by catherwood » Mon May 24, 2004 7:29 pm
I don't think it is rbFox's place to criticize maltedfalcon's decision to work on his own for a bit. The other two of us living in the SF area backed off willingly. If we were concerned about losing out on the treasure, we would have raised a stink ourselves, or traveled there to beat him to it.
I looked at the verse on my own and came up with a different location. I have not yet made the journey into the city, because I don't think it ends in a specific enough location.
Here's some rambling thoughts:
I'll start with the assumption that the "sweet smell" is Ghirardelli chocolate factory -- but it is good to keep in mind that the foundation here is weak, and another verse might still work.
"At stone wall's door" -- possibly The Cannery, it's mostly new brick now, but maybe an original stone doorway or window frame exists, even better if it matches that one on the mountain in the image; this is located next to Ghirardelli Square.
"The air smells sweet" -- this is possibly confirmed by the backwards "Gh-" in the picture, as it is not G.H. as an abbreviation would be.
"Not far away, High posts are three" -- from Ghirardelli square, you can probably see the 3 masts of the Balclutha museum ship in the nearby Maritime Museum; this would also be an indication to walk in the direction of the Aquatic Park there too.
"Education and Justice, For all to see" -- (haven't found a use for this yet);
"Sounds from the sky" -- I was thinking about the Golden Gate bridge, mere blocks away from the Aquatic Park; I haven't spent much time at Fort Mason, but it is practically in the shadow of the bridge, which would be noisy with cars above (hard to confirm from the internet);
"Near ace is high" -- (really no idea what this is, could be a large letter A on a sign or building, which I do see in online photos of Fort Mason);
"Running north" -- which the GG bridge does,
"but first across"
"In jewel's direction" -- not sure if this is speaking of our buried gemstone or a location-specific item;
"Is an object, Of Twain's attention" -- according to one website there is a paddle boat wheel at the entrance to the Maritime Museum; sure Mark Twain liked river boats, but is this a case of me shoehorning the clues to fit a theory?
"Giant pole" -- another boat mast? At this point we would need to be on solid ground near the final dig location, maybe a flagpole at the fort;
"Giant step" -- (again, nothing specific to go on);
"To the place The casque is kept." -- the end.
So, I think we need to look at the Hyde Street Pier, possibly walking along the Aquatic Park, maybe as far as Fort Mason. There are several styles of lamp posts along that route, one of which matches the spiral at the base of the flower stand in our image, and the table is sits on has a base which could also be in the shape of another lamp post.
Memorial Day weekend is coming up, which would give me more free time for explorations.