COLDEST'S LOST TREASURE X ll - QUEST FOR THE 
FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH HAS BEEN DISCOVERED AT COMO PARK!

CONGRATULATIONS TO NICK CASCI AND HIS TEAM
OF CHELSEA MOODY, DAKOTAH JOHNSON, BRENDA
MOODY, SHAWN GALLAHUE, AND KIM BAUER FOR
FINDING COLDEST'S LOST TREASURE Xll AT COMO
PARK ABOUT 15 MINS AFTER THE FINAL CLUE WAS
PUBLISHED! NICK AND HIS TEAM WERE REGISTERED
HUNTERS AND TOOK HOME THE WHOLE $470 PRIZE
AND A VERY NICE COLDEST'S LOST TREASURE 
MEDALLION!

INTRODUCTION
Around this time last year, just as we feared.
A band of scurvy pirates killed Davy!
The crew and Captain Mike, made their strike.
Claiming the heart - a mark of bravery!

They sailed Aldine, in a straight line.
which lead them to a heart within a heart.
Within this sand dune, sang a treasure tune.
Captain Mike dropped - ripping the sand apart!

With Davy defeated, evils repeated.
Along comes the pirate all pirates fear!
Sail with your best - on this Stranger Tides quest.
A race to the Fountain against Blackbeard!

EXPLANATION:

• Sail an ongoing reference to the boats you can rent at Dock and Paddle/Wheel of fun at Como Park, just south of the Treasure.

• Fountain an ongoing reference to the Shiffman Fountain and the Commercial Club Fountain in Como Park, just south of the treasure. 

• The overall theme of the hunt is based off the Pirates of the Caribbean Stranger Tides movie. With many references the Fountain and Mermaids (plus the prelude hunt mermaid reference). Knowledge of the movie would aid in future clues. The Shiffman Fountain at Como Park is a mermaid. 

CLUE 1
Sail back and pursue, to re-join the crew!
In search for booty from finish to start -
With graphic nature, tie up and anchor.
Mysterious tides flow within this park.

EXPLANATION:

• The first line indicates that the treasure is hidden at a park that Coldest’s Lost Treasure has been in before.

• Sail is used again referring to the boats for rent at Dock and Paddle/Wheel of fun at Como Park.

•  “In search for booty from finish to start — with graphic nature” is referring to the “start”, the Shiffman Mermaid Fountain. If you look at the back side of the mermaid, with graphic nature, indeed it’s showing full booty…. Which is XXX Rated…. The “finish” is the treasures location, near 3 X’s (XXX) in the trail system of the grove. 

• “Tie up and anchor” is a reference to DOCK and paddle. When you dock yer ship you tie it up and drop the anchor.

• “Mysterious tides” is a reference to the old Dakota name for Como Park, Medewaka, which translates to - “Mysterious Lake”.

• The clue indicates that the treasure is hidden within a park.

CLUE 2
We make our rounds, up all over and down.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Fountain of Youth.
Very old was he, and mad as can be.
Treasure's nearby - hit the books to find the proof.

EXPLANATION:

• The word “rounds” is a reference to all the roundabouts and round shaped trails just south of the treasures location. (Up is the roundabout atop of the Gates Ajar/ Hamms Falls hill), (all over is the Grand Rounds that goes all around the city of St Paul and Como Lake), (down is the roundabout at the Schiffman Mermaid Fountain below the gates/falls hill).

• “Keep your eyes peeled for the Fountain of Youth” indicates that the treasure is camouflaged, in this case with fake moss.

• “Very old was he, and mad as can be”, is a reference to an “very old” street north of Como Lake called Adams Street. “Mad as” is an anagram for Adams. If you “hit the books” of history you can find an old plat map showing Adams Street which is now Oxford street, which is nearby the treasure’s location. 
   

CLUE 3
From the reports, this land has many sports.
In the park one can certainly catch a charge.
Don't be lead astray, just wind your way.
Near this great treasure that's still at large.

EXPLANATION:

• Como park has a variety of sports and attractions. 

• “Catch a charge” is a reference to the Charge Station in the parking lot just south of the Treasure. 

• Lexington Parkway winds very close to the Treasure Medallion’s location.

CLUE 4
The hunt for treasure and gold, never gets old.
Ahoy partner, we're on a mission - join us!
Avoid his malice, transport the chalice.
With Jack's pack - before Blackbeard destroys us!

EXPLANATION:

• “The hunt for treasure and gold” is a reference to the word “gold” spray painted on an electrical box. This is visible walking north along the lake trail from Hamms Falls and Dock and Paddle. This is part of the bread crumb trail leading you towards the Secret Grove where the Treasure is located.

• “Ahoy partner, we’re on a mission — join us!” This line is a reference to the sign you will see walking north from Hamms Falls and Dock and Paddle along the lake trail. the sign says “We’re on a mission — join us! It is also sponsored by Healthpartners. This is another component of the bread crumb trail leading you towards the Secret Grove where the Treasure is located.

• In the Movie Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides, Jack transports the Chalices of Cartagena to Blackbeard on the back of a pig (pack), This is a hint at Hamms-(pig) Fallls. 

CLUE 5
On a sunny day, you could find your way.
Steppin out while drinkin a Summer Shandy.
Before the find, have a mojito with lime.
Have an Angry Orchard - or perhaps some brandy.

EXPLANATION:

• “On a sunny day you could fins your way” is a reference to the sun dial at Como Lake. 

• “Steppin out” is another reference to the Healthpartners sponsored sign. In big bold letters it says “Steppin out”.

• “Summer Shandy” is a reference to the Leinenkugel umbrellas on the tables outside Dock and Paddle. Leinenkugal makes Summer Shandys. (They’re REALLY good)

• “Mojito with lime” is a reference to all the Lime Scooters in the area of Dock and Paddle. This line is telling you the Lime Scooters, Dock and Paddle and this area is “before the find”, so the treasure is not in this area.

• “Angry Orchard” is a reference to the crab apple trees you will walk through while walking north towards the Secret Grove and the Treasure. This is another component of the bread crumb trail. 

• This clue is overall referencing a lot of different types of alcoholic drinks, Dock and Paddle has a bar that serves drinks, which is just south of the Secret Grove and the Treasure.

CLUE 6
From really high above, look for a shrub.
Peer through the trees on top of the mountain.
Give praise we recommend, as you descend.
To those that laid the land of the Fountain.

EXPLANATION:

• “From really high above” is a hint that you need to be looking from an aerial view of a map. In this case of an old plat map of Como Park. You will notice that Chatsworth Street used to be Shrub Street. This street is very close to the Secret Grove and Treasure.

• From atop of the Gates Ajar/ Hamms Falls Hill (mountain) in some spots you can peer through the trees and see the Secret Grove where the Treasure hides. 

• “Mountain” is also meant to reference Montana Street just north of the Secret Grove and Treasure.

• As you descend down the hill and walk north on the lake trail you will come across a plaque dedicated to Alfred Sterk. Mr Sterk was a parks superintendent, as was his grandfather Frederick Nussbaumer. “Give praise to those that laid the land of the Fountain”. This was another component of the bread crumb trail leading you from the Dock and Paddle area north towards the Secret Grove and Treasure. 

CLUE 7
It brings much trouble, to ban rakes and shovels.
Calmly rake away - or in a panic.
In a slump? you may get an urge to jump!
But our bridge isn't broke - so I don't have it.

EXPLANATION:

• “Ban rakes” is an anagram for “Nebraska”. Nebraska Street boarders the Secret Grove and Treasure.

• The clue is encouraging the use of a rake, as it will aid in finding the Treasure. The clue also hinting that the Treasure is on the ground.

• In the Pirates of the Caribbean Stranger Tides movie there is a scene where Jack is standing on top of a waterfall, with a broken bridge stopping their progression. Jack says “you may get a sudden urge to jump……..I don’t have it”. These lines are a hint at he the Hamms Waterfall and the not broken Lexington Bridge, just south of the Secret Grove and Treasure. 

CLUE 8
Find some booty, round a mermaid's beauty.
An x-rated view - get out of your shell.
It was drained and sealed, now the routes revealed.
To the land where the mythic Fountain dwells.

EXPLANATION:

• You will find and see booty at the Shiffman Mermaid Fountain as it’s basically naked with it’s rear end exposed (X-rated view). The Mermaid is holding a shell in it’s hand. 

• “Drained and sealed” is a reference to the drained and sealed Commercial Club Fountain.  

• If you draw a straight line on a aerial map from the Shiffman Mermaid Fountain to the Commercial Fountain, then keep your line going north, it will pass right through the Secret Grove where the Fountain of Youth and the Treasure awaits. (Routes revealed)

CLUE 9
(CLICK HERE)
https://youtu.be/mbm1hlypbjw?si=hVryaY_9B9QZtW0k

Take heed all tyrants — high and base rank pirates.

Blackbeard has docked — you better beware!

With an empty heart, he kills and outsmarts.

And leaves a harsh stench of death in the air.

EXPLANATION:

• “base rank” is an anagram for “Nebraska”. Nebraska Street boarders the Secret Grove and Treasure.

• “Blackbeard has docked” is a reference to Dock and Paddle.

• “Empty heart” is a reference to the tree with a hollow heart spray painted on it near the Treasure Medallion’s hiding location.

• “Harsh stench of death in the air” is a reference to the current Corpus Flower at Como Park. This flower is a big current attraction that has made the news and has lines of people waiting to see it.  The odd thing is the flower smells like a dying corpse.

CLUE 10
(CLICK HERE)
https://youtu.be/bwaNzFoSgZI?si=XqqOE2O83dyaDQbz

Snap out of your daze, and escape the maze.

The Spaniards now have a comfortable lead.

Nearby Ave and St, is a hint concrete.

Solve the Fountain’s route to fulfill your greed.

EXPLANATION:

• “Escape the maze” is telling you to leave the central area of the labyrinth, mermaid fountain, Gates Ajar, and Dock and Paddle.

• “Comfortable” is a reference to old Cozy Lake and Pub. The clue is hinting to head north from the central reference area.

• “Nearby Ave and Street” is telling you that there is an Avenue and a Street near the Treasure Location. Which narrows it down quite a bit as there are only two spots within the area where there is a Ave and a St. One is north near the Treasure , the other is south near the Street Car Station.

• “Ave and” is an anagram for Nevada. If you read the line with the anagram is reads: “Nearby Nevada Street”.

• Again we hint at the Fountain’s route from the central area with all the components of the breadcrumb trail leading you north.

CLUE 11
(CLICK HERE)
https://youtu.be/0Fowk6wrAm0?si=m-AXSWhG80Qk4cZz

All pirates listen, Commercial and Schiffman,

Will help you bask near the treasure trove.

With Mermaid in mind, and Chalice aligned —

Pointing north to the Fountain’s secret grove.

 

As you zig and zag — notice Blackbeard’s flag.

The grove will have you feeling home sweet home.

The past two hiding spots, will help hit the jackpot.

The Fountain will test you — now search and roam.

EXPLANATION:

• The first stanza tells you to align the Mermaid Fountain and the Commercial Fountain (looks like a chalice) north to the Fountain of Youth’s Secret Grove and the Treasure Medallion. The line will pass right through the grove. 

• “Bask near” is an anagram for Nebraska. 

• “Zig and zag” is a reference to all the trails within the Secret Grove.

• “Blackbeard’s flag” is a reference to the heart spray painted on the trees within the Treasure’s search zone. Blackbeard’s flag depicts a pirate stabbing a heart on it.

• “Home sweet home” is a reference to a spray painted phrase that is on a fort within the Treasure’s search zone.

• “The past tow hiding spot” is a reference to the past two CLT’s hiding locations. A X at Harriet Island and a heart shaped sand dune at Rice Creek. This years treasure is hidden along a path between a major X in the trail system and the spray painted heart on the tree. This is you r search zone.

• “Jackpot” is a reference to nearby Nevada Street, for Las Vegas. 

 

CLUE 12
(CLICK HERE)
https://youtu.be/O5Lx0iFpWrg?si=_hgNtPncqXgPPtIP

Set sail to Como, to cure your fomo.

The Fountain of Youth has been here this whole time.

Don’t be afraid, of the Schiffman Mermaid.

First Dock then Paddle northward — it’s showtime!

 

You’ll see a sign, as you walk the shoreline.

Be thankful you’re joining us on this mission!

Continue you lurk, give thanks to the Sterks.

Now through the orchard — to aid your position.

 

Hurry and dart, between X and heart.

Nebraska and Nevada — the search zone.

Hear the Fountain’s plea, near an unarmored tree.

Near flowers lies the crystal mossy stone. 

EXPLANATION:

• The first stanza tells you the Treasure is at Como Park. It tells you start at the Schiffman Fountain and Dock and Paddle then head north.

• The second stanza reveals the breadcrumb trail components heading north towards the Secret Grove.

• “Between X and heart” is a reference to the Treasures search zone between a big X in the trail and the spray painted heart on the tree. 

• Nebraska and Nevada Streets border the Secret Grove and Treasure.

• The Fountain of Youth (treasure) is located a few paces from a tree missing its bark (unarmored tree). There is a large and a small tree in the area that are missing their bark, the Treasure was close to the smaller tree. 

• Flowers bloomed a few paces away from the Treasure within the search zone. 

• The Treasure Medallion was wrapped n plastic wrap, then smothered with super glue, then covered with fake craft moss. The idea was that at the end of the Pirates of the Caribbean Stranger Tides movie the Fountain of Youth was destroyed. The Mossy Stone Treasure was part of the remnants of the broken Fountain of Youth. 

ALTERNATE PATH
Visit Whitecap Bay, for a different way.
The Mao Kun Map will make your search hotter.
The map's hidden and furled, out of this world.
Beware the creatures within these waters. 
 EXPLANATION:

• Whitecap Bay is known to have Mermaids in its waters. The popular venue the The Mermaid in Moundsview is close to the Map’s location.

• “Out of this world” is a reference to the business named Zero Gravity, right next to the Map’s location.

ALTERNATE PATH CLUE 2

 

*THIS CLUE WAS ONLY PUBLISHED WITHIN THE PREMIUM CREW FB CHAT GROUP AS A MINI HUNT AFTER THE MAIN HUNT CONCLUDED AS A BONUS FOR PREMIUM REGISTRANTS.

 

Connect 11, or look to Kevin.

He will lead you to the win yelling SKOL!

It would be best, at the fork take a left.

Not far off the trail is the Mao Kun goal!

 

A big mound to see, is the place to be.

Enter the dense forest and bring your troops.

As you’re floating around, look to the ground.

An opening before the boards you’ll make the scoop.

EXPLANATION:

• If you connect 11 with a horizontal line it will turn it into an H. County Road H is just south of the Edgewood School Forest. 

• “Kevin and SKOL” is a reference to Kevin O’Connell, the MN Vikings head coach. O’Connell street is near the entrance to the School Forest.

• As you enter you are directed to take a left at the fork, the Mao Kun Map is not far down the trail, about 15-20 feet off, before the boards that are embedded in the ground of the trail, within a small accessible opening in the woods.

• “Floating around” is a reference to the nearby Zero Gravity Adventure Park.

• “A big Mound to see” is a reference to the city of Mounds View.

 

There were a couple Bonus Clues given to hunters from the CLT Prelude Hunt: The Siren’s Secret. Bonus Clue 1.0 was given to any hunter that collected both a Mermaid Tear and the Chalices of Cartagena. Bonus Clue 2.0 was given to one lucky hunter that uncovered the Siren’s Secret. 

 

BONUS CLUE 1.0

From last year’s spot, take a very long trot.

Or better yet set sail far with your car.

Word of mouth — the Fountain lies to the south.

Invoking the city on your radar.

EXPLANATION:

• Last years location was at Rice Creek Park in Shoreview. This year it’s at Como Park, very far south from Rice Creek Park.

• “Word of mouth” is a reference to Chatsworth Street. Which is very close to the Treasure Medallion’s location in Como Park.

• “Invoking” is a biblical and spiritual word, referring to the city of Saint Paul .

 

BONUS CLUE 2.0

Barbossa’s leisure, could lead to treasure.

A peg leg pirate hell bent on revenge.

A deadly slash, could help lead to the stash.

A Foe defeated — the Black Pearl avenged!

EXPLANATION:

• In the Pirates of the Caribbean Stranger Tides movie, one of Barbossa’s Hobbies/leisures is collecting poisonous frogs. He collects one on his way to the Fountain of Youth and poisons his blade and slashes and stabs Blackbeard, ultimately killing him and avenging the Black Pearl. The frog is a hint at Como Park with  popular Frog Pond. This was meant to be a park clue reference.

• “Hell bent” is a reference to the bent over falling tree in the middle of the Secret Grove close to the Treasure. 

 

COLDEST’S EPILOGUE 

 

I originally was going to hide the 2024 Treasure Medallion near the Como Labyrinth with a clear view of the Schiffman Mermaid Fountain, but an earlier mock hunt used that immediate area, so I decided to call an audible. The Schiffman Mermaid Fountain was too good not to use with this years Pirates of the Caribbean Stranger Tides template so I decided to still use Como Park. 

​

As I was looking for a new spot to hide it, I came up with the idea of lining up the Schiffman and Commercial fountains to see where the line would run. I noticed that it went right through a patch of trees to the north of Como Lake. I have driven near this area before but I have never but boots on the ground in those woods. So I went out to do some scouting. As I walked in to the woods I was surprised to see many groomed trails. The woods was also very accessible, I noticed a few markers I could use and three X’s that the trails made all in the same area…. I knew this was my new spot! I devised a plan to conceal the Treasure Medallion amongst all the plants and greenery in the area. I wrapped up the Treasure Medallion and doused it with super glue then covered it with fake moss. I ventured back out to Como Park, picked my spot, and the Deed was Done. 

​

The idea of the hunt was to mention many things just south of the Treasure Medallions location within the vicinity of Dock and Paddle. Then leave a breadcrumb trail heading north to the observant hunter to notice. By noticing these hints a hunter could uncover the Secret Grove by walking north from Dock and Paddle along the lakeside trail. I did not expect the hut to go to the final clue, it is good to know that some hunters made it to the Secret Grove around clue 9-10. Other hunters were at least in the Dock and Paddle zone as early as clue 5-6. 

 

Overall I’m very please with how the hunt progressed and ended, I hope everyone had a great time searching for it this year! Until next year…..there will be a new pirate treasure to chase ARRRRR  

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