Thursday, January 31, 2008
Final Medallion Post
Treasure Hunt clues explained
Here are the 12 clues our clue writers created for this year's medallion hunt along with explanations of their meanings.
Clue 1
You've joined the hunt for the regal runt
To prove searching does pay
Don't dig a hole or knock down a pole
And the golf course is out of play
Last year Jake took home the cake
With a clue a bit off level
This year we'll rinse off all our prints
Lest this hunt go to the devil
CW Explanation: We advise hunters not to dig or knock down anything, and to stay off golf courses. We refer to the hunter who found the medallion after the second clue last year, the fastest on record. He said he deduced "Cleveland" Avenue from the word "level," then followed our footprints to the prize. This year we vow to keep the hunt from going to the devil by making it more challenging and not leaving telltale footprints behind.
My Response: First off- let's try for some consistency in the explanations- #1. Wouldn't it make sense to have the WHOLE clue italicized instead of just the first stanza? It's called proof reading- I would like to think that newspapers do this…. #2. Last year Jake found the puck after THREE Clues. PP it's your hunt, your archives, I'd think that you would have done some fact checking- it took me two minutes to get this off your damn website (see below). Clue writer, I'd like to call YOU the devil- but I honestly think the devil is much more clever than you, and comparing you to him would be too much of a compliment.
St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN) - January 24, 2007 - B1 LocalTHAT WAS FAST WITH JUST 3 CLUES -- AND A LITTLE HELP -- DEDICATED HUNTER FINDS MEDALLION It was bound to happen. A dedicated -- some would say obsessed -- treasure hunter, Jake Ingebrigtson set a record for finding the Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt medallion with fewer clues than anyone in the 56-year history of the event. The 27-year-old set out to find the medallion this year as he has for the past decade: cocksure and ready to dig. Months earlier, he'd scoped out Hidden Falls Regional Park, a wooded area tucked below the Ford plant on Mississippi River Boulevard....
Clue 2
The point of all this is so that you won't miss
Your big chance to grab all the cash
Now gather your guys and a gal who is wise
You'll have to do something quite rash
Explanation: This is a reference to the proximity of Point Douglas Road to Indian Mounds Park, where the medallion was hidden. "Guys and wise gal" refer indirectly to the Order of the Eastern Star, a male-and-female fraternal organization that is an offshoot of the Masons, and which planted a star-shaped "Matron's Grove" of trees at Indian Mounds Park. A "rash" often accompanies a burn -- an indirect allusion to Burns Avenue near the park.
My Response: If I remember correctly, fraternities and fraternal organizations ARE NOT known for their intelligence. Have you seen Animal House? Or heard rumors of what masons make people do for initiation? To roughly quote my friend Amy from a conversation yesterday- "Lock them naked in a coffin and make them drink bad gin." I would be a little bit more sold on their "wisdom" if George Bush wasn't a free mason (or as he would say Wisdomness). Next, I would have thought the CW would come up with something clever pointing us to Matrons Grove, but no one has ever heard of it anyhow so it doesn’t really matter…Lastly, I’ve been burned many times over the course of my life. I’ve been sunburned more times than I can count. I have burned my hand on a light bulb and gotten my arm stuck in a hot oven- but I have NEVER I repeat NEVER gotten a rash along with my burn. I have had heat rash before, but that isn't a BURN. Idiots.
Clue 3
We've scanned the county to hide our bounty
And keep you on your toes
It may sound risible, but our puck's invisible
Although it might just stick to your nose.
Explanation: Hunters must be on their toes because we've hid it in hilly territory which we scanned from the top of a hill in the park. "Invisible" and "stick to your nose" refers to the "invisible tape" box in which the medallion is hidden.
My Response: if you are standing on a hill- looking down, why would you need to stand on your toes??? The invisible tape thing is the most logical thing I've read so far- but I’m still angry.
Clue 4
How fun is the snow how far will we go
You really ought to go see
Get up for the mission and not just the wishin'
Get into the game - it's all free
Explanation: Pretty darn obscure: "Game" is a reference to Obbs Sports Bar across the street from the park. Really obscure: "Far" and "go" are a reference to Wells Fargo Place downtown, which is visible from Indian Mounds Park.
My Response: Obscure? You think???? Because I know that I INSTANTLY thought of Obbs Sports Bar, not to mention their FREE beverages. Wells Fargo- WTF, I could name 6 other parks that you can see the Wells Building from, not to mention I bet every other park in St. Paul is less than a mile from a branch.
Clue 5
There once was a clue that drove you-know-who
To threaten a heinous act
We'd use it again, but we're afraid of his pen
My friend, that's an unfortunate fact
Explanation: This is a reference to a certain newspaper columnist who freaked out several hunts ago. He took issue with a clue referring obliquely to the location of a French immersion school - which is now at Parkway School, not far from Indian Mounds Park. The Pioneer Press had a short article about a play at the school called "Kaposia,'' which debuted during this year's hunt. The play dealt with the Native American community that once thrived at Indian Mounds Park.
My Response: The French immersion school is midway between Phalen and Indian Mounds- if I were to use their logic- nothing is really that far from any of the clues. Which is probably what they were thinking when they sent us on a wild goose chase around St Paul. New Brighton isn't far from any of these parks, and is really close to say…Burnsville. K-A-P-O-S-I-A. As a South St. Paul girl- their explanation of this clue left me stumped. I did a little google research and found out that prior to living in SSP/WSP the Kaposia had been in St. Paul in a number of different locations. They lived near Lake Phalen, and below Mounds Park in a swamp. I could be wrong, or possibly the parent who wrote Kaposia was, but in our very next clue- the CW mentions who built the mounds- and it wasn't the Kaposia. By the way- the article about the play states that it is about Native American's who lived in MN- it mentions NOTHING about Mounds Park.
Clue 6
All ye who look should honor the book
As one who stood for hope
Much was built in the name of the kilt
Look sharp now and never mope
Explanation: Calling all history buffs: Edward Duffield Neill was the first to conduct excavations at Indian Mounds Park. He was a Presbyterian minister and educator ("ye," "honor the book") who had been a presidential aide to Abraham Lincoln. In Minnesota, he founded Macalester College and the House of Hope Presbyterian Church ("hope.") These are two St. Paul institutions that honor the Scottish traditions ("kilt.") The word "hope" also invokes the Hopewell Indians, the ancient tribe that built the mounds.
My Response: Umm, seriously? I don't even have a response to how completely asinine this clue is.
Clue 7
If you should go look high then low
One could see it from a bower
If it's your bent you might seek a tent
To protect in case of shower
Explanation: The tent refers to the Indians who lived on the site of Indian Mounds Park. "High then low" refers to the hilly terrain where the medallion is hidden.
My Response: Yes, Indians lived in tents. Yes, Indians lived on the site of Mounds Park. But they aren't there anymore- so if it rains, I guess I am shit out of luck. Thank god I spent time researching the multiple meanings of the word bower, it'll come in handy when I am trying to outsmart my word of the day calendar.
Take note of the wood and do what you should
To extract the prize for yourself
Build a bridge to your dreams as high as they seem
Leave nothing behind on the shelf
Explanation: Another reference to the woods in the area in which it is hidden and to the bridge that crosses Warner Road from Mounds Park. The "shelf" refers to the side of the hill where the medallion is hidden.
My Response: It is all so clear now!!! I tell you what though- if any bridge coming from Mounds Park is the bridge of my dreams, I really need to re-evaluate my life's goals.
Clue 8
Look at the buck to acquire good luckI
n finding the grail this year
Link a jar, a line, a star lawyer divine
While crying in your beer
Explanation: There are deer in Indian Mounds Park. Jar, line and star lawyer refer to the word "Mason,'' a reference to the Masonic memorial in Mounds Park. There is also a reference to the beverage enjoyed at Obbs sports bar.
My Response: Deer?!? DEER?!?!?! Not only are there deer in EVERY SINGLE PARK in St. Paul- but you probably can't look at the buck if there aren't any deer permanently chained down in the park. I have been to Mounds dozens of times over the last 20 years, during every time of day, and have NEVER, I repeat NEVER seen a deer. We got the Masons reference, but again- vagueness!!! I'm not even going to revisit the line which made me momentarily hate beer.
He won, then lost and the nation was tossed
Into strife that was far from civil
The point I'm making is yours for the taking
Believe me - not the message board drivel
Explanation: Another reference to Point Douglas Road, located near the park, which was named after Stephen A. Douglas, who defeated Abraham Lincoln in the 1858 U.S. Senate race but lost to him for the presidency two years later. The Civil War followed shortly after the election. We also refer to the many message boards purporting to know where the medallion was hidden.
My Response: I feel this is a clever and acceptable clue.
Clue 9
This name brings tears, elation and cheers
And occasionally even outrages
It sits on walls and rides the halls
And fills a dozen pages
Explanation: The name is "Johnson," filling 12 pages in the telephone book. Johnson Parkway ends at Indian Mounds Park. There is also a bench at the park ("sits") named for a Minnesota "Johnson."
My Response: Considering my boyfriend is a Johnson and he's made me cry, made me happy and we've toasted many times, this clue should have been blatantly obvious. But it is seriously lacking. Other than my personal experience, what part of the first three lines actually pertains to Johnson Pkwy? I like the dozen pages- it is very clever, but who uses the phone book anymore? It's called Dexonline.com.
The hills are alive and you'll have arrived
Refrain from the very injurious
Be bold and be brave but your skin you must save
What's off-limits should frankly be obvious
Explanation: Another reference to the hills and potentially dangerous terrain in the area where it is hidden; "brave" is an Indian term. The "frankly obvious" area that is off-limits is the area of the ancient mounds themselves.
My Response: Let me go on record and state that I don't really feel like Mounds is HILLY. Other than the mounds themselves, there are very long slopes- the park from west to east is on very different elevation- but for the most part, it is flat park and the cliff- if that is a hill then I guess I'll have to take your word for it.
Clue 10
Look for the sight you hope is just right
You're doubtful and you're torn
Make the rounds for what rhymes with grounds
And part of a rose with a horn
Through flames and flow this park where you'll go
Is the site of sacred relics
Stay away from these and the cliffs if you please
Or you'll be in a heckuva fix
Explanation: Both stanzas clearly point to "Mounds" park, rhyming with "grounds,'' and to the "horn" of a rose, referring to nearby Thorn Street. We tell people to stay away from "sacred relics" - the actual Indian mounds - and from the cliffs. "Flames" refer to Burns and "flow" to Etna, two streets near the park.
My Response: Dear Clue Writer, Up until this point, you have made us noodle that fraternities are known for their knowledge, that mounds park has deer, that the name Johnson brings tears, elation and cheers, and that the bridge of my dreams is built on an east side park. After putting me through all of that, you are finally going to reveal the location by RHYMING??? Again this proves that you have the mental capability of a 5 year old. Can anyone tell me what rhymes with HICK? By the way, this clue made me so incredibly angry AND crabby that I didn't talk to my boyfriend for 10 hours. Home wrecker!!!
Clue 11
(This clue, released in the early edition of the newspaper at 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, led to the discovery of the medallion about midnight.)
Air and river sounds lead all to Mounds
Far from the graves take your entourage'
Twixt Burns and Thorn an icy pathway is born
Across Mounds from a gray house and tan garage
Hell no fury hath as those on the wrong path
Mounds and Warner form a woodsy perimeter
The path, not official, contains footprints beneficial
Some 300 trudges in - not a quest for a quitter
This trail you must follow goes down a narrow hollow
Under a fallen tree to an old rusted
here you must search for a hillside path perch
Wherein lies the center of fun
Explanation: These stanzas get the hunters into the area where the medallion is hidden in Indian Mounds Park. Between Burns and Thorn street, across Mounds Boulevard from a house-and-garage, begins an icy path worn by many footprints. It goes through a narrow hollow or creek bed, under a fallen tree, to an old rusted drum. We counted 300 steps from the street to the drum. We encourage hunters to look for a "hillside path perch" in this area -- on a hillside, near a path -- but we did not give the exact location.
My response: This clue tells me that A. you have not done this before, and B. you like to ruin people's lives. Show me in medallion history where clue #11 gives you the number of paces to the medallion. You don't give the exact location my ass. Were you getting bored with writing clues at this point? Jerks.
Clue 12
(This clue was scheduled to run in the newspaper on Thursday, Jan. 31)
Your blood will coagulate whilst you triangulate
From the drum at the heart of it all
A slope nearby you will espy
Fifty steps up the hill - careful, don't fall
Near a hollowed half-tree a fallen limb you will see
The cover for our precious goods
Across the path from the half-tree lift the limb and you'll see
There's gold in them thar' woods
Quick like a fox see the blue-and-white box
Away you casually sidleInside is the prize, two-domed and super-sized
Congratulations - you're our Minnesota Idol
Explanation: This identifies the exact spot where the medallion is located. It is close to a "hollowed half-tree" - a split trunk that is a marker for our treasure. Across the icy path from this half-tree are some dead limbs on the ground. The treasure is under one of them. It is in a blue-and-white box of 3M invisible tape. The marker tree is about 50 steps up the hill from the rusted drum.
Kari's Response: I can only thank god that I didn't have to read this piece of crap clue in the paper.
Pictures of Swede Hollow
GIANT WALLS surrounding one side of the park. you can see boyfriend in the center digging for the puck.




My own dead tree picture. maybe i will frame it. :)
Pics and final clue thoughts
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Clues 9 & 10
here are the two most recent clues-
Clue #9
This name brings tears, elation and cheers
And occasionally even outrages
It sits on walls and rides the halls
And fills a dozen pages
The hills are alive and you'll have arrived
Refrain from the very injurious
Be bold and be brave but your skin you must save
What's off-limits should frankly be obvious
Clue No. 10
Look for the sight you hope is just right
You're doubtful and you're torn
Make the rounds for what rhymes with grounds
And part of a rose with a horn
Through flames and flow this park where you'll go
Is the site of sacred relics
Stay away from these and the cliffs if you please
Or you'll be in a heckuva fix
My GOD. what a roller coaster the last two days have been. i honestly don't know where things end and other things begin. so sunday night- we had our revelation- our moment of genius- the moment when all time stood still. we pulled everything together. The answer we had been looking for laid in swede hollow. all the clues fit. from the 3M references to "sitting on walls and riding halls" even down to the 3m manufactured game "Aquired". as we researched Swede Hollow history i was fascinated by the community that a city forgot. i was especially touched by a excerpt from a documentary where a man who had lived down there growing up. he was reminiscing about living there, and later in life- he found out that Swede Hollow had officially been deemed a slum in 1933- he realized he was living down there at that time and was shocked to hear that- as they always had fun, and things were always provided for. kids ran in groups and played, parents watched everyones kids. There was a whole community living in shanties under huge mansions on Daytons bluff. in 1956, the remaining 16 families living in swedes hollow were evicted and the shanties were burnt to the ground
Yesterday, we spent 8 hours at swede hollow. it was a beautiful day, and an amazing park. it was calm and silent. it was a picturesque day. peaceful. there were about 30 people in the park through out the day hunting with us.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
5, 6, 7 open up the pearly gates!
A prize for the person who knows the song i am referencing above!!!
Don't ask me where i've been for the last 3 clues!!! i really meant to update this every day but the hunt, a little bit of booze and exhaustion has gotten the best of me.
here are the last 3 clues:
Clue #5
There once was a clue that drove you-know-who
To threaten a heinous act
We'd use it again but we're afraid of his pen
My friend, that's an unfortunate fact
- We think this is supposed to steer us toward Como. Joe Souchery (you know who) has been a popular guess as to who writes the clues. he disputes this fact and in 2003 blasted the clue writers for writing stupid clues that no one can figure out. Those clues lead us to Como.
http://www.coolercrew.com/archive.php?location=1052049141&start=1
Clue #6
All ye who look should honor the book
As one who stood for hope
Much was built in the name of the kilt
Look sharp now and never mope
- Now this one may send you running toward Highland- Kilt, etc. BUT we think they are just trying to fuck with us. the way the clues have been- they aren't going to give us something this obvious.
Clue #7
If you should go look high then low
One could see it from a bower
If it's your bent you might seek a tent
To protect in case of shower
Take note of the wood and do what you should
To extract the prize for yourself
Build a bridge to your dreams as high as they seem
Leave nothing behind on the shelf
-Hmmm, where do i begin with this one- again it seems they are trying to steer us toward Highland- High is in there twice (and i think the clue writers are....) and the tent COULD refer to Circus Jurveus or whatever- which is a childrens circus training program which performs in highland- BUT they don't perform in a tent- it is a big green dome building (thanks boyfriend for figuring that out, and reading over my shoulder... :) )
So where are we????? we spent yesterday in Como and Phalen. We are returning to Phalen today. i am 70% sure it is at phalen and about 30% sure about Highland. I really think they are trying to steer us in the wrong direction- or it is possible that they haven't revealed the park at all and are just pointing us toward where to look in the parks. i am excited about our 30+ degree temps and the steaming hot thermos of coffee and bailys waiting for us to drink. :)
hunt memory- so far this year my favorite hunt memory is from yesterday. as we were driving around parks we called my mom to see if she had any ideas for us. with us on speaker phone at her house and her on speaker phone in my car- i appreciate all of her help and she's going to keep noodling for us. :)
i will take some pics today while we are out and about!!!!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Fore!!! I mean Four.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Mission: Medallion, Day 3!

And keep you on your toes
It may sound risible, but our puck's invisible
Although it might just stick to your nose.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Mission: Medallion, Day 2!!

Our thoughts so far:
This noodling was brought you by this favorite hunt memory (courtesy of Boyfriend):


Sunday, January 20, 2008
Official Day One!
Boyfriend and have been "Noodling" for the last 24 hours. Let me mention, we have been noodling from the warm comfort of our home. Here's what we are confident of-
*In a park with or near a golf course.
*May be wrapped in something pertaining to photography, the news paper, or possibly Prince.
*It is probably not in New Brighton. Damn it!
*We think it's in a bigger park.
*We won't have to DIG for it, although it is probably under something.
*The puck may or may not be smaller than in previous years- although this is not helpful as no one really knows what it looks like.
We spent some time at Savers today and i managed to get a good deal on basically new boots... now i just need snow pants. we also bought snacks as we prepare for our long hunting days. on a side note- i really hope that Farve and the ass packers go down tonight.
I am going to try to write about a favorite hunt memory each day- or something we look forward to each year. there has to be a driving factor in why we continue to hunt in the cold every year.
One of the things i enjoy the most about the hunt is figuring out the clues. In 2005, i got us to the right park, we were there on the right day. After scouting out Crosby a few days before, we were confident we were in the right place. after a delicious meal at Denny's- we headed to the park. Boyfriend had used his Law & Order triangulation method to determine the spot we should look. turns out he was right. once in the park we became distracted and didn't stick to that plan, but he was exactly right. I've got to listen to him more often. it was a beautiful day for hunting- warm enough that once we were moving we could take off our coats and work in our sweatshirts. i am hoping for that type of weather again this year- but i have serious doubts that will happen.
Less than 6 hours til the next clue comes out!!!!!!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
You Dig?

It's finally here. we have been waiting with anticipation for the end of January. why? because we are crazy. we are looking forward to wandering the frozen tundra. The St. Paul Winter Carnival Medallion hunt officially begins tomorrow. The first clue is actually in the early edition of the Sunday Paper, so we already have our hands on the first clue. Here it is:
You've joined the hunt for the regal runt
To prove searching does pay
Don't dig a hole or knock down a pole
And the golf course is out of play
Last year Jake took home the cake
With a clue a bit off level
This year we'll rinse off all our prints
Lest this hunt go to the devil
The key words that stand out:
Runt, THE golf course, dont' dig a hole, rinse off all prints, devil.
We first started doing the medallion hunt in 2005. this is our third hunt. Our first year it was located in Crosby park. That still stands out for both of us as our favorite hunt. it was fun to get out in the winter and actually hunt- where we'd always just hoped to. in 2006 when it was found at battle creek, we knew the location, but it was found on the day we were planning on looking and we were both at work. last year at central park for hunt number two, we talked to a number of interesting people, and burned A LOT of calories. i will never forget being there on the final night when the final clue came out. people were waiting and there as such intense energy. it was truly the calm before the storm. one phone rang and this guy took off running into the woods. pretty soon 200 people were all running after that guy- we didn't know where we were going or what we were looking for. i have never ran so fast in my life. lanterns and flash lights bobbing, people digging everywhere- all for nothing. the medallion had been found 10 minutes before the final clue. good times. you dig?
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Knitting Class!

Thursday, January 10, 2008
Broccoli Cheese Bake

Here is one of my latest lo-carb creations.
I've lost 12lbs and still going strong.
Boyfriend loves chicken spaghetti. Now that I am back on south beach, I am choosing to not eat noodles. I prepared Boyfriend his regular chicken spaghetti and reserved some of the sauce for me. The following recipe was prepared as an individual meal, but the sauce recipe probably serves 3-4. Don't ask me why I didn't take a picture of this......
Broccoli Cheese Bake
For the Sauce:
1 Tbs Olive oil
1 garlic clove
1 onion
Salt & pepper
Oregano
Your favorite brand of spaghetti sauce
1 chicken breast
For the Bake:
1 cup broccoli
1/4 cup part skim ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Sauce: Heat olive oil in a medium sauce pan, on medium heat. Mince garlic and onion. Sauté in oil until onions are near translucence. Cut chicken into cubes, add to onions and garlic. Season with salt, pepper and oregano to taste. When chicken is cooked through, add spaghetti sauce. Simmer to desired heat.
Bake: Put Broccoli in an oven safe bowl. Steam in microwave using saran wrap for 3-4 minutes. Drain water. Smooth ricotta over broccoli. Lightly sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan on ricotta. Bake at 325 until cheese melts and slightly browns. Top with chicken spaghetti sauce.