Expedition Everest: The Scavenger Hunt.

In case you missed the race part go here.

So back into the park we went. Grabbed our 1st clue, our orange Sharpie with a orange flashlight (who's idea of a joke was that?! Hello! You can't see what you're writing!) Luckily, I knew my way around and didn't need a park map. I can only imagine how much more it would've sucked if you didn't know where you were going. Tip: There were Cast members handing out maps- grab one if you're not familiar!

I think looking up last year's race beforehand really helped in figuring out the clues. Once you figure out Disney's clue formula, the answer usually comes relatively easy. Although, I was stumped on a few, which is where my genius teammate came in! Whichever clues I didn't know, I gave to her to figure out.

Clue 1:

If you click on it, you can read it better.

By this time, the scavenger hunt traffic had gotten thick. Too narrow paths to get in and out of the different lands and people were walking slow. I refused to stop and stay at a station. Once we got our new clue, we would read it on the walk and figure it out that way, or figure it out at the next station. 

On top of your clue it had the land/area that the next clue was in and what station to turn your clue in to get another one. They had different clues with different answers, which was kind of cool. It would've sucked if you ease-dropped on a different clue's answer though (just kidding!) These stations elevated some congestion but you still had to fight through crowds to get to the volunteer.

Clue 2:

Clue 3:

Clue 4:

Clue 5:

I thought we were done after Clue 4, but no. Luckily, B figured that one out b/c I was too tired to care at this point. To be honest, I don't know how half the clues are related and I haven't been bored enough to read them over again. The people at runDisney who come up with these things are on a completely different playing level.

Finally, the finish line! We crossed it, then stopped. There was an even bigger cluster of people to get medals. It was insane and the ultimate challenge of the night; trying to fight the crowd to get out the finisher's chute as newly finished people are trying to get to the medals. I heard they ran out for slower folks. We got ours, got a powerade and a clifbar and peaced out.

Yes, it really was a 30 minute wait. What?!

Since the finish line was right by the Everest entrance (again, with the tragic planning. This caused another cluster of people trying to exit the runner's chute and enter the Everest queue), we decided to get in line b/c I felt like once we got to Dinoland, I wouldn't want to come back. The line was long and I was tired hot and cranky.

Best picture of the weekend.

I forgot how much Everest freaks me out. Definitely the scariest coaster on property. I learned on this vacay that I am not as young as I used to be and riding roller coasters takes a huge toll on my body. Not to mention, I just walked 4.5 miles (according to my garmin. Everyone was different. Some guy told me his said 7 miles) in the sweltering heat and I needed food.

The tree of life

After the ride, we made our way to Dinoland, where the baggage claim line circled the ENTIRE land. Seriously?! I didn't pay attention as I dropped the bag off, but there didn't seem to be a good system. They just threw them in a van that transported them to the finish area. Luckily, B had cash on her (she's so smart!) so we went to Restaurantasarus to eat first. By the time we were finished, the line had gone down.

Next up, Dinosaur! As soon as we got back to the loading station of the ride, the lights came on and there was a ride stop. I think I was the only one happy but it would've been cooler if it happen while I was in the ride. Oh well.

Kali River Rapids and the Dinoland carnival rides/ games were also open, but we did not participate. It was about 1am at this time, so we decided to head back to the hotel to have that shower I had been dreaming about since stepping out of my last one.

All in all, it was a fun little adventure. As soon as I was finished the race, if asked if I'd do it again, I would've said no, but I think enough time has gone by for me to forget the really bad times. Although, I might need a little bit more incentive to go. That was a lot of money for a glorified 5k.

 We did it!

B completed her 1st race ever and got a kickass compass medal for it! She is ruined for all other 5ks, seeing as most don't even give medals. Guess that means this might have to become a yearly tradition :-)