Late Riddle This Week
I hate having to start with an apology, but sorry for the late riddle this week. On the bright side, I’ve still got some unsolved puzzles which can be viewed all together by this link.
General
Why 60 Minutes?
Something like 99% of the escape rooms I’ve visited have used the standard one hour limit. It’s a nice round number, but does it really make the most sense? Some venues push the limits by offering 90 minute experiences, while others pull back and try to contain everything within 45. What difference does it really make?
2019 Goal: The Twelve Labors
The first few weeks of 2019 have been rough. I’ve been focused nearly around the clock on a project for work, and any free time I’ve had has quickly been scooped up by other responsibilities. I haven’t traveled anywhere since the trip to St. Joseph, Michigan (over a month ago), and it’s been a few weeks since I’ve done a local escape room. I’ve been getting stir crazy.
The Riviera of the Midwest (St. Joseph, MI)
December 7, 2018 – One month after completing an escape room in Idaho and finishing my 50 state goal, I was feeling stir crazy. Between holidays, illnesses, and buying a new car, I’ve been stuck in the suburbs of Chicago every week, with only a quick trip over the border to the Milwaukee area to break things up a little. This weekend was no different, with a Christmas party and a Blackhawks game to go to. Still, no snow on the roads and an open Saturday left me feeling ok with getting out of town.
Mission Accomplished
November 4, 2018 – Only ten months after half-jokingly suggesting I should try tackling an escape room in every state in 2018, and I’m done. I also achieved my stretch goal of succeeding in an escape room in each state, which doesn’t matter too much to me, but it’s nice, I suppose. And now I’m left wondering what to do in November and December.
Finale in the Mountains
November 2, 2018 – It’s finally here- after ten months of meticulously watching for flight deals and studying maps, I’ve hit the final stretch. I just completed my 47th state (Colorado), will be headed to Wyoming in just a few hours, and will be tackling Montana and Idaho in the next two days. Whew!
The Dead Lady
Date: September 24, 2018 Place: ??? – New Hampshire “I’m dead.” I turn to my left to see a gray-haired woman stooped behind a dusty oak table. “Excuse me?” I ask. I’m sure I must have misheard, since I’ve never seen an introduction open with a declaration of being deceased.
The Final Four
September 24, 2018 – I’m sitting in the airport after a three day stint in the Atlantic northeast. Five more states knocked down, taking me up to a grand total of 46! The final four are Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. This weekend was a total blast. Christina and I solved seven escape rooms and still had time to experience a little more of each of the states we visited, from the Maine coast to the deep hills of Vermont.
Next Stop: New England!
Only a few more trips to go this year, but I need to be careful because a spike in flight prices can be quite costly. Currently at 41 states, I’m far past the point of no return, so if the only way to get to one of the last states is a $1000 flight… I might have to do it. Or drive 20 hours to avoid flying. Either way, not ideal.
Aug 31 – Sep 3: Hawaii Excursion
Aloha! As I write this, I’m on a balcony on the 16th floor of the Queen Kapiolani hotel in Waikiki. It wasn’t the original plan for my trip, but things have a way of working out.