Tag: Iceland

Categories
Themed

The Great Escape

Words:  74

Average Length:  5.00

As the note to the puzzle says, this is a tribute puzzle for … our 15-year old Ford Escape Hybrid.  It’s still going strong!  I’ve also got a recommendation for you:  if you like birds, drawings of birds, or just plain good nature writing, check out the book in the clue for 23 Across. 

I got back several days ago from a wonderful week spent hiking and eating in Iceland. There are several posts about the trip – and lots of pictures – on my PuffinlessTravel blog. Please check it out if you’re interested!

online | puz | pdf | solution

Categories
Themeless

Themeless 60

Rainbow off the coast of Isafjordur, Iceland (photo taken July 2010)

Words:  72

Average Length:  5.31

Get those neurons firing – this one will probably put up a fight.  Just a couple of notes:  (1) the new book from 3 Down, “Everybody’s Fool,” is excellent.  (2) If you ever get the chance to fly 60 Across, do so – my 12-hour flight from DC to Dubai was a pleasure!  (3) If you ever get the chance to go to Iceland (see 47 Down), do so – it’s a beautiful, friendly, fascinating country with a great music scene.

online | puz | pdf | solution

Categories
Themeless

Themeless 30

Words:  70

Average Length:  5.57

Difficulty:  Even though I’m posting this on 5/1, there’s no need to shout “Mayday”

“___ hundred flowers blossom” (Clue for 22 Across) (photo taken at the phenomenal Akureyri Botanical Gardens in Akureyri, Iceland)

1 Across was the seed, and it’s an interesting story:  Prince Esterhazy, Haydn’s patron, brought the composer and his orchestra to his summer palace and stayed longer than the musicians expected.  Being separated from their families back in Eisenstadt, where the Prince’s main palace was located, the musicians asked Haydn to seek the Prince’s permission to return.  Rather than confront the Prince directly, Haydn composed this symphony; at the end, after all the other musicians had snuffed out their candles and left the stage, only Haydn and the concertmaster remained.  The Prince got the message; the next day the court returned to Eisenstadt.  The Wikipedia article is here.

puz | pdf | solution