THE LAST TREASURE HAS BEEN FOUND - ALL HUNTS ARE OVER
THE LAST TREASURE HAS BEEN FOUND - ALL HUNTS ARE OVER
Join us on the one of a kind treasure hunt in Fox Valley, Wisconsin.
See the pictures below for any Monsters at Large! If they say smashed they have been found.
Solve the short poem and start your adventure.
Find it. Smash it. Win it.
Note: Monsters may turn to ice; smashing tools may be required.
Last Seen: Sauk County
DOB: 03/08/2022
SMASHED DATE: 03/08/2022
Smashed by: Jessica and Michael
Location: Lake Seeley, Sauk County
HOW TO FIND THE SNOW KING
I don’t have hands as you would see it
Just knobby branches, oh well, so be it
I can’t walk, or talk, or run, or even sing
Or hug, or bike, or ever be king
But everyday I love it here
Close to the water with plenty of deer
They come around and creep at night
Along with the coons and possums in sight
I watch with contentment and heavy on ease
I could just cry when I stare at the trees
So strong and proud, tall and free
How it must feel, oh so mighty
With birds in their branches to hide from the breeze
And to escape being caught by the things without wings
Although I love it here, I am destined to be…
Free flowing water for the birds, and the trees
So if you’re fishing and waiting for a feely
Look no further, come to Lake…
Name: Baxter
Last Seen: Sauk Prairie Area
DOB: 01/30/2022
SMASHED DATE: 02/06/2022
Smashed by: Butch
Location: Baxter's Hollow, Sauk County
HOW TO FIND BAXTER
You won’t have to walk very far,
But you will not find me from your car.
Where you’ll find me there’s lots of snow,
It’s a Klondike don’t ya know.
Baxter
Name: Breeze
Last Seen: Sauk Prairie Area
DOB: 01/24/2022
SMASHED DATE: 01/26/2022
Smashed by: Butch
Location: August Derleath Park, Sauk City
HOW TO FIND BREEZE
Her ears twist like antennas and so do her arms.
She sits in the park to write natures songs.
Humming with the wind and singing to trees.
A voice so beautiful, it flows through the breeze.
Although you cannot hear it, you can help share her sound.
Smash her to dust and she will blow all around.
Touching the branches and the leaves on the trees.
Riding the river with harmony and ease.
She will turn to water and nurture the ground.
Smoothy spreading her sweet earthly sound.
You will find her in the park, writing with the trees.
Smash her to dust - she must go with the breeze.
Name: Bridgette
Last Seen: Sauk Prairie Area
DOB: 01/30/2022
SMASHED DATE: 02/05/2022
Smashed by: Brenda
Location: Natural Bridge, Sauk County
HOW TO FIND BRIDGETTE
"The Naturalist"
Name: Paul
Last Seen: Sauk Prairie Area
DOB: 01/24/2022
SMASHED DATE: 01/25/2022
Smashed by: Unknown
Location: VFW Park, Prairie du Sac
HOW TO FIND PAUL
Set in the grass with a smile for all,
He's plump and happy, and his name is Paul.
He's not very short, but also not tall.
But way too cool to go to the mall.
Happy with life despite feeling small.
He envies the birds that soar and not fall.
The view they must have flying so tall.
He watches the eagles and awes at their call.
While they swoop above and watch out for all.
He lives where the fish may swim through the wall.
And crash with the waves to speed up the fall.
The last time he moved, he couldn't recall.
He's never had legs or rolled like a ball.
If you find him, please share it with all.
So no one else will search for Paul.
Name: Billy
Last Seen: Appleton Area
DOB: 01/23/2022
SMASHED DATE: 1/23/2022
Smashed By: Ron
Location: Telulah Park, Appleton
HOW TO FIND BILLY
Billy had an achey, breaky heart,
His cold tears flaked, so lonely at the park,
The only cold weekend monster to appear,
He gazed at the frozen river from the rear.
Past the pavilion and the engine fed of coal.
Sliding down the hill, you must go.
Here he sits with a lump in his throat,
And a heart made of ice, smothered in snow.
Sing him a song, tell him a rhyme.
Pull out his arms and surely his eyes.
Leap in the air and drop a bow,
Jump on his face made of snow.
Warm his heart with this simple task.
He will reward you with a game from the past.
Name: Journey
Last Seen: Sauk County
DOB: 01/16/2022
SMASHED DATE: 1/16/2022
Smashed By: Brenda
Location: Denzer/Honey Creek, Sauk County
HOW TO FIND JOURNEY
To get smashed is his journey.
Can you help him with this task?
Where could he be, some place near?
Close to where you found your treasure, dear?
He’s traveled far from his monster friends,
Through the devil's door, he bends.
Up and over the winding trail near the honey creek.
Is where you’ll find this big blue monster small and sleek.
Name: Mart
Last Seen: Appleton Area
DOB: 01/13/2021
Smashed Date: 01/16/2021
Smashed By: Brittanny
Location: Newberry Trail, Appleton
HOW TO FIND MART
Here he sits, watching the water.
Past the tracks, glad it's not hotter.
The nature passes by every day.
Until you smash his snow away.
He hopes you come by and find him soon.
Before he gets hungry and eats a loon.
By the roaring fox past the iron bridge.
Down the trail, just follow the ridge.
Mart will wait with a snowball in hand.
Come along and make your stand.
Smash him to pieces and get the prize.
Share with your friends. It will surprise.
Name: Leafy
Last Seen: Appleton Area
DOB: 01/15/0222
Smashed Date: 01/16/2021
Smashed By: Jeremy
Location: Heesakker Park, Little Chute
HOW TO FIND LEAFY
Below the old silo, he sits in silence.
Down lonely pine trail he needs some guidance.
Along the creek, he thinks all day, wishing he would blow away.
To turn to dust is his greatest dream.
But he would settle for being snowy ice cream.
Or chunks that smash and melt over time.
That turns yellow and brown; it’s no crime.
That is the simple life that he seeks,
Or maybe he will melt into the creek.
Take the stairs, but watch your step.
He will be waiting. Will you help?
Name: Flat Top
Last Seen: Appleton Area
DOB: 01/07/0222
01/08/2022
Smashed Date: Unknown
Location: Art Lecker Park, Appleton
HOW TO FIND FLAT TOP
Under the power lines on the side of the hill.
Flat top watches the fat tire bikes for thrill.
The skiers go by with no playground to climb.
Under the lines he waits for his time.
You can find him by car or by bike,
Or maybe even a snow show hike.
He will be waiting for you to slowly strut by, as he watches tree art tickle the sky.
We came to sled but the hill was still bumpy,
with tall grasses and weeds the snow a little humpy.
Venture to the end of the road and just around the trees.
Flat top will be waiting;
Hit him with your knees.
Name: Branch
Last Seen: Appleton Area
DOB: 01/07/0222
Smashed Date: 01/08/2022
Smashed By: Unknown
Location: Pierce Park, Appleton
HOW TO FIND BRANCH
Proped up against the tree,
Maybe he is lazy or is it just me?
Can't stand, can't talk,
Can't cross the street to play at the park.
Branch sits and waits his demise,
Hoping to see the joy in your eyes.
He has dreamed of walking to the moon,
But he can't climb like a baboon.
He watches the kids and the steps they take, he hears them laugh with each mistake.
He hides by the court and behind a tree,
because his eyes cannot see.
Yet another peson live out his dreams,
and reach the top of his moon that beams.
Name: Turtle Head
Last Seen: Appleton Area
DOB: 01/07/0222
Smashed Date: 01/08/2022
Smashed By: Brooklyn
Location: JennerJohn Park, Greenville
HOW TO FIND TURTLE HEAD
Turtle head appeared ugly as ever.
Eyebrows too big and his body all weathered.
Now he hides behind the fountain.
Like a half formed lumpy mountain.
His arms don't work and with no legs to speak of.
He doesn't have many options to think of.
So he keeps his eyes open and watching for kids.
Hoping they see him, so he can get his.
He has dreams too, like so many other,
One day he wishes he were a fast runner.
Maybe like Bolt or even B Jenner,
Please turn him to dust and make him the winner.
So climb off the truck that puts out fires.
Smash him to pieces as his heart desires.
The wind will then grab him and set him free.
So he can live out his dreams just like you and me.
Name: Plop
Last Seen: Green Bay Area
DOB: 01/01/0222
Smashed Date: 01/02/2022
Smashed by: Josh and DJ
Location: Hidden Valley Park, Ashwaubenon
HOW TO FIND PLOP
Hidden in the valley,
But I stayed on the ridge.
Down the snowy path,
Just me and my sled.
All the way to the meadow,
With bunnies and faces.
Lined with trees and wide-open spaces.
Is he hiding behind a tree or in the open?
I tromp around, so widely hoping.
Then I spot it, on the edge of the meadow,
The snow monster, Plop, a mischievous fellow.
I finish the loop with smiles on faces.
Good luck fellow pirates, it's off to the races.
Name: Bigado
Last Seen: Appleton Area
DOB: 01/01/2022
Smashed Date: 01/02/2022
Smashed by: Tracy
Location: High View Park, North Appleton
HOW TO FIND BIGADO
The view is better from up high.
But not all the way to the sky.
To really see the brown on the leaves.
It’s best from up top in the knotty trees.
He may look round and slow, but don’t be fooled.
He is colder than any winter outhouse stool.
Friendly at sight, but he came to play.
And he is the only one on the court today.
If you think you can win, you better bring your best game.
Cause he is slam dunking like a frozen LeBron James.
So if you dare to play, you better look up high.
Cause Bigado is the closest snow monster to the sky.
Name: Spidey
Last Seen: Green Bay Area
DOB: 01/01/2022
Smashed Date: 01/02/2022
Smashed by: DJ
Location: Sherwood Forest, Ashwaubenon
HOW TO FIND SPIDEY
If you steal from the rich and give to the poor.
Don't hide your treasure in the top dresser drawer.
The forest is a magical and mysterious place.
But the path is slippery. Go at a turtle's pace.
Life is better if yes is an option,
Spidey is crawling away. He's not up for adoption.
Stay on the trail and out of the creek.
Don't trust the ice. It looks pretty weak.
Go the right way and you will be rewarded.
Over two wooden bridges so you don't have to portage.
If you see any birds, don't feed them huckleberry jelly.
They prefer jam and the treasure is in spidey's belly.
Name: Octo Monster
Last Seen: Oshkosh Area
DOB: 01/01/2022
Smashed on: 01/01/2022
Smashed by: Unknown
Location: Asylum Point Park, Oshkosh
HOW TO FIND OCTO MONSTER
He has eight stubby arms, so cute and useless.
He is made with dirty snow, only leaves, so its fruitless.
He likes adventure and to laugh and play.
Do you think you can find him and make his day?
He loves to be smashed from head to toe.
Or at least to his stubby arms that are made out of snow.
Near the lighthouse across from the cattails.
They both guard the lake, but the comparison pales.
One is magnificent, permanent and bright.
The other is seasonal and lacking in height.
The Pirates they cheer of the light that is shown.
Across from the cattails, Octo is home.
He is no hero, but it sure would be nice.
If just once, he was stronger than ice.
He has feelings and sometimes they show.
Just past the shanties, you can smash him like dough.
Name: Snowcano
Last Seen: Appleton Area
DOB: 01/01/2022
Smashed Date: 01/01/2022
Smashed by: Crystal
Location: Doyle Park, Little Chute
HOW TO FIND SNOWCANO
Down the hill we drove the car.
Parked at a place that wasn’t too far.
There’s water for splashing if it’s the season.
With hoops for balls and a court for a reason.
The water flows by and cheese is a plenty.
Gaze out to center field as have so many.
There you will spot him, hiding in plain sight.
Snowcano the mighty appeared overnight.
Name: Snowpede
Last Seen: Oshkosh Area
Born on: 01/01/2022
Smashed Date: 01/01/2022
Smashed by: Andy
Location: Winnebago Disc Golf Course behind Best Friends Dog Park, Oshkosh
HOW TO FIND SNOWPEDE
Under the iron gate to the left side.
Near the basket with many legs, he hides.
At the end of the road with lots of open spaces.
With snow shoes, you could hold big foot races.
Past the park for parents and kids.
And past the park for four-legged friends.
Some kids bark and some kids drool.
Some kids wave at their parents and some are too cool.
Follow the trail between the two ponds.
Bring a friend it will strengthen your bonds.
If you smash the Snowpede, the treasure is nice.
But your smile is worth ten times the price.
Name: Crabby
Last seen: Near North Appleton
DOB: 12/29/2021
Smashed by: Unknown
Smashed Date: 12/29/21
Location: Appleton Memorial Park, Appleton
Although Pirate Island has docked ship in Wisconsin for the long haul, we began the pirate life while braving the southern seas. From Gasparilla and the mighty buccaneers in Tampa Bay to the fabled Pirate House in Savannah, and the most inspirational of all is the one and only Key West. For fifteen years, I only wore shoes if I was being paid and now I am shoveling snow under everlasting grey skies. The beauty of winter is breathtaking but long, and the natural playground of Wisconsin is much tougher to traverse when the treasures are hidden below an icy crust. This makes it so easy to sink into the couch and you should, especially if you're reading one of my five books for the eighth time, wondering when I'll get some fresh content. One day I'll quit dinking around and write more, but not today. This winter, the couch will have no indention, the chips will be on the shelf and we will be on an adventure. Today we officially invite you to join us on this one of a kind treasure hunt. There is no cost or commitment. We just want to have fun together outside and marvel at the beauty of nature. We hope to give you chills of adrenaline that fly through your body when you find and smash our snow monster. In the monster's demise, he will reveal a treasure!
We have docked ship in the Fox Valley and the Snow Monster Smash will be from Oshkosh to Green Bay and always on public land or public places. We may do a few around the state when we can, but we can make no promises for any area outside of the Fox Valley.
The treasure may be different for every snow monster. We intend to make as many Snow Monsters as we can so the prizes won't be hundreds or thousands like a Kayak Jack hunt. I guarantee it to be cool since we are the coolest book publisher in the Fox Valley. Please share, we encourage you to post photos or videos on social media and Pirate Islands Facebook page. Like us, leave us a fun review. This adventure is better if we share it and we appreciate you coming with us!
People work really hard to build snowmen and for kids it can be hurtful to smash them. Please don't smash any innocent snowmen. We will make the Monsters to look different and we will post a picture of everyone we make so you know you found it. The Monster picture is one we made on the first snow, and we will distinguish every Pirate Island Monster by placing brightly colored painted rocks as eyes.
We will give clues with either picture, video, story or poem to find each Snow Monster. They are easier to find than a Kayak Jack Treasure Hunt. Join the club by signing up for the newsletter. I will give all clues through the newsletter or on the website, and on our YouTube channel. Enter your email at the bottom of the page where it says join the club. We will send you a confirmation email, please open it and subscribe. That is all it takes to join the club. We will not sell or share your email address, but we will try to sell you books and invite you on thrilling adventures.
If you haven't joined the adventure for Kayak Jack's treasure, it is not too late! Two treasures remain in Kayak Jack and the Triple Treasure. Each chest contains $500.00.
Kayak Jack and the cast of characters will be back for the biggest adventure yet in 2022. Join the club and get your team ready for Kayak Jack and the Stolen Treasure. Get ready Wisconsin, it will be the best adventure yet!
If the Snow Monster hunt is not enough reason to subscribe to our channel, we will up the ante. Besides video clues for the Snow Monsters, there will be a free $500.00 video treasure hunt released to YouTube in spring 2022 approximately one month before the release of "Kayak Jack and the Stolen Treasure". Click the button below to head to our channel, don't forget to subscribe. You won't want to miss this!
Have you ever seen a Yeti?
Not like the Patterson-Gimlin film, but a real Yeti?
I know I have, and he was
smaller than I thought.
You may not believe me, heck my own mother doesn’t believe
me. But I saw him, I even met him. His name was Larry.
He was nice as can be, and you know they don’t even eat
people. He said they only eat nuts, berries and tree leaves. Isn’t that something?
I had so many questions for him. In hindsight, I should have asked more or
better, but you get kind of choked up looking at a Yeti and I found myself
speechless.
I was lucky though, Larry was having a tough day, and I was
a soft ear to listen. He went on about all the things he could do, and that his
parents never listen to him.
He talked about Brealla, which was a female Yeti about his age. Apparently, she had dark curly fur, soft nails,
and enormous eyes. I guess those things
make a Yeti attractive. I wanted to ask
more about the soft nails, but his gentle eyes were tearing up, so I thought it best
not to.
He talked about her parents not
liking him cause he can’t climb the tallest tree like Jacob, but he said he can
swim upstream clear to Kaukauna and Jacob would never make it.
All I could murmur out was my name, Henry Holler, and I
asked him one dumb question. I guess it was the first thing I could think of:
“What do River Yeti’s do in the winter?”
It surprised him all right, but he answered and it blew me between the ears.
Apparently, they don’t hibernate
like bears do. He said they move slower
and eat less. I guess they eat a lot
all year long and store nuts and leaves for the winter like squirrels. They keep them in the holes in the forest.
I was always wondering what was up with all
the enormous holes in the woods behind my house. He said they live there and they curl up in a
ball in the hole's bottom at night.
Their entire body… fur, skin, eyes… it’s all like a chameleon. It makes it so we can never see them unless
they want us to.
He said sometimes when
he is sleeping in his hole he even gets stepped on! So if you are ever walking in the woods and
the grounds shifts, grunts or maybe feels squishy—you might have stepped on Larry,
or maybe his little sister Larieta!
According to Larry, even though it’s his younger sister, I guess she is much bigger; In fact
he said that the female River Yeti’s grow almost twice as big as the males. That made me scratch my head. I guess I would
have never thought about it.
Finally, after the small talk, Larry told me the most
interesting thing of all. Every winter,
his Yeti family likes to travel around and make snow monsters… can you believe
it? Snow Monsters!
I guess they build them everywhere they can, and they differ
from a snow man like we make; they make all different monsters. He said they hide treasure in
them and if you smash it; you get the treasure!
He said their favorite thing to do was to watch the monsters. I guess it’s like reality TV to them or something. He said every monster they build; they bring their
nuts and sit close by; blending in like a chameleon, of course. And they wait there until another Yeti finds
and smashes it! I guess they think it’s a
hoot!
Well, apparently, they used to only make them deep in the
woods for other Yeti’s, but this year Larry said he was going rogue. He desperately wants to meet other mammals,
and he feels alone in his thoughts.
He said all the other Yeti’s seemed content with the way it was. But he was not. He was lucky cause one other Yeti felt
like he did... Brealla. And together they had made a plan. This year, for the first time, they were
going to make snow monsters not for the Yeti’s, but for the humans.
They wanted to watch us!
When he said that, it kind of made me feel
like Harmon the Rhino at Henry Vilas Zoo.
I thought about Larry curled up in Brealla’s lap in the woods eating nuts
watching me smash the snow monster, and it’s what they want us to do! Can you believe that!
And they said they were going to venture to many places
where the dinks congregate and build their beloved snow monsters all over the Fox
Valley.
He kept calling me a dink; so I finally
asked, and that is what they call humans; much like we call them Yeti’s.
And apparently instead of Fox Valley; they
call it “Fur Fish valley,” which is a strange name, but who am I to
argue?
So there you have it. That is what Yetis do in the
winter.
I promised Larry I wouldn’t say
nothing, so keep this between us.
And who knows, maybe you can find you one of those snow monsters; heck if you're
lucky, maybe you will see Larry and Brealla too!
I guess that wasn't such a bad question after all.
Sincerely,
Henry Hollar