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Year of the Dragon LbNA #60628

Owner:Wisconsin Hiker
Plant date:Jan 16, 2012
Location:
City:???
County:Milwaukee
State:Wisconsin
Boxes:1
Found by: ???
Last found:Aug 16, 2019
Status:FFFFFFF
Last edited:May 15, 2016
Last found/checked: 16-JAN-12

Location: Solve the puzzle found here:

www.letterboxing.homestead.com/YearOfTheDragon.html

From the Mystery Phrase #1 restaurant, the box is due east in Mystery Phrase #2.

Starting point is the Mystery Number #1 mailbox on Mystery Number #2 Street.

Time: Approximately 30 minutes depending on season & trail conditions.

Terrain: Level trail through woods and fields.

Around the globe, the Chinese New Year celebrations will take place based on January 23rd 2012, which is the start of the Lunar New Year - the year of the Dragon. Preparations for the New Year often begin during the last month of the lunar year. It is an auspicious occasion, and great detail is taken in its readiness. The home must be cleaned thoroughly. The past year's dirt is swept away, and clutter is straightened out. This is done so that negative aspects of the past year are not brought forward to the New Year. On New Year’s Eve, family members must return to the parent's home for a special meal together. Various foods are prepared and eaten because of their symbolic significances. The food must be abundant, and there must be some left over at the end of the meal. The New Year will therefore start with plenty. It is hoped that there then will be abundance throughout the year.

The Year of the Dragon is one that brings happiness and good fortune. It is one of the most positive and strongest of all of the twelve star signs. The year will be marked by excitement, unpredictability, exhilaration and intensity. People respond to the spirit of the Dragon with energy, vitality and unbridled enthusiasm, often throwing all caution to the wind – which can be an unwise move: The Dragon is all about drama but if you take unnecessary risks, you may find yourself starring in your own personal tragedy. We hope you have an exciting (but safe) letterboxing year in 2012!

In Chinese Astrology there are five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) and twelve animals (rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog and pig) forming a complete cycle of sixty. This means there are five different types of Dragon years: wood dragon, fire dragon, earth dragon, metal dragon and water dragon. 2012 is a Water Dragon year.

People born under the year of the Dragon appear to have magical traits; they are strong and full of energy and forever on the go. Some of their more negative traits include: eccentricity, a tendency towards being arrogant and very trying. However they do have many fans and expect the same level of excellence from others that they expect from themselves. They are also full of pride. Other traits include: failing to practice what they preach, over confident, a tendency to intimidate others, feel themselves to be above the law, and can be illogical, domineering and obstinate. In many cases they fail to identify their foes. Although energetic they are liable to become obsessive. On the plus side they seldom hold grudges and are generally quick to forgive. Dragons are said to be able to accomplish great things and those born in this year are also said to represent the horns of destiny. Needing a cause for which to fight, Dragons will never merely stand back and accept their fate or what life brings.

The Dragon is one of the most powerful signs in the Chinese Zodiac. Lucky as well, Dragons are giving, intelligent and tenacious, know exactly what they want and are determined to get it. Further, they can easily influence their peers and often find themselves the center of attention in social situations. As if all this wasn't enough, Lady Love is the Dragon's best friend! The rest of the Dragon's friends are always keen to hear what this firebrand has to say, and when it comes to dispensing advice, the Dragon has the floor.

Traits for specific Dragon years:

FIRE - Feb 3, 1916 to Jan 22, 1917 and Jan 31, 1976 to Feb 17, 1977
Traits: Challenging, compassionate, fair, motivated by aspiration and is virtuous. A Fire Dragon’s emotions can flare instantly. Fire Dragons put themselves on pedestals, and because they react quickly and recklessly, they sometimes make wrong decisions. Fire Dragons need to slow down and keep their tempers in check as that’s when they’re best.

WOOD – Feb 16, 1904 to Feb 3, 1905 and Feb 13, 1964 to Feb 1, 1965
Traits: Arrogant, giving, logical, motivated by inspiration and frank. Wood Dragons are willing to entertain the opinions of others. Their artistic side is strong, and Wood Dragons enjoy being creative and innovative. They get along with others, but will always be the dominating force.

EARTH – Jan 23, 1928 to Feb 9, 1929 and Feb 17, 1988 to Feb 5, 1989
Traits: Courageous, motivated by jurisdiction, is practical, steady and leisurely. More rooted in the ground, Earth Dragons make better decisions because they act more rationally. Earth Dragons are level-headed and able to control their behaviors. They’re more supportive of others, but they prefer being admired by others.

METAL – Feb 8, 1940 to Jan 26, 1941 and Feb 5, 2000 to Jan 23, 2001
Traits: Truthful, intense, motivated by contest, is resolute and inflexible. Metal Dragons are more determined and they’ll fight for what they believe in. They enjoy the company of those who feel mighty enough to challenge their beliefs. They’re true leaders and usually find plenty of others willing to follow.

WATER - Jan 27, 1952 to Feb 13, 1953 and Jan 23, 2012 to Feb 9, 2013
Traits: Democratic, dedicated, unrestrained, motivated by negotiation and is also dependable. Water Dragons are able to see things from other points of view. They don’t have the need to always be right. Their decisions, if well-researched, are usually better since they allow others to become involved.

CLUES:

People born in the Year of the Dragon enjoy outdoor activities rather than staying at home. So to honor them in this new year, get out to find this box! Go to the Nature Preserve sign, and then turn right. Follow the ditch to the culvert crossing. Dragons are good leaders, knowing instinctively what needs to be done to stay on top. Follow their lead by crossing the culvert and heading straight into the woods on a small trail.

A dragon has a knack for initiating projects and keeping the troops motivated, so march along: Left at Y, Right at Y and Left at T.

Dragons are quite the opportunists, forever searching for ways in which to consolidate their considerable power. In that search, our dragon took 35 steps to the next intersection, and then turned right.

The role of leader is the only one the Dragon wants, the better to give orders and be king of the hill. Here are the current commands: Left at Y, Right at Y, Straight/Left at Y/T, Left at T, Straight through a 4-way, Left at T, Straight at 4-way, and Left at T.

The tenacious beast urges you on: Pass a fallen giant on the right, then turn right at the next 4-way.

Stop between two slain giants. Dragon homes should be as large and majestic as their personalities, providing space for the fiery temperament or emotional eruptions that accompany their character. Go to the eastern giant. The dragon you seek is lurking below the main V, under an old board. Crossing a Dragon is never a good idea - this beast can singe, so be sure to replace him well!

Dragon people tend to take thrilling risks, so return to the path and continue in same direction you were traveling, passing the other giant. Head right at a T, left/straight at a Y, then continue forward until passing a large hollow stump on right.

Dragon people are quite imaginative, always able to see new paths and to take a radical approach. Trust them and take a left at the next Y and a left at a T.

Be like a dragon, strong and full of energy and forever on the go! You have almost completed your journey. Take the first culvert crossing, then turn left and follow the ditch back to your starting point. "Kung Hei Fat Choi!" (Cantonese for "Congratulations and be prosperous!")

In honor of the Dragon, you may want to start/end your search with a meal at the nearby Chinese restaurant named in the puzzle.

Status updates on this box would be appreciated!


Hike length: 1 mile