Bonnie Nishikawa and her granddaughter found the medallion in 12 clues hanging from a tree at Reno’s Rancho San Rafael Park.
Explanations for the 2002 Nevada Day Treasure Hunt Clues
Clue No. 1
I wish I may
I wish I might
Receive One Thousand
To my delight!
Explanation: Introduction to the Treasure Hunt.
Clue No. 2
In 1883
Two became one
Now the hunt
Has begun
Explanation: In 1883 Washoe and Roop counties were combined to form simply Washoe County. The medallion is hidden in Washoe County.
Clue No. 3
A division of state
Split by water
Are you onto the trail?
Are you getting hotter?
Explanation: The state of Nevada is divided by counties. Washoe county is split by the Truckee River.
Clue No. 4
A native captain
Might ring a bell
If it does
You’re doing well
Explanation: Captain Truckee as he was called by explorers, means “doing well: in Paiute.
Clue No. 5
A toss-up between
Argenta and this name
Resulted in honoring
A man who was slain
Explanation: Reno is named for Jesse Reno who was killed in the Mexican War. Argenta was also a popular choice in the naming of Reno.
Clue No. 6
He was a leader
In his circle of friends
An omnipresent
Gentleman.
Explanation: Patrick McCarran was a state senator. The words ‘circle’ and ‘omnipresent’ are references to McCarran Blvd. which encompasses the city of Reno and narrows the hunting field.
Clue No. 7
Hisperia
Marks the end
To the west
Hopes do wend
Explanation: Hisperia, California marks the southern end of Highway 395. The medallion is hidden to the west of Hwy 395.
Clue No. 8
From the castle
At forty-five
Fifteen ‘til
The kings arrive
Explanation: On a map, if a 45deg line is drawn from Castle Peak in Storey County to the Kings row neighborhood of Reno, it is approximately 15 miles. The area is just south of the medallion location.
Clue No. 9
You can find Evan
If you are clever
And use this riddle
To help your endeavor
Explanation: Evans Creek runs through the park in which the medallion is found.
Clue No. 10
Park near an arch
From sunrise to sunset
Shamrocks and Blarney Stone
Are a sure bet
Explanation: At the south entrance to the park is an arch, adjacent also to a shamrock and a Blarney Stone.
Clue No. 11
How the two sparkle
How the two shine
Does M and then W
Give you a sign?
Explanation: Wilbur May’s 2600-acre Double Diamond Ranch is named for the brand created from stacking his “W” and “M” initials.The Wilbur May Center is located at the park
Clue No. 12
If the prize you pine for
Has got you down
Things should be looking up
Don’t frown
Explanation: The medallion hangs on the branch of a Scot Pine tree and can be found be looking up