Showing posts with label Free game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Free game. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Treasure hunt winner

Robert Lyon found the medallion by a sign post on 56th street in Wyoming. Betweeh Haughey street and a bicycle path very near Buchanan Ave. He exchanged it for a treasure trove of silver collector's edition coins spanning 100 years of American history, as well as the coveted winners mug. It's been a wonderful 33 years and I hope to bring another challenge to you in the future.


Thanks
Joe Cramer
AKA The Wyoming Riddler

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Treasure hunt clue #4

Due to weather conditions and a general desire for fairness the treasure hunt has been extended and another clue issued.


"Between hints in the riddle, it's there. Amongst the clues, even closer to where. 156, but not all together. To keep it fair: two mean him, two mean where."


Good luck! More info available on www.Mlive.com and Greg's site www.wyomingriddler.com


Someone is going to find this thing. Maybe you?

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Treasure hunt and the weather

The winter weather this year is quite an issue when it comes to finding the medallion. Weather has played a part, either large or small in each and every one of the 33 games. Some years it was snow, some it was rain and some it was simply warm weather and grass and leaves. It's all part of the game itself. If it was easy, it wouldn't be such a popular game now would it?


I would like to reinforce one particular aspect or rule regarding this treasure hunt. In no way can I answer any question that in even the smallest way result in an advantage to anyone. That wouldn't be fair. I've held to that rule all these years and I am not about to reveal any extra information now. No hints! No acknowledgement of whether you are getting close! No acknowledgement of whether you are even in the right area in any way whatsoever. No anything other than what is already stated in the rules.


Because this is the last of the Annual Silver Treasure Riddle Hunts, and the fact that so many persistent people are out there every day digging and scraping and searching so thoroughly, I believe that the medallion will be found as it always has. I regularly check it's location and no one has found the medallion and brought it to me to claim this year's prize. It is still there for the taking. Do not be dismayed, bring it to me when you find it.


As promised, there will be another clue issued on Tuesday February 18th 2014. There is a warm up predicted for next week too. Good luck!.................Joe

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

New Treasure hunt clue

Here is the next clue. I hope it does it for you. Lots of snow and cold but that hasn't swayed hundreds from digging through to find the medallion.


"Eventually did come change but his end came first. It's good to remember: Near means by, not at!"


So there you have it. Good luck, the treasure and silver awaits the winner.


More information and rules available on www.Mlive.com or Greg's site www.wyomingriddler.com

Monday, January 27, 2014

Treasure hunting and the weather

Lots and lots of people stopping by and asking if the weather may possibly affect how easy it is to find the hidden medallion...............Yes!


The rules include a mention of how snow or grass or leaves may have to be moved to find the medallion. Part of the game. Some things just can't be controlled can they? Hundreds of brave souls are still looking though and that type of persistence is what wins the prize. If it was easy it wouldn't be as challenging would it?


The posting I put up with the clue apparently didn't stay published so here it is again. For further information go to www.Mlive.com or Greg's website www.wyomingriddler.com He's doing a pretty good job of it.


"It is near a sign of change, somewhere South of 28th, in between Grandville and Kentwood. Question: Why? Exclamation: Oh! Vase: Ming. Everyone clear on that? OK?"


I would like to reinforce my rule that I will definitely not answer any question that may in any way give you advantage in the game. No exceptions!


Enjoy the game, remember the danger of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, especially at this time of year. Stay warm!

Monday, January 21, 2013

Treasure hunt and the news media

When I began the Silver Treasure Hunt 32 years ago, the idea was to have some fun while pointing out a real problem to us all: Carbon Monoxide poisoning. As most of you know I was subjected to chronic CO poisoning and it cost me my memory for two years. It took a terrible toll on my family. I wouldn't wish those problems on anyone. Now, 32 annual treasure hunt competitions later, somewhere in the area of 40,000 people dabble with the riddle and clues. Realistically many of those people from all over the world would never have heard of the game without the exposure of the news media. This year Matt from the Grand Rapids Press and Mitch form TV17 News have covered the event so well I have received dozens and dozens of comments from new players. Besides the fun in having more people involved, my hope of making others more aware of CO poisoning moves forward with each contestant.

This year, within the two weeks preceding the start of the treasure hunt there were two Fatal carbon monoxide poisonings in the state of Michigan. One on the East side where an entire family died and another in Western Michigan. The problem of accidental CO poisoning is a serious one. Thanks to Mitch and Matt there is a better chance for hundreds and thousands of people to avoid the consequences of exposure to the colorless, odorless, invisible gas. I believe that saves lives whether we hear about it or not. A huge thanks to both of you and everyone else involved.

Steve Lang solved this years riddle and clue. He will be picking up his treasure sometime soon. I'll keep you informed. The game this year was very intense with hundreds of new people taking part. The new rules have been well accepted and most everyone I talk to enjoys the clues being closer together creating more of a sense of urgency, excitement and increased competition. As always, I welcome and invite your comments..................Joe

Saturday, January 19, 2013

Silver Treasure riddle solved

A difficult riddle was solved in only a few weeks by a long time follower but first time player of the annual Silver Treasure Hunt game. Steve Lang of North Park absolutely nailed the solution and retrieved the medallion late Friday in what he referred to as a "magical moment." More information is forthcoming from Matt VandeBunte on www.mlive.com the Grand Rapids Press and also Greg will be reporting it on his site www.wyomingriddler.com sometime soon. Steve will exchange the medallion for his Very interesting, valuable and fun treasure early next week. Meanwhile he has the medallion to show off to friends and family. That's part of the fun. After all, he beat out thousands and thousands of other people looking for that pesky medallion didn't he? Did you know that Lincoln was sometimes referred to as having "feet of clay"?

Thank you to everyone who participated and reinforced the need to be aware of Carbon Monoxide and the danger it brings to all of us. More later.................Joe

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Silver treasure hunt Clue #1

The first clue to help solve the 32nd Silver Treasure Hunt Riddle is posted on
www.wyomingriddler.com and also www.mlive.com

If you are searching don't forget to be thorough OK? Also, remember it is formulated to be used in unison with a map of the greater Grand Rapids Michigan area.

The prize is unique and valuable again this year. Of course, the coveted engraved winners mug is always at the ready to place in the winners hands in exchange for that pesky elusive medallion. Will it be your hands this year? Only time will tell. Good luck!....................Joe

Monday, December 31, 2012

32nd Silver Treasure Riddle

Well, the new year rings in on Tuesday so the 32nd Silver Treasure Riddle will begin on Wednesday January 2nd 2013. Matt Vande Bunte from the Grand Rapids Press will be doing a piece on www.Mlive.com. And Greg said he'd be following it on his site www.wyomingriddler.com as usual. Greg does a nice job but he is a busy person and it never hurts to double check spelling and punctuation. I'm just sayin'.  :<)

Rules will be posted but remain the same. Anyone can match wits with me and play the game from anywhere in the world by using a map of the greater Grand Rapids Michigan area. However, You must physically retrieve the metal medallion that is hidden and personally hand it to me in order to collect the valuable prize. There are participants from South Africa, Australia, Germany, Scotland and Osh Kosh Wisconsin.

The purpose of this decades old, fun and sometimes frustrating treasure hunt is to remind us all of the ever present danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. CO poisoning almost killed me and did result in amnesia for two years causing my family and I no end to difficulties. I ask that you remember that and take proper precautions like CO detectors. When I was poisoned detectors cost a hundred dollars or more and were far from perfect. Today they can be purchased for under $20 each for the average home protection and are incredibly accurate. We need only to read the news to find tales of death or illness resulting from Carbon Monoxide.

So, now lets us get back to the 32nd Silver Treasure Hunt and have us some fun OK?

More on January 2nd. See You Then!............Joe A.K.A. The Wyoming Riddler

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Medallion disturbed

This morning I found that the metal medallion has been disturbed. To what degree I was not able to ascertain because of the popularity of the hiding spot at that particular time. I will keep you updated as to any further information.

When I visited Russell&Ballards Jewelry showroom on Byron Center Road last night to drop off the new clue I was again struck by the beauty of the treasure in the box and the feeling of fun connected with the riddle treasure hunt. I did find myself apologizing to a bunch of people this morning that left messages on my machine berating me for the clue not appearing in Tuesday's delivery of the Grand Rapids Press. I am sorry for that. I really have no control over the news media. Except for a few times they have over the years covered the treasure hunt faithfully as a public service. I appreciate all that they have done. The article yesterday by Matt VandeBunte on Mlive.com was very informative but those that depend on the news being delivered on the front porch missed out. The Press has changed and when change comes there are always losers. We will try to find some way to address that. Meanwhile, the sun will be rising in a new day soon and I am anxious to see what that day brings. I need to get some work done quickly just in case of some sort of surprise.

Later.....................Joe

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Free game clue #3

It took quite a while this morning to check and make sure the medallion is still awaiting discovery. So many people!

Clue #3
"As bad as the sound is, remember they are supposed to walk. But only a short distance here, back to what it was again."

The entire rules, the eiddle and all the clues are available in the Grand Rapids Press, www.Mlive.com and Greg will post it all soon on his sight www.wyomingriddler.com

Find the oval metal medallion with distinctive markings and claim your valuable prize and the priceless winners mug. You will stand out amongst the 40,000 or so seekers from around the world. Kind of has a nice ring to it doesn't it?

Good luck!..................Joe

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Riddle clue #2

Because so many of you have requested to see the treasure I did some door knocking and the folks at Russell and Ballards Jewelry at 5751 Byron Center Road S.W. in Wyoming across the street from Metro Hospital have been kind enough to display it in their showroom. http://www.russellandballard.com/
I have no nice place like that to display it and show it properly. A huge thank you to them.

Clue #2
"Yes, it's in Wyoming all right. 1,760 yards and what I don't know. But it's close."

That ought to give you something to hang your hat on. Good luck to you! There is more information on http://www.mlive.com/, in the Tuesday January 31st editions of the Grand Rapids Press and Advance newspapers. A really huge thank you goes out to them also. Thanks to them the riddle and clues reach tens of thousands of people by putting it right on their doorstep. Greg takes it a little further and has a site dealing specifically with the riddle that thousands frequently visit to keep up with the latest details. http://www.wyomingriddler.com/

I hope you are enjoying this year's hunt wherever you are and however you wish to participate. One couple explained to me how they take the riddle and clues with them as they visit friends who are limited in mobility. They say it brings up lively discussions. Everyone has their own way of enjoying this free, community activity. I have to admit, I have a great time too.

The weather is cooperating today so get out there any way you can. A treasure awaits!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Riddle help Clue #1

Ah, the anticipation and expectation of more food for thought has more quickly born fruit this year. The first two weeks are behind us without a winner so it is time for clue #1 to help you solve the January 3rd treasure riddle. This ought to be of great help to you and perhaps bring a smile to your face to boot. Here tis:


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"For help you could kind of look for the arch and jelly. You figure out the why or not."
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There you go! If no winner there will be another clue in two weeks on January 31st.

Good luck! More info available in today's Grand Rapids Press or Advance newspapers, www.Mlive.com or Greg's site at www.wyomingriddler.com I just may let you in on what the treasure consists of sometime in the near future. Watch for it...................Joe

Monday, January 16, 2012

Treasure Hunt Riddle news

Hundreds more people are in the search for the medallion right out of the chute this year because of the January start and anticipation of a faster pace due to the more frequent clue announcements. In spite of the increased activity there is still no winner so the next clue will be revealed tomorrow January 17th 2012. I was virtually mobbed yesterday morning at church and then again at the grocery store by folks hoping for some added information. All in good fun of course because I do not give out secrets as everyone already knows. That's some of the fun of this game: Conversation and ideas, using the old noggin, anticipation, hope! I see nothing at all wrong with any of that, do you?

I had a fantastic experience last Friday by having the honor of being interviewed by Josh Leng on 1340am radio in Grand Rapids. The interivew lasted almost 25 minutes but seemed to go by in a flash. They spoke about the riddle and even read a quote from "Joe's Story: The Book of a Lifetime. Those guys know their business all right and I received a huge response from people I know and others I don't know too saying they enjoyed it. Anything that points out the danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a definite plus as far as I'm concerned. Thanks guys!

The new clue will be in the Grand Rapids Press and Advance Newspapers tomorrow and also on Mlive.com and Greg will follow on his website www.wyomingriddler.com too. We're right in the thick of it right now and for those that pursue it on a daily basis the weather is quite cooperative too. Last year it was over a foot deep and the guy that won just kept digging and digging through it until he found the medallion. Will it be you this year? We'll find out won't we? Til tomorrow then.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Radio interview

If you have time on friday morning 01/13/2012 please tune into the Grand Rapids radio station 1340 WJRW with Josh Leng at 9:30am. He has asked me to bew on the show for a short interview. It should be a lot of fun. He'll be asking me questions about the riddle, the treasure hunt and other things that are going on. Their web site ahs ways you can stream the show on your computer or other electronic device. http://www.wjrwam.com/

No winner yet for the treasure hunt. Keep looking. New clue on tuesday already............Joe

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Riddle stories

The new starting time for the Silver Treasure Hunt seems to be a hit so far. With the holidays behind us time is available to pursue the quest for the medallion in full earnest. From what I am hearing most of you are enjoying the game as it was intended. Even after less than a week since the riddle was divulged there are already several "Hot Spots". Individuals and groups sort of gather on specific ideas concerning the little metal piece's whereabouts. Streets, corners, and landmarks become popular and people can be seen milling around, trying not to be too obvious so as not to give away the prize to someone else. For most, secrecy is as much a part of the game as any other aspect. "Covert operation", makes for a bit more fun. Gleaning as much information from others without allowing them to glean anything from you. In the competition of a past game the story came to me concerning just that sort of thing. It seems that this one guy happened across a car filled to overflowing with a group of guys searching in earnest for the elusive game piece on a street corner. To him it was obvious the carload was involved in the treasure hunt so he stopped and attempted to chat and perhaps join forces to find it and share the treasure. The car load of guys wouldn't have any part of that idea at all, to the point of becoming somewhat obnoxious about it. They ended the conversation saying they were going one way and the other guy had better not follow or there would be consequences. The friendly guy, not really discouraged, after all it was only a game, went the other way. It took him only about five minutes to retrieve the medallion and he won.

Yet another year two guys were searching in separate areas so they could increase their efforts and hopefully find the medallion. They searched and searched for hours but to no avail. Nothing! Finally, as dinner time and darkness drew near they made contact by phone and decided to meet at a restaurant to decide where they would look next. One of the guys arrived first and had to wait for his buddy. He was a little tired and leaned against a telephone pole for support. He stepped on a stone as he leaned so he looked down for a smoother surface. As he looked by his feet he saw a silver flash from the nearby street light bouncing off something on the pole. Curious, he reached down to investigate and pulled the medallion from the crevice where it had been placed months before by that crafty riddler guy.

By the end of the game this year I am sure there will be more stories to be told about our exploits. I look forward to hearing them.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Free game starts January 3rd 2012

January 3rd, 2012 is the beginning of the 31st Silver Treasure Hunt.

There are a couple of minor adjustments to the rules this time around. The clues will be issued every two weeks instead of once a month. There will no longer be the long wait involved. The intensity of the game is also increased because the game will now end in one of two ways: When someone locates the medallion and brings it to me to claim their prize, the same as in the past 30 years. That is the desired conclusion. Or, if by midnight of February 29th no one has found it, I will retrieve the medallion personally, the game will end and the treasure will be added to next year's prize. The clues, as always are designed to help you solve the riddle.

The Grand Rapids Press and Advance Newspapers as well as Mlive.com are poised to cover the event as closely as space allows. Greg has stated that he will also maintain updates on his site www.wyomingriddler.com

This will be a new experience with a long time tradition and there has been a lot of excitement expressed to me by past and new treasure hunters alike. The pace of life has changed considerably since the very first treasure hunt in 1980. My gosh! The Internet did not exist, and cell phones? What were they anyway? Facebook? Twitter? Cloud? Now the game is played all around the world electronically. Get a copy of the Greater Grand Rapids city map and: Let's get it on!

I can't hardly wait!

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Treasure Hunt Riddle news

The mailbox is filled almost every day lately with requests and comments about the new starting time for the annual silver treasure hunt riddle. I thought that, perhaps a few dedicated players would have something to say but the response has been actually rather surprising. A few Purists are quibbling about it starting in January instead of November but it is just that, only a few. Most everyone expresses excitement what with the clues coming faster and the hunt actually having a specific ending, winner or not.

The time draws near as the Holy Days approach. We can all go hither and thither, taking care of business without missing anything concerning the treasure hunt or vice versa. That's what most folks are telling me. Over the last several years hundreds of people have come to pick up the riddle and rule sheet in January for the first time, saying they just didn't have time before. I took that as a hint, wouldn't you? Either way, that's the deal this year. It begins in early January. I'll pass on the exact date very soon. Meanwhile, have a happy Christmas and holiday season.

Keep an eye on Greg's website www.wyomingriddler.com He does a pretty good job with it.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Annual silver treasure hunt

For 30 years I have hosted a treasure hunt throughout the Greater Grand Rapids area. It's relatively simple, lots of fun and doesn't cost anyone a penny to participate. Winners of this un-ponsered event have taken home silver coins, bullion, heirloom items and other valuable and interesting items totaling almost $100,000 over that 30 years. I am pleased to have received requests for the information from every state in the union and over a dozen other countries including South Africa, England, Ukraine, Germany, Australia and more. The most pleasing aspect of the treasure hunt has been the amount of people who have been reminded of the ever present danger of an invisible, odorless gas that can easily sicken or kill anyone: Carbon Monoxide! The treasure hunt has accomplished it's purpose many times over. In the years when we could count the participants the people playing the game numbered well over 40, 000. Because of the very welcome media coverage that number could easily be greater than that but there is no way of counting them any more. Because of it, I have developed friendships that will last a lifetime and have hundreds of interesting, wonderful and often hilarious stories to tell. Maybe I'll write a book about them, who knows? As we enter into the 31st year the changes we have encountered during that time must be taken into consideration.

This year the game will start a little later than it has in the past. Except for one year the starting date was the first Tuesday of November. This time it will begin in the first week of January. The exact date will be announced soon. The end has always been determined by when the winner found the elusive medallion, not a specific time. The 31st treasure hunt will have a specific ending date or be when the medallion is found, whichever is first. There has always been one clue announced each month until it was solved. This time the clues will come more often. This will result in a faster paced game. Most years the exact nature of the treasure remained a mystery as a surprise to the winner. This year the treasure will be disclose at the same time as the original riddle. The rules have been updated a little to keep pace with the times. Those changes will be announced well before the game begins.

The treasure hunt remains family friendly. Some families that began the adventure 30 years ago are now playing with their grand kids. It is very satisfying to hear from hundreds of people who "Grew up" with the treasure hunt and have their own stories to tell about this annual tradition.

More information will follow as the starting time nears. For related information please check www.joesstory.com Meanwhile, have a wonderful fall and enjoy the Michigan colors.............Joe

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The game goes on.

The amount of snow cover in this area right now is definitely having an affect on this years Silver Treasure Hunt. Every day people stop in with frozen fingers and toes asking if the medallion has been turned in. "No! It hasn't." At this place in time it sits in the frozen white stuff awaiting the hunter that is persistent enough to uncover it.

I remind you the medallion is oval shaped, made of aluminum, approximately 3in long, 2in wide and about an eighth inch thick. It has identifying marks. It could be bent or twisted into an odd shape but still very much identifiable.

I don't give hints to anyone! But, some methods are obvious. The bigger the shovel, the less chance of finding it. Be thorough, the medallion may have become covered by grass, leaves or snow or perhaps dislodged and moved, it is still in play. Of many that find the spot, there is only one medallion, one winner.

Thousands are looking. The treasure can be yours, if you persist. Even if someone was there before you............Good Luck!...................Joe
 
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