a photo finish

Wow, something totally unexpected happened today. Our team took the cake today (literally) at the Secrets of SOMA Treasure Hunt by finishing first in the Master's division (the hardest one!).


(Me, Chris, and Alexandra showing off our first place prize)

The proceeds from the hunt benefit the Hamilton Family Center which assists homeless families, so not only was the hunt fun but we did something good as well.

Anyhow, here are three of the seventeen clues (and the solutions) from the 7.6 mile hunt that took place in the SOMA district in San Francisco.

Clue 1: Smile!

Follow the path of an ancient weapon, past porpoises about to take a dive, and a bluecoat who knows how to sing. You'll see something cosmopolitan, and a silver skyline askew, and you'll feel the rush of air beneath your feet.

Where you have a view of two towers, put a missing ET behind you. If your path is correct, you'll see a reminder of a state famed for its cheese. Past a delicatessen with a biblical name there's a fellow who is as still a photograph. He wants you to "smile."

What's the full name of what he's holding?


(Solution: Kodak Instamatic X-35 Camera)

Clue 2: The Blue Star

From the Place named for Elwood P. Dowd's furry lagomorph pal, head way from a mollusk's home. You'll see stars, but keep looking till you see the one that's blue.

What's the name of the 3rd "club" you find there?


(Solution: Garden Club of St. Francis)

Clue 3: Keys

Where a street named for Steve's progeny leads to a famous Vivaldi piece, 12/18 is the key to what you seek.

What is the word one foot to its west?


(Solution: WATER - located on the grate to the right of the key sculpture)