Treasure hunt wrap up

Saturday was a terrific day to award the prize for the annual silver treasure hunt to Steve and Julie. We met at the telephone pole they found the medallion on for a picture fest. The sun was shining down on us but the wind was blowing at about 15 miles an hour and the temperature was struggling to get above 20*. We were not dismayed though and the picture taking was accomplished without delay and we proceeded to Russell&Ballards Jewelry showroom for the prize itself: A box of money and other accessories to accompany the engraved winner's mug everyone wants to have sitting on their mantle. Steve and Julie brought their entire family along and I have to say that I have not met a more enjoyable group of people. Smart, supportive, fun and friendly pretty much sums them up. I can certainly see why they were able to persevere and win the game. It was my great pleasure to join them in their celebration. Good job guys!

According to all the mail and comments I've received: The new, faster pace of the clue announcements seem to be a hit as well as beginning the hunt after the holiday season. A large, younger crowd joined in using some of the new technology they are so familiar with and sped up the transmission of ideas back and forth almost instantaneously. As it was, at least this time, the tried and true method of trial and error on foot proved to be effective. It is fascinating to observe the use of things not even in existence only a few short years ago. To me it is fascinating, to those that grew up with that stuff it is simply commonplace and will probably be outdated in less than a decade.

I had fun, a lot of other people had fun and the 31st silver treasure hunt is in the history books. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you all next year. I have to learn more about the passing on of information because the newspapers and other audio or video media are changing by the day and aren't a reliable source for the riddle and clues any more. Matt VandeBunte from the press did an excellent job this year and the Advance newspaper did too until their printing schedule changed. Like I said, I have to learn more as time goes on. We used to be able to count the participants by the amount of riddle requests we received in the mail because it was not published in the papers but it got so popular I couldn't keep up with it and the papers and TV announced them. Our highest count has been over 40,000 hunters. With the news exposure even more are aware of it. I take satisfaction from that fact because each person that becomes acquainted with the treasure hunt has an opportunity to learn more about the danger of Carbon Monoxide poisoning. A subject many people don't want to talk about. Kind of like a ghost: You can't see it, you can't smell it, you can't taste it so it's scary to discuss. The game makes it more fun than scary. We all win!

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

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

Wandering aimlessly

While preparing for the onslaught of treasure hunters seeking the next clue tomorrow I am faced with a few facts there is usually no time to even consider:

It is inevitable that some type of energy producing material will replace gasoline....Sooner than later.

I am definitely not running for president this time around. My super pac ran out of money.

The difference between youth and age; You don't grow out of things anymore.

At the rate things are moving, money will be completely replaced by plastic pretty darn soon.

Half the activities I could do 30 years ago are illegal now.

Those of us who study history are experiencing deja vue all over again.

The occupy movement is missing the boat, they should be taking over the homes of sports stars.

Facebook costs will increase and services decrease in direct relationship to it's public sale of stock.

With all the electronic gear, satellites, computer generated maps and knowledge available, no one really knows with any degree if certainty what the weather will be like in 10 days.

If someone is making a pest of them selves, lend them money.

As much as I don't understand the world today, to my kids they will be "the good old days."

Global warming happens every year, so does global cooling.

When I attend a church service, I'm not there because of the pastor or minister. it's their boss.

Some days I'm lost, some days I'm not, most days I'm just sorting out which I am.

Rolled up newspapers burn better in the fireplace than an E-Book.

Question: Why is it laws seem to restrict the victim rather than the crook?

I tend to write dumb things when I am sleepy and nervous.

Enjoy the day, tomorrow is a new clue, maybe it'll surprise you. The prize goes on display tomorrow. I'll tell you where.

For the clue, check out the Grand Rapids Press, Advance newspapers or www.Mlive.com.

Greg will probably have it on his site too www.wyomingriddler.com

America's most powerful person

I've been reading and hearing about the most powerful person in America. It seems that he can do just about anything. He's got a bunch of friends too. When they get together it's supposed to be an awesome thing to behold. My curiosity is running overtime because I can't find his picture or any background on him. I don't have his last name. You'd think that with all the freedom of information stuff we have I could find just about all I needed to know. I'm going to keep trying. From what I hear, he runs practically the entire country from behind the scenes. Frustrating as it is, my search for him is turning into quite the riddle for me. As you probably already know, I love a good riddle! I'll let you know how it goes. I'm looking for a possible conspiracy here..............Joe