview Rec - Only a few trees, big lilac bushes on south side, no hills mentioned, horseshoe pits and special scoreboard.

Eileen Weida - little hill near basketball court. Tedesco runs on one side of park that drops lower to Payne beyond the park. Only a few trees.

Frost Lake Park and Rec - mention of steep wooded hill and another smaller hill.

Front Street Rec - marginal slope to ballfield that declines down to tennis court. Very few trees.

Griggs Rec Center - Marginal slope down to ballfield, resumes down from park bldg. Average sliding hill. few trees shown

Highwood Hills Rec Center - shares space with a school - but does show a picnic table and does have some change of terrain.

Iris - picnic tables with checker boards. Some elevation change within the park.

Langford - surrounding neighborhood is higher ground. some picnic tables and some trees - not wooded. horse shoe pits.

Lawson and Rice Rec - Washington Jr. High is behind up the hill. some trees. no picnic tables mentioned.

Linwood - hilly

Lewis Park - few trees - no elevation change

Margaret Rec. Building is built into hill, few trees.

Martin Luther King - trees and some picnic tables and elevation changes from Mackubin to near Dale.

Marydale - trees and picnic tables and some elevation changes

Merriam - some picnic tables, hills, trees

Mounds Park - Not Indian Mounds - very few trees, no table shown, on high ground geographically.

Newell Park - some hills, picnic tables, trees.

Palace REc - located below the bluffs of Crocus Hll and Linwood Park. few trees - no tables indicated, some elevation changes.

Prospect Park - some trees - on high ground with view of lower ground

Sylvan Rec - very few trees, no tables indicated

Swede Hollow - elevation change, thg indicates missing picnic table, and another nearby area with picnic table.

Taylor Park - some trees, path and picnic benches.

Tilden - few trees, picnic tables, but no elevation change indicated

Valley Rec - trees, picnic tables and 5 blue round tables.
Thu, 03/06/2008 - 9:05 PM Permalink
Eags

Unfortunately, it's a bit long.



LMAO, Terry.

Thu, 03/06/2008 - 9:15 PM Permalink
Clue Master

bit?

HeH
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 3:28 AM Permalink
mrmnmikey

Zephy was telling me something about a Ann Bilanski connection to Vento during the hunt. Maybe thats where she lived or something?

Cool link Terry. Some nice old pics on there.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 5:49 AM Permalink
mrmnmikey

I can get the clues to fit a certain rec center, but clue 1 and 4 seem to say "Park".

Maybe you could shorten your list by eliminating the rec centers?

I'm sticking with my mine for now, not because I like it, just that I don't have anything better.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 5:58 AM Permalink
Posen

Post finish....Where Post Rd? ends... Or is "post" a mailbox post...or a post call/horse race...although I didn't see Canterbury on her long list of possible parks! :sheepish:

Of course, using the Pioneer Press mentality..I'd say the Post Finish is associated with a split rail fence, and rails would be an obvious reference to the old trolley line, and I put in a call to the secretary of transportation, who was couldn't respond directly, but they relayed his call...and "relayed his call" is easily anagramed to "Search Lily Dale."

You'd think AW would encrypt these things more.... :chagrin:
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 5:58 AM Permalink
mucluck

Posen makes me smile :grin: :grin: :grin:
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 6:02 AM Permalink
mrmnmikey

Post finish makes me think of paint on a pole. and add the rest of the line you'd get a trail sign that has a "walker" person on it as opposed to a "biker" like the ones at phalen.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 6:04 AM Permalink
mrmnmikey

I got school today all day so I can't look till at least tonight.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 6:05 AM Permalink
OT

Post can be defined as a bridgehead.

bridgehead - a defensive post at the end of a bridge nearest to the enemy
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 7:15 AM Permalink
KITCH

fyi---I've had no interest in this hunt :frown:

well...more like no energy
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 7:16 AM Permalink
Posen

"Just look for some trees,

not many of these In any park

so you're well on your way "

does this mean a rare tree that isn't found in many parks...?
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 7:37 AM Permalink
40below

If you lay bets mixed up and know why

Water tables underground at Swede Hollow... you used to be able to get fresh spring water there
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 10:02 AM Permalink
ares

not anymore. dissolved into the bnsf. which does, however come through the twin cities.

ANGEL:

New York City

MARK:

Uh huh

ANGEL:

Center of the universe

COLLINS:

Sing it, girl

ANGEL:

times are s--tty, but I'm pretty sure they can't get worse

MARK:

I hear you

ANGEL:

It's a comfort to know

When you're singing the hit the road blues

That anywhere else you could possibly go

After New York would be

A pleasure cruise

COLLINS:

Now you're talking!

Well I'm thwarted by a metaphysic puzzle

And I'm sick of grading papers, that I know

And I'm shouting in my sleep, I need a muzzle

All this misery pays no salary, so

Let's open up a restaurant in Santa Fe

Oh, sunny Santa Fe would be nice

Let's open up a restaurant in Santa Fe

And leave this to the roaches and mice

OH-OH

ALL:

OH--

ANGEL:

You teach?

COLLINS:

I teach- computer age philosophy

But my students would rather watch TV

ANGEL:

America

ALL:

America!

COLLINS:

You're a sensitive aesthete

Brush the sauce onto the meat

You could make the menu sparkle with rhyme

You could drum a gentle drum

I could seat guests as they come

Chatting not about heidegger, but wine

Let's open up a restaurant in Santa Fe

Our labors would reap financial gains

ALL:

Gains, gains, gains

COLLINS:

We'll open up a restaurant in Santa Fe

And save from devastation our brains

HOMELESS:

Save our brains

ALL:

We'll pack up all our junk and fly so far away

Devote ourselves to projects that sell

We'll open up a restaurant in Santa Fe

Forget this cold Bohemian hell

OH- OH-

COLLINS:

Do you know the way to Santa Fe?

You know, tumbleweeds... prairie dogs...

Yeah
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 11:21 AM Permalink
Mad_Dach5und

OK something to really throw ya loopy...

Do you think his 'Post' reference in the the clue may have something to do with the numbered MESSAGE "Post" counter on the the Yahoo page? - 40 below (above) has just hit Posts: 191 - that kinda thing.

I know I'm giving AW Waaaaaaaaay to much credit for being THAT clever, but a little butter on toast never hurt anybody...
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 11:23 AM Permalink
40below

finish
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 11:47 AM Permalink
Posen

Try to think more like its "filler" (still laughing about that one) Sorry.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 11:47 AM Permalink
40below

Well, I followed the clue's directions and posted "finish" but no park is slapping me in the face :chagrin:
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 11:47 AM Permalink
40below

Since we're all stretching things a bit, there's a Bruce Vento scenic view something or another at the intersection of Cherokee Heights and Annapolis (best Ann Bilanski connection I can find)...
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 12:15 PM Permalink
KC0GRN

Yes, though oddly enough, I found out only the entrance to that trail is in Ramsey County/St. Paul. The rest is in Dakota.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 1:34 PM Permalink
40below

I just did a search through posts from this year's hunt and found an interesting tidbit:

Bilansky Point is down by the Bruce Vento Sanctuary parking area

hmmm...
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 1:59 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

nice noodle
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 3:43 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

Thats what Zephy told me during the hunt
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 3:53 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

From The Street Where you Live, by Donald Empson it is "point of land formed by the
conflence of Phalen Creek and Trout Brook" It was the residence of Ann and Stanislaus Balanski. (p. 27)
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 3:55 PM Permalink
Allison Wonderland

Here's today's new clue:

Clue #7

Look and you can see most beautifully

A skyline with a splendiferous view

But thatÂ’s not enough for foes to rebuff

Play this clue right and you can score too.

And here are the previous clues:

Clue #6

Rid of the fan, he ran and he ran.

ThereÂ’s no doubt he was quite a talker

Mother NatureÂ’s beau- the lawyers said so

Post finish, still serves a walker

Clue #5

ItÂ’s to the hiderÂ’s delight when the weather is white

As it keeps a buried treasure from view

But not all is on the ground, you should look up and around

And to the white add some red and some blue.

Clue #4

Stay true to your mark and look in a park

Where one can see land both low and high

Though it sounds funny, you'll be in the money

If you lay bets mixed up and know why

Clue #3

To be rude and abrupt, or even corrupt

Puts you on Santa's naughty list, not nice.

But this is the day you will find your way

If you can keep our vagueness on ice.

Clue #2

Some remedial math puts you on the path

Begin the equation by starting with a trinity

Count another two, then one more will do

Then put two and two together to mark the vicinity.

Clue#1

The hunt has begun, thus clue number one

Should hint at where the treasure hides

Best not to spill all, but let's say St. Paul

You can even find it in all your guides

Just look for some trees, not many of these

In any park so you're well on your way

To focus your vision, use some precision

Be counting from the start for the big pay
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 4:00 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

This Bilanski point was actually railroad Island by swede hollow
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 4:00 PM Permalink
40below

heh... confirmed my initial suspicions from clue 4...

although you do get a GREAT view of the skyline from Cherokee, even better than from Swede Hollow...

Rebuff... Downtowner Carwash, right by Swede Hollow...

I wish I could go check it out right now but I'm stuck at work :chagrin:
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 4:05 PM Permalink
Allison Wonderland

I wonder if anyone has actually gone out looking yet? Probably tomorrow though.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 4:10 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

I've been out twice. Evidently at the wrong place.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 4:13 PM Permalink
40below

I'll be out tomorrow before work, hopefully it isn't found before then.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 4:14 PM Permalink
Wicked Nick

this is the first time ive seen the clues.... havent been around here lately...

fwiw... Im thinking Swede Hollow too
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 4:24 PM Permalink
SNAKE88

Neck has been out
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 4:34 PM Permalink
40below

I'm still trying to get clue 2 to fit Swede Hollow... cant get it to mean 55106 no matter how I interpret it...
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 4:42 PM Permalink
40below

Swede Hollow Park

650 Payne Avenue, St. Paul MN 55106

Acres: 40.15
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 4:46 PM Permalink
Terry

Who was out in the park tonight hunting? We got a picture of him.

:sillygrin:
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 7:52 PM Permalink
Eags

That is hilarious, Terry! At least whomever it is, is unlikely to have a diving accident under the circumstances.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 7:54 PM Permalink
OT

Ha! That's really funny, Terry.

Fess up, boys!
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 7:55 PM Permalink
Mad_Dach5und

Ain't me - I got a birthmark on my right cheek.
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 9:29 PM Permalink
Clue Master

Ain't me - I'd be kicked out of the park for two days :sheepish:
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 9:53 PM Permalink
40below

I thought I was alone in the park :ooh:
Fri, 03/07/2008 - 10:02 PM Permalink
diggorius rex

the lengths you have to go to find the elusive red snapper
Sat, 03/08/2008 - 8:05 AM Permalink
Mad_Dach5und

The visibility of swimming in snow is terrible - almost as bad as the Mississippi river water! :wink:
Sat, 03/08/2008 - 8:10 AM Permalink
Allison Wonderland

So I wonder if people are out looking today and where they might be. I hear we might get another inch of snow or so tonight.
Sat, 03/08/2008 - 11:46 AM Permalink
Terry

We thought we'd get out today. Maybe will yet...but I woke up with a nasty headache that isn't going away.
Sat, 03/08/2008 - 1:09 PM Permalink
40below

Bring on the snow, I know where I wanna look. It's just a matter of finding time to do it when I work all weekend long :frown:
Sat, 03/08/2008 - 1:13 PM Permalink
Allison Wonderland

I hope you like your job because it sounds like it's really crimping your style!
Sat, 03/08/2008 - 1:16 PM Permalink
Allison Wonderland

Maybe sometime this year I'll have to come up with a virtual hunt for all those people who are stuck online.
Sat, 03/08/2008 - 1:16 PM Permalink
40below

LOL... yeah I like my job for the benefits, but it really is crap work... a virtual hunt would be awesome though
Sat, 03/08/2008 - 1:19 PM Permalink
40below

Sorry to hear that Terry... my wife deals with migraines so I know how it goes... last thing on your mind is going out into the cold and digging in the snow
Sat, 03/08/2008 - 1:20 PM Permalink
mrmnmikey

I was a couple in the park today. Wish I had brought my camera. Saw some really cool sites.
Sat, 03/08/2008 - 2:38 PM Permalink