Puzzles, Puzzles Everywhere

Your tormentor, Ken Jennings

And yet one more...

The puzzles just keep on coming this month (see my two previous posts).  In addition to the local events, I just learned about a national puzzle contest with a local angle.  The Great American History Puzzle, sponsored by the Smithsonian, has 11 puzzles constructed by local trivia/map/puzzle expert Ken Jennings.  In case you're too lazy to read the Wikipedia article, Ken is the guy who one 74 games of Jeopardy! in a row, a feat that guaranteed he could spend the rest of his life writing books about maps and the like.

The top prize is a trip for 4 to Washington DC, including a backstage tour of the Smithsonian.  Sounds good to me.  If it sounds good to you, your first step is to pick up a copy of the magazine (about $6.50 at a newsstand) or an electronic facsimile.  Note:  I tried twice to get the free copy promised at the bottom of that webpage, and never got one.  I finally broke down and bought one today.  Once you have a copy, turn (physically or electronically) to page 39 and get started on the first puzzle.

Once you have solved the first puzzle, you will get a password that allows you to access the rest of the puzzles.  The next 9 puzzles have been slowly released throughout the month:  2-6 have already been released.  7-9 will be released next week, with #10 released on the 22nd.  Once you have solved all 10, you will be able to solve #11; the first person to submit all 11 correct answers (each puzzle has a simple, short answer) wins the grand prize.  Presumably this will occur on the 22nd.

So far, there have been some cryptography, a riddle, a crossword, and a wild card or two (origami!).  The 11th puzzle (which is slowly revealed as you solve the others) looks like an acrostic but that may be a red herring or, at the least, just the first step.

[Speaking of wild cards, go Cardinals!]

Want some hints?  Read Ken's blog about the puzzle.  Want even more hints?  Follow #historypuzzle on Twitter, which has, frankly, spoiled a few of the puzzles.  

A small section of a Corn Maze, orienteering style

Upcoming and Ongoing

(italics = new since last time)

 The Great American History Puzzle - See above.  It'll all be over on October 22.

Urbanquest - Pre-made scavenger hunts in various cities for about $30.  Ends with a (pre-made) reservation at a local restaurant (meal not included in the $30).

• The Hunt for Odin's Horse - October 13 and 14, online and Ballard, free.   You must register by October 7 to compete in the live event on the 14th.
• Sunset Hill Hood Hunt - October 13.  Just call it Ballard if you like.  Start at 10:15, end at 11:30, find checkpoints in a 1 square mile area.  Free, {but/because there are} no prizes and you have to print your own map.
• Hike and Seek - October 13, Seward Park.  Fundraiser for the National Wildlife Federation that combines a hike with a scavenger hunt (mostly for kids 10 and under).  Registration opens at 9am.
• Choose Your Corn Maze Adventure - October 14, Bob's Corn Maze, Snohomish.  Orienteering in a corn maze.  This should be interesting.  Starts early, before the maze opens to the general public, who would probably be confused by strangely-attired folks running through the maze.  I don't know, though, maybe next time they should just issue the orienteers Halloween costumes and have them scare the other folks.  Haunted Corn Maze!
• Art Dash for Ca$h - October 20.  12 hour (10am-10pm) Bike Scavenger Hunt for public art.  Teams of two or more required.  Cash prizes of some sort.  I am definitely intrigued.
• Emerald City Search 2012, Part II - October 21.  Surely you know the drill by now.  Find a medallion hidden in the city somewhere in plain sight, following cryptic clues (one per day).   Thousands of dollars in prizes.
• Messmann's Messquerade - October 27, 7pm, Belltown, $30/person.  Bike Scavenger Hunt, with costumed teams and a huge party afterwards.  A Halloween tradition, back after a year on hiatus.
• Choose Your Vampire Adventure - October 27, 6pm, Lynndale Park.  Orienteering with a twist.  A few orienteers are 'vampires' who can steal your punch card at any time.  And it's in the dark.  Spooky.
• First Thursday Adventure Run - November 1, Green Lake.  Last one before March.  Remember:  if it's raining, they still give away the same prizes, so your chances of winning skyrocket.
• WIOL/Winter O #1 - November 3, Lincoln Park.  See above.  Competitive orienteering for young and old.

Photo Credits

Ken Jennings:  Officer Phil via photopin cc
Corn Maze: Cascade Orienteering Club