2009 Pepsi Medallion Hunt Clue Explanations
Life's a mystery. Life is unpredictable. Such are the characteristics that I have always seen for the Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt. I had planned on a different hiding place. But then when driving by the Miller Center one day I thought, "Hey, why not there again?" "How about back-to-back?" It would be a change and it would certainly address those comments that I've heard such as, "I've got it figured out" or "I know how he thinks."
It would also address those concerns expressed over accessibility in outer or larger parks and school yards. You could literally park a car inches from the location. There would be logistical problems however. I wanted to stay away from the Miller Center building so that left some spots very much out in the open. Therefore, I would have to carefully disguise, or camouflage, the Medallion so that it wouldn't be found with a simple cursory look.
So, taking some of the branches from the very bush that was chosen, I tied some of them around my medallion bag held in place with brown twine. I instructed my Designated Hider to place it low, tuck it in a little, and place a few spare branches around it. My goal was not to bury it--just to have it blend in. Placing your palm flat upon it wouldn't give it away. You had to either feel and squeeze it, or look closely to see the twine. (I almost used fishing line, but felt that would be a little too tricky.) This necessitated close examination but also created a greater likelihood that the hunt might last longer. (I always worry that someone will find it the first day.)
As always, I developed themes--the two central being references to "repeating or back-to-back," and a focus on the Detectable Warnings in the sidewalk nearby. It is also an area that we all go by so often but probably don't take the time to examine some of its features. It took several drive-bys to identify everything I could use. There wasn't much and I had to guard against using some of the exact references as last year. You'll note that some of the early clues are a stretch, but that's how it always is. And remember--it's not suppose to be easy.
Clue # 1 -
Going with the theme of "back to back" or "repeat," notice how the hunt starts. While this clue was intended to honor Dave Tebben first, look at the first line. It does not say name "of." It says "Dave Tebben." This is a directive to focus on the name itself. Note that, in the last name, there are two b's back to back. Also note that "name" is listed on the first line and then the second. Therefore, I "repeat" myself. The last line in the first verse refers to "fame." Together with "name," "fame" also refers to the Everett Dirksen statue which stands near the hiding spot.
The second verse prepares you for a coming focus on concepts. The "things that aren't meant to be" refers to the one bush near the hiding spot that was dead or simply had never grown. The location is an area that is "surrounded" by a lot of different things. The "poison ivy" was both meant to throw hunters off but to also warn them that, with this year's moisture, the three-leaf plant was plentiful and I didn't want to see anyone needlessly exposed to it.
Clue # 2 -
This clue focuses on specifics of the location. The irony of the chosen area is that even though it was a well-traveled location, it really is unfamiliar. When I described some of the characteristics of it to my Bouncers, they confessed that they were unaware of the items that I pointed out. I will highlight as I continue. The "green of various heights" refers to the bush itself--one half taller than the other. "Hard to do all the counting" refers to the asphalt (hard) surface of the two parking lots and the many parking spaces. "Left of your rights" was a chosen phrase that I changed back and forth several times. It refers to the yellow road sign you see when heading south on 14th St. and face the Miller Center. The arrow points left and right.
In the second verse, "things that have never been finished" is a word play from which you can derive, "things that have never been done." We have never hidden the Medallion in the same area two years in a row. "Traversing about" relates to all the traffic that passes close to the location. "Camouflage" prepares the hunter for the fact that the Medallion was hidden in a bag that had branches tied around it to keep it better hidden. "Expressing" was a play on "expression," hence the expression "never been done before." The last line notifies the hunter that, because of its camouflaged appearance, you could look right at it and not see it. Because of that, the hunter had to leave "no room for doubt."
Clue # 3 -
This clue attempts to draw attention to two concepts. The first verse focuses on the Detectable Warning pad set in the concrete in the nearby sidewalk which is there to assist the visually impaired. The second verse is centered around events that happened last year, when the Medallion was also hidden near the Miller Center.
In the first verse, the sidewalk pad informs the user where to "start and finish." Because these pads serve to inform the visually impaired that they have arrived at a street crossing, there "is nothing holding them back." The crossing area is in a fairly high traffic location that might make those of us who can witness it "feel a bit skittish."
In the second verse, "jump" is a play on the word "leap." 2008 was a Leap Year. "Periodically" refers to the fact that it occurs regularly every fourth year and it is "something officially deemed to be." "Much deliberation as you make your choices" is a reference to Election Day. The Miller Center serves as a poling place and the last big election was "last year." Finally, the hiding location was near the "edge" of Pekin Park property and the entire line described the feeling when standing on a ridge--up high--"seeing as far as you can see." The prize was hidden very close to Oak "Ridge" Street.
Clue # 4 -
The first two lines of the first verse again refer to Oak Ridge Street. "Different levels" refer to the differing heights of the bushes. 14th Street winds through that area, or, travels "to and fro."
In the second verse, "leaves" refers to the camouflage used in preparing the Medallion and "leaves out nothing" lets the hunter know that you would have to actually look very closely and feel the Medallion. "References that make no sense" refer to the confusing signs in that area. The arrow sign doesn't quite accurately point out the proper direction. Oak Ridge Street is actually to your right when approaching from the north, but the sign is on the left side of the sign pole. Approaching from the south it appears correct. From the other way, it seems to be in "error" and may lead to some "confusion"--all done "innocently." The First United Methodist Church sign is slightly confusing because the Miller Center almost "hinders" your view of the church.
Clue # 5 -
"Refrain" has more than one meaning. In this case, it was in a song--which "repeats" a line or verse. "Too distant" was a veiled reference to the fact that the hiding spot was "in town." The rest of the first verse encourages the hunter to look for themes and concepts. "Cautiously" refers to the Yellow arrow sign, the 20 mph sign, and the Children Crossing sign.
In the second verse, "bumps in the road" refers to the texture of the Detectable Warning street crossing pad. For the visually impaired, there is a "connection between sight and sounds" and, at times, you can also hear the church bells of First United Methodist Church. "When you find it you'll know the feeling" refers both to the Detectable Warning pad and the fact that you really had to feel for the Medallion. Finally, there are quite a few different colors in the general area.
Clue # 6 -
The first verse refers to the specific characteristics near the hiding spot. Looking for things to count, you will see all the parking spots that border the location. There are 25 that run north and south, and then three that run east and west within several feet of where the Medallion was hidden. "Your ultimate goal is to find part of the whole" refers to the fact that the chosen spot was part of many bushes and "by George" told you to look for a "Bush." "It's not easy to see" again refers to the fact that the bag was camouflaged. It could be seen if looked at closely, but missed if someone gave it a cursory look.
In the second verse, "feeling" meant that, because of its disguise, you would have to feel it to confirm your discovery. "More than unlucky" translates into "one more than lucky," unlucky equals 13, so that totals 14. The Medallion was hidden near 14th Street. The "theme" related to the historic act of dueling. Duelers often commenced their showdown by starting "back-to-back." Here again, I was attempting to draw hunters into the theme of a repeat hiding spot.
Clue # 7 -
"Strung out" refers to the twine wrapped around the medallion bag. "Missed something I've not done before" relates to the fact that I had never hid the prize in the same close vicinity two years in a row. "Detectable warning" gives you the proper name of the sidewalk feature and "score" relates to the definition of meaning "twenty." There is a 20 mph sign nearby. "Exercise caution" refers to the many people who walk around the Lagoon, while "caution" refers to the arrow sign and the children crossing warning. "Uneven signs" relates to the church sign which is slightly crooked when seen at different angles--plus a bit "warped." "Driven" signifies the prevalent traffic. "Crazy mind" is my acknowledgement of many hunters' opinion of my clue writing effort.
Clue # 8 -
This one became extremely challenging. How do you heat things up but not simply give it away? So, I attempted to draw hunters closer. "Middle" was reference to center--as in "Miller Center." "Quiet comfort" referred to the restroom nearby. "Comfort stations" are what restrooms used to be known as. "Islands in rectangles of blackness" are the landscaped areas within the west parking lot that, given their shape, "point" toward the location. "Ripple effect" relates to the Lagoon. With all the traffic on 14th Street, there are "so many they're are passing you by." "Casting" refers to the fishing that takes place at the Lagoon and "casual gazing" again relates to the fact that the hiding area always lies within your general sight but few people focus on it. I know that I hadn't. Finally, "watch of a constant eye" referred to Everett Dirksen and the Dirksen Statue.
Clue # 9 -
Even though we never used it, it was published. So, "Pepsi" refers to the vending machine by the restrooms. "Aging" refers to the Miller Center. "Counting the calendar until Monday" brings you to September 14--as in 14th Street. "Yielding" was for the Children Crossing sign and "eternal power" was for the church sign.
The "long-tenured folks" are those who frequent the Miller Center, while "GM" is for the "Gene Miller" Center which it says on their sign. The next line again refers to the parking lots. The selected bushes run from "the north and the south." "Lying" let the hunters know that the Medallion was on the ground and "surrounded by green spots" encouraged hunters to look in bushes and not rummage through flowers.
Conclusion
So there you have it! It was different. It was new. But "returning to the scene of the crime" had a certain unique appeal. I've heard from some that choosing the same general location lacked creativity. I disagree. Having it by the Miller Center two years in a row necessitated 18 clues over that time. Believe me, that taxed my creativity.
Every year I talk to people just after the hunt. Time and again I hear the claim that "it was something that we did as a family," "it was something that we did together," "it created special memories." Sure, it is great joy in finding the Medallion as Justin Clark and Chet Strickfaden can testify to. But, the real joy lies in the experience and memories. I am especially appreciative of the lady who told me that the Medallion Hunt was something she and her dad did together. He passed away 10 years ago, but it is because of the memories she enjoys of her time spent looking with her dad, that she makes sure she looks with her kids every year and will again look next year. Maybe there's a lesson there for all hunters. This is not the "Medallion Discovery" or the "Medallion Find." It is the "Medallion Hunt," and it is in that effort where the real fun lies.
Gary Gillis
Cluemeister
It would also address those concerns expressed over accessibility in outer or larger parks and school yards. You could literally park a car inches from the location. There would be logistical problems however. I wanted to stay away from the Miller Center building so that left some spots very much out in the open. Therefore, I would have to carefully disguise, or camouflage, the Medallion so that it wouldn't be found with a simple cursory look.
So, taking some of the branches from the very bush that was chosen, I tied some of them around my medallion bag held in place with brown twine. I instructed my Designated Hider to place it low, tuck it in a little, and place a few spare branches around it. My goal was not to bury it--just to have it blend in. Placing your palm flat upon it wouldn't give it away. You had to either feel and squeeze it, or look closely to see the twine. (I almost used fishing line, but felt that would be a little too tricky.) This necessitated close examination but also created a greater likelihood that the hunt might last longer. (I always worry that someone will find it the first day.)
As always, I developed themes--the two central being references to "repeating or back-to-back," and a focus on the Detectable Warnings in the sidewalk nearby. It is also an area that we all go by so often but probably don't take the time to examine some of its features. It took several drive-bys to identify everything I could use. There wasn't much and I had to guard against using some of the exact references as last year. You'll note that some of the early clues are a stretch, but that's how it always is. And remember--it's not suppose to be easy.
Clue # 1 -
Going with the theme of "back to back" or "repeat," notice how the hunt starts. While this clue was intended to honor Dave Tebben first, look at the first line. It does not say name "of." It says "Dave Tebben." This is a directive to focus on the name itself. Note that, in the last name, there are two b's back to back. Also note that "name" is listed on the first line and then the second. Therefore, I "repeat" myself. The last line in the first verse refers to "fame." Together with "name," "fame" also refers to the Everett Dirksen statue which stands near the hiding spot.
The second verse prepares you for a coming focus on concepts. The "things that aren't meant to be" refers to the one bush near the hiding spot that was dead or simply had never grown. The location is an area that is "surrounded" by a lot of different things. The "poison ivy" was both meant to throw hunters off but to also warn them that, with this year's moisture, the three-leaf plant was plentiful and I didn't want to see anyone needlessly exposed to it.
Clue # 2 -
This clue focuses on specifics of the location. The irony of the chosen area is that even though it was a well-traveled location, it really is unfamiliar. When I described some of the characteristics of it to my Bouncers, they confessed that they were unaware of the items that I pointed out. I will highlight as I continue. The "green of various heights" refers to the bush itself--one half taller than the other. "Hard to do all the counting" refers to the asphalt (hard) surface of the two parking lots and the many parking spaces. "Left of your rights" was a chosen phrase that I changed back and forth several times. It refers to the yellow road sign you see when heading south on 14th St. and face the Miller Center. The arrow points left and right.
In the second verse, "things that have never been finished" is a word play from which you can derive, "things that have never been done." We have never hidden the Medallion in the same area two years in a row. "Traversing about" relates to all the traffic that passes close to the location. "Camouflage" prepares the hunter for the fact that the Medallion was hidden in a bag that had branches tied around it to keep it better hidden. "Expressing" was a play on "expression," hence the expression "never been done before." The last line notifies the hunter that, because of its camouflaged appearance, you could look right at it and not see it. Because of that, the hunter had to leave "no room for doubt."
Clue # 3 -
This clue attempts to draw attention to two concepts. The first verse focuses on the Detectable Warning pad set in the concrete in the nearby sidewalk which is there to assist the visually impaired. The second verse is centered around events that happened last year, when the Medallion was also hidden near the Miller Center.
In the first verse, the sidewalk pad informs the user where to "start and finish." Because these pads serve to inform the visually impaired that they have arrived at a street crossing, there "is nothing holding them back." The crossing area is in a fairly high traffic location that might make those of us who can witness it "feel a bit skittish."
In the second verse, "jump" is a play on the word "leap." 2008 was a Leap Year. "Periodically" refers to the fact that it occurs regularly every fourth year and it is "something officially deemed to be." "Much deliberation as you make your choices" is a reference to Election Day. The Miller Center serves as a poling place and the last big election was "last year." Finally, the hiding location was near the "edge" of Pekin Park property and the entire line described the feeling when standing on a ridge--up high--"seeing as far as you can see." The prize was hidden very close to Oak "Ridge" Street.
Clue # 4 -
The first two lines of the first verse again refer to Oak Ridge Street. "Different levels" refer to the differing heights of the bushes. 14th Street winds through that area, or, travels "to and fro."
In the second verse, "leaves" refers to the camouflage used in preparing the Medallion and "leaves out nothing" lets the hunter know that you would have to actually look very closely and feel the Medallion. "References that make no sense" refer to the confusing signs in that area. The arrow sign doesn't quite accurately point out the proper direction. Oak Ridge Street is actually to your right when approaching from the north, but the sign is on the left side of the sign pole. Approaching from the south it appears correct. From the other way, it seems to be in "error" and may lead to some "confusion"--all done "innocently." The First United Methodist Church sign is slightly confusing because the Miller Center almost "hinders" your view of the church.
Clue # 5 -
"Refrain" has more than one meaning. In this case, it was in a song--which "repeats" a line or verse. "Too distant" was a veiled reference to the fact that the hiding spot was "in town." The rest of the first verse encourages the hunter to look for themes and concepts. "Cautiously" refers to the Yellow arrow sign, the 20 mph sign, and the Children Crossing sign.
In the second verse, "bumps in the road" refers to the texture of the Detectable Warning street crossing pad. For the visually impaired, there is a "connection between sight and sounds" and, at times, you can also hear the church bells of First United Methodist Church. "When you find it you'll know the feeling" refers both to the Detectable Warning pad and the fact that you really had to feel for the Medallion. Finally, there are quite a few different colors in the general area.
Clue # 6 -
The first verse refers to the specific characteristics near the hiding spot. Looking for things to count, you will see all the parking spots that border the location. There are 25 that run north and south, and then three that run east and west within several feet of where the Medallion was hidden. "Your ultimate goal is to find part of the whole" refers to the fact that the chosen spot was part of many bushes and "by George" told you to look for a "Bush." "It's not easy to see" again refers to the fact that the bag was camouflaged. It could be seen if looked at closely, but missed if someone gave it a cursory look.
In the second verse, "feeling" meant that, because of its disguise, you would have to feel it to confirm your discovery. "More than unlucky" translates into "one more than lucky," unlucky equals 13, so that totals 14. The Medallion was hidden near 14th Street. The "theme" related to the historic act of dueling. Duelers often commenced their showdown by starting "back-to-back." Here again, I was attempting to draw hunters into the theme of a repeat hiding spot.
Clue # 7 -
"Strung out" refers to the twine wrapped around the medallion bag. "Missed something I've not done before" relates to the fact that I had never hid the prize in the same close vicinity two years in a row. "Detectable warning" gives you the proper name of the sidewalk feature and "score" relates to the definition of meaning "twenty." There is a 20 mph sign nearby. "Exercise caution" refers to the many people who walk around the Lagoon, while "caution" refers to the arrow sign and the children crossing warning. "Uneven signs" relates to the church sign which is slightly crooked when seen at different angles--plus a bit "warped." "Driven" signifies the prevalent traffic. "Crazy mind" is my acknowledgement of many hunters' opinion of my clue writing effort.
Clue # 8 -
This one became extremely challenging. How do you heat things up but not simply give it away? So, I attempted to draw hunters closer. "Middle" was reference to center--as in "Miller Center." "Quiet comfort" referred to the restroom nearby. "Comfort stations" are what restrooms used to be known as. "Islands in rectangles of blackness" are the landscaped areas within the west parking lot that, given their shape, "point" toward the location. "Ripple effect" relates to the Lagoon. With all the traffic on 14th Street, there are "so many they're are passing you by." "Casting" refers to the fishing that takes place at the Lagoon and "casual gazing" again relates to the fact that the hiding area always lies within your general sight but few people focus on it. I know that I hadn't. Finally, "watch of a constant eye" referred to Everett Dirksen and the Dirksen Statue.
Clue # 9 -
Even though we never used it, it was published. So, "Pepsi" refers to the vending machine by the restrooms. "Aging" refers to the Miller Center. "Counting the calendar until Monday" brings you to September 14--as in 14th Street. "Yielding" was for the Children Crossing sign and "eternal power" was for the church sign.
The "long-tenured folks" are those who frequent the Miller Center, while "GM" is for the "Gene Miller" Center which it says on their sign. The next line again refers to the parking lots. The selected bushes run from "the north and the south." "Lying" let the hunters know that the Medallion was on the ground and "surrounded by green spots" encouraged hunters to look in bushes and not rummage through flowers.
Conclusion
So there you have it! It was different. It was new. But "returning to the scene of the crime" had a certain unique appeal. I've heard from some that choosing the same general location lacked creativity. I disagree. Having it by the Miller Center two years in a row necessitated 18 clues over that time. Believe me, that taxed my creativity.
Every year I talk to people just after the hunt. Time and again I hear the claim that "it was something that we did as a family," "it was something that we did together," "it created special memories." Sure, it is great joy in finding the Medallion as Justin Clark and Chet Strickfaden can testify to. But, the real joy lies in the experience and memories. I am especially appreciative of the lady who told me that the Medallion Hunt was something she and her dad did together. He passed away 10 years ago, but it is because of the memories she enjoys of her time spent looking with her dad, that she makes sure she looks with her kids every year and will again look next year. Maybe there's a lesson there for all hunters. This is not the "Medallion Discovery" or the "Medallion Find." It is the "Medallion Hunt," and it is in that effort where the real fun lies.
Gary Gillis
Cluemeister
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