May Day Derby

At one of Muskegon County’s neighborhood parks you will find the remains of an old soap box derby racing strip back in the woods. This track is no longer used but many of the local children delight in hearing stories from their parents about racing their homemade wooden cars down the asphalt strip in the trees.

This year, five children who live nearby (two girls named Genna and Taylor, and three boys named Austin, Landen and Ben) decided that they would hold a soap box derby race on May 1st. The May Day Derby, as they called it, was to be a little different from a traditional soap box derby in that the children themselves would not be driving their cars, rather after building their cars, each of which were marked with a different number (2, 7, 12, 17, 22), they brought them to the top of Derby Hill, strapped in their dogs (Gus, Cooper, Buddy, Ralphie and Dora), with helmets of course, and sent them whizzing off down the hill while the children stood nearby cheering.

Using the clues below, determine the order (first through fifth) in which each car finished the race, the number and canine driver of each car, as well and the first and last names (Northouse, Eastman, Westveld, Westgate and Southerly) of each car owner. Then use the information from the completed puzzle to help you find the letterbox.

Puzzles Clues…

1. The car belonging to the Southerly boy finished fifth; he doesn’t own car number 22, which belongs to either Austin or Landen.
2. The number on the car owned by the Eastman child is five more than the number on Austin Westgate’s car and five fewer than the number on the car driven by Buddy.
3. The two girls are the Northouse child (whose driver is not Buddy) and the one whose driver is Ralphie (who isn’t driving car number 7 or 17).
4. Gus did not drive car number 7; car number 2 did not win the race.
5. The car driven by Dora finished immediately ahead of the car owned by the Eastman child, who finished immediately ahead of the car owned by Landen.
6. At least two cars owned by boys finished consecutively; Ralphie is not Genna’s dog.

Finding the Letterbox…

Once you have solved the puzzle, use the following clues to make your way to the letterbox:

1. Begin at the top of Derby Hill and follow the track to the end of the blacktop.
2. Follow the trail at [car # of the 4th place finisher] squared + [product of the finishing positions of the cars belonging to the two girls].
3. Proceed [sum of Taylor’s car # and Austin’s car #] paces to a intersection of trails.
4. Follow the trail that heads [direction found in Genna’s last name].
5. Come upon a very large [finishing position of the car owned by the Northouse child]-trunked tree on your right.
6. From this tree, proceed [Landen’s car #] paces and stop between the ends of 2 cut logs.
7. See a naked tree standing at [product of the car #’s driven by Gus and Ralphie] - [# of the car driven by Cooper] degrees.
8. From this tree, proceed [product of the finishing positions of all car numbers ending in 2] paces at [sum of the car #’s belonging to Genna and Ben] multiplied by [product of the finishing positions of the cars driven by Dora and Buddy] degrees.
9. Find the box tucked under the end of a hollow fallen log.

Helios Series

This 7-box series at Muskegon State Park was originally planted for the Lazy Days of Summer Mini-Gathering held in July 2005. I had originally intended to move the boxes to other locations after the event, but never found a better place so have decided to leave them where they are. The clues have been until now available only WOM and they have been found by several area letterboxers, but since the boxes are not being moved, I’ve decided to list them so they can be enjoyed by all.

The section of trail that you will need to hike to collect these boxes is approximately 2 miles one way. Although the trail is well-marked, it is rough in places – a narrow, rutted, rooted footpath with several hills, a couple of them quite steep. Once you have finished the series, you will need to backtrack, or find an alternate trail, to get back to your vehicle. It is highly recommended that you obtain a park map to aid you in this series.

Getting There…

Follow Memorial Drive west toward Muskegon State Park. About a mile before Memorial Drive ends at Lake Michigan, you will come to a large Muskegon State Park sign on the right side of the road. The entrance to Snug Harbor is across from this. Enter the park and go to your right toward the picnic shelter.

Clues…

The boxes have been placed in a linear fashion as you make your way from Snug Harbor to the Blockhouse. After crossing Memorial Drive, your strategy will be to follow the letters found on the trail markers up the alphabet, unless instructed to do otherwise.

Ancient Sun…

As you leave Snug Harbor and cross Memorial Drive, be a hearty hiker and head up the hill through an area of woodland debris. Watch your step as the trail levels off – don’t trip on that stump-knot! A short distance after you step across, stop at the tree with the blown-out belly. At 25 degrees find the Ancient Sun within the sinewy shreds of a broken tree.

Spiral Sun…

As you continue along the trail, watch for a tall straight pole which looks unmistakably like a utility pole. What it is doing out here is anybody’s guess. Alas, it is not a lone phenomenon; there are others. When you reach the second utility pole on your right, stop for a closer look. Then sight 35 degrees and find the Spiral Sun hiding in a broken tree.

Native Sun…

Your assigned strategy becomes doubly important when you reach the place of choosing and soon you are on your way again along a very pretty section of trail – one of my favorites. I know, you are looking around and seeing all kinds of hollow stumps and logs (this place is a letterboxer’s dream), wondering why I didn’t just use these places instead of pushing you further up the trail. But stay with me here… we are going somewhere. Heed the warning at the next signpost and stay your course. When you reach the lettered post by heading up and left, again recall your assigned strategy. Eventually you will come to a large sandy area. In the sand sits a stump resembling a clenched fist, with a lone finger pointing upward. 150 degrees from the finger, find a holey tree. The Native Sun hides down low.

Terra Cotta Sun…

Continue on toward the next letter. As the trail skirts the edge of another large sandy area, you will be treated to a glimpse of Lake Michigan through the trees in the west. Oh, an intersection – “G” which way? No cheating! At the next trail post, sight 305 degrees to a hollow log and find the Terra-Cotta Sun (good thing you followed your strategy and didn’t try to take a short-cut or you would have missed this beauty!).

Carefree Sun…

Upon reaching the next letter (Finally), divert from your strategy and head to “X” to view the lake. Follow the trail a short distance to your right to the place where sticks and logs and other forest debris lay on both sides of you. On your right lies a large fallen tree… follow this tree back up to the trail you came down on. Go there. Now follow this log down a few steps to the place where 2 trees stand beside it. Find the Carefree Sun tucked under the log between these two trees.

Aztec Sun…

Head back up to the main trail and resume your strategy. As you make your way toward the next letter, come to a clearing where a dead tree stump stands besides its fallen limbs. 130 degrees from here, the Aztec Sun hides in the eye of the needle.

Mosaic Sun…

Continuing on your way, you will come to a large sandy area with several trails heading in various directions. There, across the sandy area is your final letter. Look straight ahead to find the continuation of your trail heading west and don’t be tempted by imposter pathways. 100 paces past the sandy area, roots snake across the path as a trail breaks off to your right. Follow this pathway down into a leaf-filled gulley. Where the trail splits and heads up to the Blockhouse parking area, jog left and find a small cut log laying off to your left. It may not appear hollow from the trail, but check again to find the Mosaic Sun.

Tuckaway

(Arts & Crafts in Indy)

This letterbox is part of the 2005 Great Lakes Letterbox Exchange “Hometown Landmarks” series. The box was created by Speedsquare, from Indianapolis; it was planted and is being maintained by SpringChick in Michigan.

Clues…

There are four parts to to the clue for the Tuckaway Letterbox.

1. Complete the crossword puzzle in Part I
2. Use the letters in the puzzle squares indicated to find your starting location and direction in Part II
3. Park at the indicated location and follow the White Lake Pathway in the appropriate direction; as you walk, gather the information in Part III
4. Use the gathered information to fill in the blank spaces in Part IV and find the letterbox

 
| Click here to open the puzzle grid in Adobe .PDF format |

Part I: The Crossword Puzzle

The following question are all related to architecture, the Arts & Crafts movement and the Tuckaway house. Place the answers in the puzzle grid beginning at the cell indicated. In a few instances two words begin at the same cell — one across and one down. You will need to figure out which word goes in which direction based on length and intersecting letters.

• The Arts & Crafts movement stressed ________________. (F20)
• Interiors of homes built in the Arts & Crafts style generally have an ___________ floor plan. (O10)
• One of the styles of the Arts & Crafts movement was known as the American ___________________. (A8)
• Arts & Crafts style homes often have _____________ chimneys. (C1)
• Two famous American Arts & Crafts architects were Charles and Henry _____________. (B22)
• Popular design details fostering privacy and contemplative thinking were window seats, recesses and ____________. (Q15)
• Gustav believed that the _____________ instinct was “the most deep-seated impulse of humankind.” (P21)
• These owners enlarged and expanded the home in 1910. (G22)
• Nellie was a __________ reader. (P10)
• George was a _____________ designer. (F11)
• It is rumored that while staying at Tuckaway, Carole _____________ was warned not to take her fatal flight to California. (B3)
• ______________ is the architect credited with the design of Tuckaway. (D16)
• Name of the street on which Tuckaway is located. (L2)
• American president who visited Tuckaway. (D27)
• George and Nellie made several trips to _____________ to collect items for Tuckaway. (A15)
• Book written by Nellie - “Lion’s ___________.” (E14)
• Tuckaway was once featured in “American Bungalow” magazine in an article titled, “The Tuckaway Time _____________.” (J2)
• Frank Lloyd _____________ was the architect most associated with Arts & Crafts style homes in the Midwest. (N25)
• This style of Arts & Crafts home was very popular in the Midwest. (K17)
• Magazine published by Gustav which featured monthly floor plans - “The ___________________.” (J13)
• Popular Arts & Crafts “catalog” homes were sold by ______________. (A24)
• Bay City, Michigan company known for offering affordable bungalow home kits. (R4)
• Arts & Crafts style homes often feature colorful ______________ glass windows. (F1)
• Furniture maker Gustav ________________ was one of the primary individuals credited with the spread of the Arts & Crafts movement in America. (O13)
• One or one-and-a-half story Craftsman style homes are often called __________________. (G7)
• Popular style of furniture associated with the Arts & Crafts movement. (K15)
• One of the leaders of the Arts & Crafts movement in England was the poet, William ___________. (G22)
• A common external feature of Craftsman style homes area exposed _____________. (A6)
• Arts & Crafts style homes frequently have a street-facing front ___________. (I20)
• _______ is a popular type of wood used in Arts & Crafts style homes. (O1)
• Arts & Crafts style homes often have overhanging __________. (F5)
• Exteriors of Arts & Crafts style homes generally feature an ___________________ design. (D18)
• Homes built in the Arts & Crafts style utilize ______________ materials like wood, tile and stone. (L5)
• Craftsman style homes often feature built-in _________________ and bookshelves. (J2)
• Posts and columns found in Arts & Crafts style homes are generally characterized by ___________-angle corners. (S21)
• ____________ or rounded architectural elements are usually minimal in Arts & Crafts style homes. (C7)
• Chicago suburb, Oak _________ features many outstanding examples of architecture from the Arts & Crafts movement. (A19)
• ________________, one of Indianapolis’ best-known bungalows, is tucked away into a heavily wooded lot in the Historic Meridian Park neighborhood. (N20)

Part II: Location / Direction

Unscramble the letters from the indicated cells of the completed crossword puzzle to find the location and the direction that will head you on your journey to the letterbox.

(location - 2 words): C3 J2 N5 C7 O10 G13 J13 O14 K19 P22 B22 C24
(direction): A9 K11 Q19 N21 I24

Part III: Gather Information

• (1-L) # of wooden rail uprights
• (2-L) In memory of _____ _______
• (3-L) # of red hydrants

• (1-R) direction of switchback benches
• (2-R) # of lighthouse views
• (3-R) “Entrance ___D”

Part IV: Find the Letterbox

Use the information gathered in Part III to fill in the missing parts of the clue below:

Shortly after passing the recreational area, watch for a trail on the [found in (2-L)]. Follow this path [(1-L)] paces. Walk [opposite (1-R)] for [((2-R) + (3-L)) * (3-R)] paces to find the box in a hollow stump.

Fish Out of Water 7

This letterbox is a joint placement between FungusWoman and SpringChick. The stamp was carved by FungusWoman; the log was added by SpringChick, who planted and maintains the box.

Getting There…

At a park that now occupies the property once owned by a Muskegon Hotel Proprietor, remnants of the former homestead are still evident, including the cement pad where the boat house once stood, an old stairway, several sections of foundation and a sunken cement vault that was the former fish pond. Make your way to this park and locate the cement pond.

Clues…

This is a story of Wyatt, the fish. For years Wyatt spent his days swimming back and forth in the cement pond. The trees overhead provided shade from the hot summer sun and cool lake breezes kept his water from getting too warm. If he listened carefully, he could hear the surf from Lake Michigan waves lapping at the shoreline not far from the fish pond. The man often came to sit by the pond and on Wednesdays the gardener gave him fresh water.

Eventually the man stopped coming around to sit by the cement pond and Wyatt wondered if perhaps he had taken ill. Not too long after that, strange people began stopping by with a man in a suit, talking in hushed tones, asking questions about acreage and lake frontage. The gardener stopped coming on Wednesdays and the water in the cement pond dried up. Every night as the moon reflected brightly off the lake, Wyatt dreamed of finding water. And so one day he leapt up out of the cement pond and decided to head off in search of water.

Out of the walls of the cement pond, the world suddenly looked very different, and very big. Wyatt spotted a sandy path at 300 degrees. It looked like it headed down a hill so he thought perhaps that was the way toward the water. He tumbled down the hill and then veered left a bit, ending at the foot of a small maple tree. From here the path went left and the path went right. As he was sitting there trying to decide which way to go, he saw people walking to the left and decided it would be safer to head right. He followed the path through a meadowy area, searching for water. At the edge of the woods, the low, outstretched arm of a locust tree welcomed him, but still he did not see any sign of water. To the east he spotted a path that headed up a hill filled with beach grass. Perhaps there was water that way — at the very least he might be able to get a view of the area from the top of the hill. So up he climbed, through the dune grass, past the funky pine trees, to the top where a big, straight pine tree stood at 190 degrees. From here he saw Lake Michigan to the west. Following the running root of the big pine tree, he headed along the path.

And then he heard it, faintly at first, then louder — a cat! Quickly he looked around for a place to hide. Standing at the place where the root disappeared into the sand, he spotted a fallen tree at 160 degrees, just a few feet from the trunk of a standing dead tree. The arm of the fallen tree seemed to be saying something, its broken arm pointing up toward the sky. But how to get to it? He headed up the trail a bit and found a side path that lead him there. “Good,” Wyatt thought, “there is a nice little hollow spot under here… looks like a perfect place to hide until that cat is gone.”

But little did Wyatt know he was hearing a catbird, not a cat, and since the bird was nesting in a nearby thicket the meowing sounds continued day after day after day. And so he continues to hide at the base of the fallen tree, longing for water, waiting for the cat to pass.

Little Flower Creek

This box is planted at Meinert County Park, located along Lake Michigan in northern Muskegon County. There is a daily entry fee. Park hours are 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Clues…

Locate the wooden footbridge that crosses Little Flower Creek. Walk parallel to the lake, following the sandy dune ridge trail southward to a point where 275° = an unadorned silver sentry, 165° = a gathering of small beech trees and 55° = a log lying at the edge of the woods. Skirt the sand bowl and make your way to this log. From the log, use the map to complete your quest.

 
| Click here to download the map in Adobe .PDF format |