Scavengeroogle: A Google Maps Scavenger Hunt To Waste More Of Your Time On

Ok, this is going to be a bit of an experiment… you can probably tell just from a quick glance at the clue that this isn’t going to be in the U.S. I was sent an international clue by Pak W the other day. But I did a little scavengeroogling nearby and found this one that I thought was even better! However, I liked his word clue so I’ll be using it for this clue.

I am hoping that no one has already found this one. It is becoming more and more difficult to tell as new google sightseeing sites pop up and older ones stock up on locations. Sometimes I find our older clues on these sites, especially “writing” ones like this. This clue is an asian language character repeated twice on what looks like two cylinders. I actually know what this character stands for, so that will probably be a secondary drop in case people have problems.

The clue is not visible extremely far out, probably 15/18 or so. The word clues that Pak sent in are:

“Fragrant Harbour”

So, I am trying to figure out what level of region to drop, like how detailed to get. I’ve already basically told you it’s not in the U.S. but we shall see what additional clues are needed…

[Edit: 10:15 PDT - We seem to be doing OK w/out a region clue so I won’t drop it for now. I think just knowing it’s not in the U.S. is a region clue in itself…]

Clue Name : “Asian Writing”
Submitted by: Scavengeroogle Admin
Status : Solved (11)
Duration: Mon 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Chris R, Ken S, Andy K, Judy B, Mike Z, Justin, Shawn D, Trecherus, Josh W, Jeremy R, Adam M

Word Clues : “Fragrant Harbour”
Magnification Needed: 15/18

SOLUTION TO “Asian Writing”

Happy, glorious Friday! OK, before you all start in on this clue, please take a look at the post below about starting a mailing list. You can weigh in with your opinion on whether the game would be OK switched to that way…

I got a large submission of decent clues from Mike M. the other day, including this one. Also regarding clue submissions, there haven’t been a lot of international clues yet, I think because in many places even thought there is hi-res satellite photos, there aren’t street level maps so it’s very difficult (for US players anyhow) to tell where you are. I also think it’s VERY difficult to come up with suitable word clues for international areas, unless you happen to be familiar with the area. In any case, there’s no rush to find clues outside of the U.S. I’m thankful that there is that opportunity now though!

Mike’s clue is called, quite appropriately from the picture, “Footprints in the Sand”. No, not that cheesy poem that nuns like to hang on their walls. This is a honest to goodness Paul Bunyan sized set of footprints. There is another clue submitted by one of you that is also a footprint that I have been meaning to use too… I’ll try get to that. I recall that I thought it would be extremely difficult though, which is why I shelved it.

The Footprints are available for viewing a good distance out, maybe 14/18 max. For word clues, you are going to get Mike M.’s suggestion which I thought were quite cool:

“Good Grief”

I have a feeling this won’t be too tough… but we shall see! If it is, look for a region clue.

[Edit: 11:05 PDT - hm… near zilch players today! Or it seems like it. I’m not sure but anyway I will drop: Northern California]

Clue Name : “Footprints in the Sand”
Submitted by: Mike M.
Status : Solved (8)
Duration: Fri 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Moose, Judy B, Shawn D, Steve M, Jon G, Ryan F, Luke P, Ann M

Word Clues : “Good Grief”
Magnification Needed: 14/18

SOLUTION TO “Footprints in the Sand”

Scavs, how are you? Maybe I should say “Roogles” instead since scav sounds too much like “scab”. So, what up Roogles?

Anyhow, here is a clue from Trecherus that I hope will not be treacherous for you all. Well, I don’t think it will be at all. The clue looks like two gigantic “Ps”… interestingly they are almost identical in shape but very different in color. They are visible quite far out, I would say nearly 12/18. If that doesn’t seem like it’s that big, remember we are on a new plus 3 scale, so that’s the old 9 of 15 magnification!

For a clue, you will get Mr. Trecherus’s direct word clue:

“Penguin Water”

I don’t imagine any problems, and if there are then too bad… I’m kidding! Region clue will probably be coming soon enough provided I can think of one to give. Hey, remember now that Google has Hi-res in other parts of the world, it’s open season on clues… feel free to submit clues from any part of the world!

[Edit: 10:30 PDT - Not a lot of solutions yet, but I still think giving out the region clue would be too easy. So let’s give a general one … Northeast U.S.?]

Clue Name : “Double P”
Submitted by: Trecherus
Status : Solved (6)
Duration: Wed 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Ken S, Judy B, Andy K, Tina, Mike J, Josh W

Word Clues : “Penguin Water”
Magnification Needed: 12/18

SOLUTION TO “Double P”

Hey you Scavengeroogles! How have you been? Me, I could be better. I dug up this particular clue myself, but sort of owe its origin to Tony A., who had submitted a particular clue before that I sort of used to find this one.

I’m still getting used to the new 18/18 slider that Google has changed to, but am already pretty happy with their new city labeling algo. The river labeling algo needs work though! So anyhow, this particular clue is called “Jo and Face”. The “Jo” is the usual “buildings that look like writing” hack that finds me a lot of clues. However, I didn’t notice until I screengrabbed the pic that there is a “face” in the light brown area of the picture! Kind of cool, you can see the two eyes and the mouth in grey (the mouth is at the bottom of the light brown portion).

As for word clues, this particular one is going to be interesting because it’s a little different than your ordinary location. I’m not going to say more than that because it might give it away. But anyhow, you may find this easy, or you may find it hard… all depends on whether you figure out:

“Onion Triangle”

Hehe. I think I am clever with these word clues when in reality I’m such a sluggggard. If that’s a word. I actually took part of Tony A’s suggestion for word clues and changed them a bit. And we all know what happens when I do that: Herring FEST!

Thusly, you may want to look for a region drop soon. But I am trying to figure out how to drop this region, may be difficult…

[Edit: 10:00 PDT - Whew, so the consensus is this is not too tough… I’m sort of glad about that. Therefore, no region clue drop needed!]

Clue Name : “Jo And Face”
Submitted by: Scavengeroogle Admin
Status : Solved (13)
Duration: Mon 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Ken S, Brian G, Andy K, Chris R, Jon G, Jeremy R, Adam M, Shawn D, Ryan F, Alex P, Luke P, Trecherus, Judy B

Word Clues : “Onion Triangle”
Magnification Needed: 15/18

SOLUTION TO “Jo And Face”

Hello Friday. I’m actually starting to run low on clues, so if you’ve got any more submissions send ‘em in. I had to throw out a whole bunch of them because many had a wrong URL that didn’t show anything, or weren’t suitable (i.e. planes, ships, well known landmarks) so it ended up I didn’t have as many backlogged as I thought.

Also, I’ve been a bit lazy… if there’s no word clues submitted I generally don’t select it unless the actual picture clue is fantastic. Then I’m apt to try come up with one. So it’s a combination of a good picture and a good clue that will get your clue on here.

Alas, this isn’t the best of pictures and not the best of word clues. I mean, it doesn’t really look too much like a dragonfly but I figured I might as well use it since I had found this earlier and stockpiled it for such a time as now. The only really good thing about it is that it is visible far out at 10/15. As for word clues, gah. I have such a hard time coming up with these. But let’s try:

“A french monk runs close to it”

I already see so many potential slippery herrings just from googling that I will most certainly need to drop the region clue early. So sit tight if you’d rather not strain the brain because help will be coming soon.

[Edit: 9:42 PDT - Wow, nary a response in sight. Here is the region clue then: Iowa. If that doesn’t help I’ll have to reconfigure that word clue…]

[Edit: 10:38 PDT - Ahh… LOL. This is shaping up to be another one of those, “what are you trying to pull on us?” word clues. OK here are two clarifications, “A french monk runs SORT OF close to it”. And secondly, I just read about some apparent controversy regarding whether or not it IS french monk. So, egg on my face again. You may just want to look up what “monk” means in French and search near there… ]

Clue Name : “Dragonfly”
Submitted by: Scavengeroogle Admin
Status : Solved (7)
Duration: Fri 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Mark L, Moose, Jeremy R, Katie N, Steve M, Jon G, Judy B

Word Clues : “A french monk runs close to it”
Magnification Needed: 10/15

SOLUTION TO “Dragonfly”

Hey all of you, did you miss me? I didn’t get any love/hate letters in my email so apparently not… anyhow yeah I missed Monday sorry ’bout that. It’s getting increasingly harder to keep the scavengeroogling going. I guess we will see, but I am thinking I may stop the 3 clue sessions per week thing by the end of summer. I’m not sure if the site will continue but I’m hoping to at least keep posting some clues once in awhile. I think a schedule was fun, but it probably can’t go on at this rate. I really appreciate everyone who’s been playing along though. It’s the main reason I’ve kept the clues going…

Anyhow, to happier items. Here is a pretty excellent depiction of one of those cartoon type bombs submitted by Pcb100. Like something Wile E. Coyote might dream up. Pointed straight down as well. Visible pretty far out, at 11/15 or so. We will go with Pcb’s word clues, straight and unaltered:

“Near where the streets have no name.”

This may or may not be easy, I think it depends on entry point. We will most likely drop a region clue soon, but I don’t think you will need it. If all goes well, that is. Also, I’m going to run these things from 9 to 12 instead of 9 to 2 from now on… have fun!

[Edit: 10:25 PDT - Not that you need the region, but here is one: California. My connection has been up and down today so the solution may not come in at the bell and updates are sketchy for me right now…]

Clue Name : “DaBomb”
Submitted by: Pcb100
Status : Solved (15)
Duration: Wed 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Ken S, Phil M, Andy K, Larry B, Chris R, Katie N, Moose, Scotty B, Larry, Jim, Josh W, Mike Z, Jim M, Jared R, Judy B

Word Clues : “Near where the streets have no name.”
Magnification Needed: 11/15

SOLUTION TO “Dabomb”

Welcome to Friday, the bestest day of the week! Today’s clue comes from Jim M. and is a pretty cool depiction of the letters “IP”. Which of course, leads us all to think about IP Addresses. If not, then you’re not a nerd like me probably. Wait, I am a nerd? Oh yeah. When is everyone supposed to be using IPv6 again?

Ok, anyhow I’m not sure what this is really… I think it may just be some water tracks on the ground or something, although it is on top of something that is pretty circular. I can’t tell if this this a cylinder or a depressionn or a circular clearing. It is visible pretty far out at 11/15. As for word clues, I am once again going with Jim’s direct clue:

“GC’s Hollow Spring”

I think this may be a case of if you decipher the word clue then you’ll pretty much get it right away. Though I’m not sure. I’m never sure. These scavengeroogle word clues are weird, wild things. Anyhow, hope there’s not too many herrings afoot. By the way, I need to shut the clue off early at 12 noon PDT since I’m going out to be out the rest of the day most likely. Also, I may have to skip a day or two of clues next week. Will post at the status bar at top of the page if this happens though. Talk to you all soon …

[Edit: 10:27 PDT - Well, I was going to get specific for the region clue but thought that would be too much of a giveaway. So for now I’ll just say: Northeast U.S. ]

[Edit: 11:35 PDT - OK, last chance for a quickie solution… let’s narrow the region to: Pennsylvania]

Clue Name : “IP Address”
Submitted by: Jim M.
Status : Solved (8)
Duration: Fri 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Andy K, Ken S, Mike M, Golux13, Shawn D, Mike J, Ryan F, Jarret R

Word Clues : “GC’s Hollow Spring”
Magnification Needed: 11/15

SOLUTION TO “IP Address”

As I write up this clue on Tuesday, there are 2 or 3 helicopters whirling nonstop nearly above of my house. This has gone on for about six hours. There was a car chase that has ended in a standoff on the freeway about 1/2 mile away from me. They even sent in a robot for crisis negotiations. Fun, I wish I could work that into a clue or two. Man, Los Angeles… I have to laugh like hell.

Anyhow, here is a clue sent in by Brian G. which is a nice red ballpoint pen. Or a ship that looks like one. I know I said I wasn’t going to include any more ships and airplanes but I caved in because this was kind of fun. I’m wondering how hard this will be because there must be a billion ships possible. Well, I’m going to give you Brian’s clue so you get to blame him instead of me in case it’s tough! Here you go:

“Litigate Schlage”

Oof, that seems sort of hard. I think it needs be tough because it’s visible from so far out and is somewhat isolated. I will drop the region clue soon, have no fear.

[Edit:11:00 PDT - Whups, I almost forgot to drop the region clue before I went out… not that many of you have needed it! Surprised me again. Anyhow, here you go: Michigan…]

Clue Name : “Ballpoint Pen”
Submitted by: Brian G.
Status : Solved (13)
Duration: Wed 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Mike M, Chris R, Jim M, Phil M, Mark L, Jon G, Shawn D, Michael J, Josh W, Josh C, Mike J, Jared R, Ken S

Word Clues : “Litigate Schlage”
Magnification Needed: 9/15

SOLUTION TO “Ballpoint Pen”

Good morning to you all from the past, that is from Saturday night… I decided to get an early start on my clue whilst watching SNL (still like the old ones better, but what else are you going to watch?) Anyhow, Jim M sent in a cool bug for today’s clue, which is of course called “Bug Hunt”.

Speaking of bugs, the other day I discovered some tiny “wood pellets” around a small hole in my bedroom floor (we have wooden floors that are raised up above the ground). I actually don’t think it’s termites but a subterranean type of wood boring beetle. I googled it… hmm, may have to get that treated. Ugh.

Anyhow, Mr. Bug is visible from quite far out, perhaps 12/15 or even 11/15 because it’s a very distinct shape and bright white. As for the clue, I think we will go directly with the clue thought up by Jim because I thought it was pretty clever. We’ll see how hard it is, and I will probably drop a region clue sooner or later. Here’s the clue:

“Hope’s Springs Eternal”

Wow, this is really distracting writing this up while watching TV. I think I’ll have to sign off now so I can pay attention to these scintillating skits featuring Tom Brady. Thank you again for playing and stay tuned for clues…

[Edit: 10:24 PDT - Man, I’m sleepy today. Coffee just barely does it. Anyhow, thought I would drop a region clue because I have to go out for a bit. Here ya go: Southern California]

Clue Name : “Bug Hunt”
Submitted by: Jim M.
Status : Solved (12)
Duration: Mon 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Chris R, Mike M, Golux13, Jarret R, Craig S, Shawn D, Mark G, Mark L, Mike J, Katie N, Brian G, Mike Z

Word Clues : “Hope’s Springs Eternal”
Magnification Needed: 12/15

SOLUTION TO “Bug Hunt”

It’s Friday. Truly, TGIF… Anyhow, Steve M. sent in this really cool large writing find (nearly a month ago, egad) and I had been wanting to use it for a long time because as far as I know it hasn’t been found yet on the other google sightseeing sites. I could be wrong… and don’t you go looking in case I am! You’ll spoil your own “fun”. =)

Well, I didn’t use it until now because I was stumped as to what kind of clue to give, not to mention what exactly is it? It is 3 enormous letters spelling out “CTC”, hence the name of the clue (By the way… no, it does not have anything to do with the Boston Tea Party). It has a maple leaf on the top, so I guess that’ll tell you what country it’s in at least. But I still might need to give a region drop. The lettering is a bit faint on the contrast, but otherwise is visible quite far out at 9/15 to 10/15.

I am somewhat at a loss to give a clue. Steve M noted that he had difficulty coming up with a clue and I did too. After some searching on google, I think I know what it refers to now. Emphasize on “think”. After agonizing on a clue for some time, I am just going to give you:

“Colonel Thomas Gage”

I need to finish up some other stuff so I can’t dwell on the clue any longer: whether it’s easy or hard is outta my hands. I have a feeling it may rank a bit on the hard side. As always, expect clues. I have dreams of clue drops sometimes. Clues, clues, clues!

Happy Friday…

[Edit: 10:19 PDT - Region drop time: New Brunswick… and keep in mind that maple leaf. I’ll be out for a few hours so behave yerselves.]

[Edit: 12:02 PDT - A quick hint: don’t go looking in the place where Gage was governor of…]

Clue Name : “See Tea Sea”
Submitted by: Steve M.
Status : Solved (13)
Duration: Fri 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Josh W, Chris R, Jon G, Mike M, Ryan F, Brian G, Katie N, Daniel M, Michael J, Jim M, JoJo, Mike Z, Jason C

Word Clues : “Colonel Thomas Gage”
Magnification Needed: 10/15

SOLUTION TO “See Tea Sea”

Hello lovely scavengerooglers! Did you have a big extended BBQ weekend? I didn’t. Instead, I stayed home and installed a second hand, half broken radio in the car and then cleaned out my bathroom sink drain pipe which was starting to smell like yummy sewage…

Anyhow, Michael J sent in this cool picture of what he called “rainbow water” but what I’ve decided to call Flying Kangaroo Rat. Come on, you must admit it looks like a kangaroo rat that has sprouted wings… no? I particularly like the colors on this one. It is visible quite far out, about 8/15 to 9/15. Because of that, and because it is pretty easily spotted because of the colors I decided to make the word clues very difficult to start with. Here you go:

“U Mill”

I will dispell immediate multiple scavenger herrings by saying right off the back that “U” does not stand for “University”… I’ll drop the region clue soon. And of course other clues if needed!

[Edit: 9:50 PDT - It appears I’ve underestimated both how plainly visible this object is, and everyone’s overall smarts. I thought this would be really hard but I need to remember that most of you know how to play the game and are pretty sharp! Anyhow, here is the region drop as promised: “Utah”. You might also be surprised that I originally didn’t intend the “U” in the clue to stand for Utah… ]

Clue Name : “Flying Kangaroo Rat”
Submitted by: Michael J.
Status : Solved (21)
Duration: Wed 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Jason, Mike M, Tina, Katie N, Phil M, Chris R, Adam M, Shawn D, Steve M, Jarret R, Mark G, Jared R, Justin, Josh W, Josh C, Jon G, Chris R, Matt D, Trecherus, Jim M, Mike Z

Word Clues : “U Mill”
Magnification Needed: 9/15

SOLUTION TO “Flying Kangaroo Rat”

Do you all have your gas grills fired up and ready to go for a BBQ this weekend? I do, or rather I should be getting it ready. I just hope anteater isn’t on the menu… er, bad segue. This clue was found by yours truly, a funny looking anteater head. I found it while looking at a clue submitted by someone. I almost called it Alf, but then I realized that probably no one remembers Alf…

This is visible way far out, at 9/15 maybe? I struggled and struggled to come up with a clue here that wouldn’t give it away too easily and wouldn’t be too hard. I’ve come to the conclusion that, like Paris Hilton keeping her clothes on, it’s just impossible. So I’m going to be unoriginal and say:

“SD ND”

Boooring. Well, it may take you a little time at least. And, because I want you all to go into your Memorial weekend on a nice note, I will drop more clues if people have major problems, though I’m not expecting any. Ok, happy anteater scavengeroogling! P.S. Remember we are skipping our clue on Monday so I will see you all Wednesday!

Clue Name : “Anteater Head”
Submitted by: Scavengeroogle Admin
Status : Solved (12)
Duration: Fri 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. PDT

Solved By: Mike M, Chris R, Katie N, Max D, Jon G, Phil M, Jeremy R, Jarret R, Mark L, Jason C, Steve M, Jared R

Word Clues : “SD ND”
Magnification Needed: 9/15

SOLUTION TO “Anteater Head”