Clue Explanations
I had planned to use the R/C Flying Club area of Dirksen Park last year until the Pekin Housing Authority piqued my interest. There is always a risk choosing a place that one group of people may know much better than anyone else. You have to guard against using any reference that would give them a decided advantage. The R/C Club grounds and flying field are quite distinctive. It called for select word play and references not unique to the club or the area. Finding the right mix of words and properly disguising them was a challenge. It always is. But it also adds to the fun. The crazy use of idioms, international signal flags, and Victoria's Secret was something different. That keeps hunters guessing and me ever unpredictable. I really enjoyed writing them this year. Hopefully, you enjoyed them too.
Clue#1
"Friends" is a reference to those who are a part of a known group- in this case the R/C Club. "Well" refers to the old well that lays within a few feet of the hiding location. It is noted by virtue of its large concrete base. "Different references" lets the hunter know of a variety of differing types of references that would be used. "Time" is part of the planned use of idioms- in this case "time-flies". "Colors" and "subtleties" is a background and hunt construction reference. "Angle" refers to the yellow wire support on a nearby utility pole and the leaning poles of the Tee Pee. Next to the hiding place there is a rusty pipe prominently protruding from the ground shaped like a Shepherd's Hook. You'll note its "bend". The road into the park area bends as well. "To succeed you must really care" is a trait an R/C enthusiast must have.
Clue#2
"Times" again is the idiom reference to "Time flies". "Seek assistance" refers to the sign that instructs non-R/C Club members to contact the Park District for help in reaching a club member. "Not everyone is invited" regards "No Dogs Allowed" sign. "Resistance" describes the wind sock on top of the Club's shelter. The entire second verse entails an interesting and somewhat humorous observation. Driving into the park there is a sign that tells you not to park in the grass. But if you look at the four handicapped parking signs, they are all in the grass. So do they "allow it" or "do they deny". It posed a puzzling question.
Clue#3
The first verse is all about the medallion being disguised- or camouflaged. "Idioms" relates to the number of popular phrases I planned to use such as "time flies", "as the crow flies", and "catch more flies with honey". "Axioms" are the rules- both in the park and in the hunt. "Passionate" refers to the R/C Club members and "vary in shape and size" relates to the different model airplanes they may use.
Clue#4
The first line was the subject of a number of re-writes. I wanted to describe the R/C Club enclosure that lies inside the park, but avoid tempting people to go inside buildings, even though it's disallowed in the rules. Hence the reference to "Within is not in". "Spellbound" relates to the non-traditional spelling of the first name of the flying field's namesake "Hermon" D. Lowery Field. "Spin" relates to a plane's propeller. "Deeply" again refers to the defunct well. The second verse was written for all hunt detectives to do some background work. The three flags are yellow and red. There are three tables adjacent to the flying field that have yellow and red mounts or holders on them as well as the yellow pole support and the red signs in the area. "Proudly waving" again referred to the windsock as well as the American Flag on the grounds.
Clue#5
"Open space" describes the area from which the planes take-off, are flown, and land. To get to the park you have to "travel out" and club members fly their models outside the fenced club enclosure and then go "back in". "Confinement" is the closed off fence area that you must "step outside" of to fly your plane and "let the fun begin". I hope the Victoria's Secret reference doesn't get me in trouble but the reference I was making - and the "two words that really apply" were "runway models." The "rules by which you must comply" relate to the many signs on the outer fence to the club area.
Clue#6
The first verse is all about building a model - in this case a remote controlled model airplane. "Crow" in the second verse relates to the idiom of "as the crow flies". "Life is about diversity" comments on the benefit of having an interest or hobby like remote-control airplanes. "Find your focus" and "more for you to see" refers to how well hidden and camouflaged the medallion was.
Clue #7
The reference to "your temperature" directed hunters to Route 98. "Spinning" related to propeller and "wheels spinning" denotes distance or traveling farther out to find the hiding place. You catch more "flies" with honey. This related to flying. "Spreading out" as in spreading your "wings". "Out" also hinted that the hiding place was "out of town". In the second verse "slim chances" stood for "remote" as in remote control. "Pay your dues" is often part of belonging to a club as in "R/C Club". "Do by yourself" is flying RC planes. "Control" relates to remote control.
There you have it. Congratulations to Carrie Helmig and her family on a job well-done. Hunting for the medallion has been a lifetime endeavor for her. But this year she finally experienced the joy of the find. I couldn't be happier for her.
We would be remiss if we didn't thank the folks at Pepsi for their many years of support for this very popular event. They help make it the grand daddy of all hunts that it has become. Finally, thank you to all who show their grit and determination - in all kinds of weather - who think hard and work hard to seek this coveted prize. I know it can be frustrating at times. But perseverance is often well-rewarded. Just ask Carrie Helmig.
Gary Gillis
Cluemeister
Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt
Clue#1
"Friends" is a reference to those who are a part of a known group- in this case the R/C Club. "Well" refers to the old well that lays within a few feet of the hiding location. It is noted by virtue of its large concrete base. "Different references" lets the hunter know of a variety of differing types of references that would be used. "Time" is part of the planned use of idioms- in this case "time-flies". "Colors" and "subtleties" is a background and hunt construction reference. "Angle" refers to the yellow wire support on a nearby utility pole and the leaning poles of the Tee Pee. Next to the hiding place there is a rusty pipe prominently protruding from the ground shaped like a Shepherd's Hook. You'll note its "bend". The road into the park area bends as well. "To succeed you must really care" is a trait an R/C enthusiast must have.
Clue#2
"Times" again is the idiom reference to "Time flies". "Seek assistance" refers to the sign that instructs non-R/C Club members to contact the Park District for help in reaching a club member. "Not everyone is invited" regards "No Dogs Allowed" sign. "Resistance" describes the wind sock on top of the Club's shelter. The entire second verse entails an interesting and somewhat humorous observation. Driving into the park there is a sign that tells you not to park in the grass. But if you look at the four handicapped parking signs, they are all in the grass. So do they "allow it" or "do they deny". It posed a puzzling question.
Clue#3
The first verse is all about the medallion being disguised- or camouflaged. "Idioms" relates to the number of popular phrases I planned to use such as "time flies", "as the crow flies", and "catch more flies with honey". "Axioms" are the rules- both in the park and in the hunt. "Passionate" refers to the R/C Club members and "vary in shape and size" relates to the different model airplanes they may use.
Clue#4
The first line was the subject of a number of re-writes. I wanted to describe the R/C Club enclosure that lies inside the park, but avoid tempting people to go inside buildings, even though it's disallowed in the rules. Hence the reference to "Within is not in". "Spellbound" relates to the non-traditional spelling of the first name of the flying field's namesake "Hermon" D. Lowery Field. "Spin" relates to a plane's propeller. "Deeply" again refers to the defunct well. The second verse was written for all hunt detectives to do some background work. The three flags are yellow and red. There are three tables adjacent to the flying field that have yellow and red mounts or holders on them as well as the yellow pole support and the red signs in the area. "Proudly waving" again referred to the windsock as well as the American Flag on the grounds.
Clue#5
"Open space" describes the area from which the planes take-off, are flown, and land. To get to the park you have to "travel out" and club members fly their models outside the fenced club enclosure and then go "back in". "Confinement" is the closed off fence area that you must "step outside" of to fly your plane and "let the fun begin". I hope the Victoria's Secret reference doesn't get me in trouble but the reference I was making - and the "two words that really apply" were "runway models." The "rules by which you must comply" relate to the many signs on the outer fence to the club area.
Clue#6
The first verse is all about building a model - in this case a remote controlled model airplane. "Crow" in the second verse relates to the idiom of "as the crow flies". "Life is about diversity" comments on the benefit of having an interest or hobby like remote-control airplanes. "Find your focus" and "more for you to see" refers to how well hidden and camouflaged the medallion was.
Clue #7
The reference to "your temperature" directed hunters to Route 98. "Spinning" related to propeller and "wheels spinning" denotes distance or traveling farther out to find the hiding place. You catch more "flies" with honey. This related to flying. "Spreading out" as in spreading your "wings". "Out" also hinted that the hiding place was "out of town". In the second verse "slim chances" stood for "remote" as in remote control. "Pay your dues" is often part of belonging to a club as in "R/C Club". "Do by yourself" is flying RC planes. "Control" relates to remote control.
There you have it. Congratulations to Carrie Helmig and her family on a job well-done. Hunting for the medallion has been a lifetime endeavor for her. But this year she finally experienced the joy of the find. I couldn't be happier for her.
We would be remiss if we didn't thank the folks at Pepsi for their many years of support for this very popular event. They help make it the grand daddy of all hunts that it has become. Finally, thank you to all who show their grit and determination - in all kinds of weather - who think hard and work hard to seek this coveted prize. I know it can be frustrating at times. But perseverance is often well-rewarded. Just ask Carrie Helmig.
Gary Gillis
Cluemeister
Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt
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