Dodge Journey Search (East)

/ Steven Barley

From the two introductory commercials, there are three clues that identify a 90-mile segment of the Dodge Journey (East) route, showing it traveling north (from Magic Forest), towards Ticonderoga, then either leaving New York and moving into Vermont, as well as moving west past Eagle Lake.

Update #1: Added unsolved clues, including possible final destination.
Update #2: New location added: PJ’s Barbecue, Saratoga Springs, NY
Update #3: Location identified, Eagle Lake, NY. Google map updated.
Update #4: Edited version of possible final destination with clearer view of background added.

Warning: I’m aware that a number of individuals are either flying or driving long distances to participate in the search. The final (possible) location may have been identified, originally posted and discussed on Dodge’s YouTube board. Assuming they have a contingency plan, they may very well change the final location or resort to, according to the contest rules, “administer(ing) a skill-based tie-breaker.”

General search comments —

  • For each of the last two Dodge Journey searches, the final destination was a National Park: Eldorado National Forest (West) and Black Kettle Grasslands (Midwest). There do not appear to be any in New York and just one in Vermont (Green Mountain), but south. White Mountain, in New Hampshire is another possible destination (and only if they stick with this MO).
  • The final location for each Dodge Journey is used in the introductory commercials: creek location (West); hot air balloon (Midwest); bike removed from rack (East)
  • PJs Barbecue has not appeared in the known commercials or videos and will most likely be a radius search clue, provided the day of the hunt.
  • Eagle Lake may be a location for video footage alone, as it deviates from their apparent route, like the Midwest drive and intersection shot. Of course, crossing into Vermont by ferry, could be a bit of misdirection as well, like Emerald Bay in the West search.
  • There are conflicting clues, unlike the last two searches. The journey traveling south across the Twin Bridges, east into Vermont and west by Eagle Lake.
  • For the West search, with the two introductory commercials, the clue furthest west was Kyburz Garage & Mini-Mart, Kyburz, CA. With the launch of the 300-mile clue, Hwy 89 (quickly identifiable) and Emerald Bay were added, extending the route by about 15 miles. Not much was added with the 200-mile clue for the Midwest search. They did give you Sayre, OK  (which adds about 10 miles) but Elk City, OK was actually closer. Bottom line: it is possible with what we know before the hunt actually begins, the route could be extended up 15 miles.
  • You may not be just looking for a Dodge Journey at the final location. There could be a supporting cast: a trailer (probably to hide the Journey until show time), other cars and crew or it could be on private property. Here’s a shot on location from the Midwest search final destination (contributed by Jessi). See also this article from the West search about location.

Best of luck to all the “boots on the ground”!

1. Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge or Twin Bridges, NY

Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge

In the video, the Dodge Journey is traveling south along Interstate 87.

Notes: I fully expected this clue belonged to the Dodge Journey (East) route and combed through far too many images of arched (suspension) bridges. The breakthrough occurred by searching for parallel arched bridges. Google street view to confirm:

Thaddeus Kosciusko Bridge - Google street view

2. P.J.’s Barbecue, Saratoga Springs, NY

Article: Portion of TV commercial filmed at PJ’s Bar-B-Q on Route 9

Notes: This was a great find by by Brad and will most certainly be used for one of the radius search clues, e.g. 100-miles. Expect to see a shot of this sign, location or reference to the food. This does not extend the route but may already provide a range limit.

3. Magic Forest, Lake George, NY

Magic Forest

In the video, the Dodge Journey is traveling north along Highway 9 (Magic Forest is on the east side of the highway).

Notes: A search in google reveals the location of the Magic Forest (google image search: uncle sam statue) and google street view can be used to determine location relative to the highway.

4. Ferry crossing, leaving New York, entering Vermont

Welcome to Vermont

In the video, the Dodge Journey is entering Vermont, traveling north.

Notes: This took a bit of detective work. First, you can assume that the Dodge Journey was traveling north from New York, crossing into Vermont. You also find that water creates a natural border between the two states. After checking the obvious highway border crossings, including a bridges, I resorted to ferry crossings and bingo – Google street view verifies the location:

Vermont crossing - Google street view

Here’s a great picture of the ferry crossing departure point into Vermont:

Notes: This was provided by Hadrian. Source: Wikipedia – State Route 74

5. Lake view drive, Eagle Lake, NY

The picture below, that made it’s way around earlier actually came from Panoramio. Using Google street view, there’s a Panoramio option in the south lake to view. It’s a definite match. It was mentioned this came from the Addison, VT or Panton, VT. That certainly is not the case.

Google street view to verify:

Notes: This location was properly identified by Kevin. The Dodge Journey is traveling west, the view is on the south side of 74.

Google Map of partial Dodge Journey (East) route, using introductory videos.

Final destination?

Like the sequence of the “family” exiting the Journey near the hot air balloon in the Midwest clues – this may very well be the final destination for the East search. Kayaks were a theme for the West search and the hot air balloon for the Midwest search. Bikes are on the rack as they cross the bridge in NY and pass by Magic Forest. There are a couple of inconsistencies however. The both the West and Midwest searches, the final location shot was tighter (reducing the chance of discovery by matching landmarks) and we see the travelers exiting the vehicle.

After the bike is removed, note the lake and mountains in the background.

Notes: Same shot with foreground images removed (courtesy of Cycling Zen).

Given that the Dodge Journey Search (West) started from a landmark city like San Francisco, Dodge Journey Search (East) will probably start from New York City, traveling north, toward the two known destinations (estimated route length: 225 miles). With the addition of the Twin Bridges location, this pretty well confirms NYC as the starting point, although Albany, NY, can not be ruled out.

848 thoughts on “Dodge Journey Search (East)”

  2. Steven,

    Your detective work is outstanding! I will be headed up from Ohio to find the East Dodge. I will definitely be sending you big thank you gift if i find it!

    Thanks

    Scott

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  3. i like you thinking but the only problem i see is that the first journey never left the state of california so do you think they will make this one leave the state of new york?

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  4. If NY city is starting location, than that doesnt leave much more room for travel and it would definitly be in vermont. but if it starts in Albany than it could even be in Maine

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    • I agree Richard but Albany wouldn’t provide an easily identifiable starting point, like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco for the West search. Boston is another possible starting point but my money is on New York and a shot of the Statue of Liberty.

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      • I think there would have been a sceen from ny city if it started there. I believe they just took a little detour to ride the ferry and maybe go biking then back to there original journey north so far we have had a 25-35 mile radius on the farthest known scene so I think if someone wanted to sit and wait somewhere they could see the hwy in the morning on that day to look for a red dodge journey because i think they will be driving there early from the dealership in albany

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      • Yeah. If this were a treasure hunt, and I’ve been on a number of those, I’d have a team with scouts on 74 (west of Ticonderoga); north of Ticonderoga on Rte 9 and across the ferry; because a crew this size: http://i56.tinypic.com/29fp0yo.jpg will have to stay in a hotel, then depart (and the Journey will be prob be in a trailer)

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  5. Darn I was hoping I was the only one that figured those clues out. I do have one other but I have not pinpointed the exact location. I live on Vermont and my wife has wanted a journey for a while so I am doing my best to track this down!

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    • Hi David. That may be a reasonable assumption. With the Midwest search, we had their travel direction and Elk City, OK as end point of a 100-mile route. With the East search, we have about 90-miles known. But Dodge has been known to throw a little misdirection – but that area would def be the best starting point. I’ll be revisiting what we have over the next few days to see if there’s anything else that may contribute. Cheers!

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  12. Steve, are you searching (physically) as well? It took me like two hours to find those bridges and I have NO idea how you found that welcome sign. Genius stuff, man. I’m getting out on the road Friday night to find this thing. I’ve got a feeling that this is going to be the toughest one yet since there are so many more people involved now. Good luck, everyone.

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    • Hi Spencer. No, I’m in Va but I’ve been successful in past with similar searches: Google maps (street view and satellite view are your friends). After assuming Tahoe, for the West clue, I used the satellite view to explore Tahoe, looking for an island and found it in Emerald Bay and use street view to pinpoint the precise location. With the Welcome to VT sign, I checked a good number of regular crossings, bridge crossings and then resorted to ferry crossing before I hit the right location. Thanks for the kinds words and best of luck!

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      • the welcome sign I recognized as a welcome to vermont sign then I did a google image search for welcome to vermont signs and after a couple of pages found a match 10 mins it took me

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    • I saw that mentioned too – not sure and not sure why? But we know they definitely move into VT. Do they say, I’m not sure … but there’s one more clue I’m working on that would put them farther in VT.

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  14. Thanks, Steven. I’ve got the ferry crossing at almost exactly 250 miles from NYC as well. So, if they go back to the 300 mile search parameter they used in CA, we’re looking at 50 miles left to go after arriving in VT.

    I have a feeling, though, they might utilize a 400 mile parameter from the Big Apple and we may end up inside NH or perhaps even northern ME.

    That would make for quite a journey indeed. However, northern VT would correlate best w/ the fall colors.

    http://autumnleavess.com/2011/08/14/autumn-foliage-map/

    I’ll be looking for your savant-like updates. 🙂

    ~ David

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  16. Steven, are you sure about the ferry crossing – if you watch the original commercial a little more closely, you will see mountains behind the Vermont sign. Don’t get me wrong – it could totally be the way Dodge edited the film. However, the Google map shows a house behind the sign and not mountains – I’m wondering if maybe a bit more research is in order….

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    • Also, you should probably take note that the 1st video started at 300 miles, the 2nd at 200 miles – Since the Northeast is so small, I would bet any money that the Journey will be within a 100 or 150 mile radius from the starting point (which is probably Albany)….

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    • Also – I see the 73 a bit more clearly in your comparisons – so they probably edited the film to hide the house that would make it recognizable… (Sorry about all the posts :)).

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    • Hi Cathy. Yeah, I caught the house but they filmed from a perspective closer to the water – and the google street view shot is from 2009. But the signs, etc are a match and it’s in line with their trek along the lake. Cheers!

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    • I agree with Steven. Google Street View images, especially in remote / densely wooded areas like that are rarely updated. Based on the quality of the image vs. the current quality of newly taken pictures… I would have to say this is the right location. Either the woods grew out a bit OR they “stamped” the image to clone the trees and make it appear more dense.

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      • from tom in nj,After crossing on ferry then on to rt 74 i found location where they turn off main road just before tyey take bike off roof.this location turns out to be intersection of 74 and 73 in vermont as shown on google maps street view.

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  20. steve, when do the clues come out for the east journey? i saw the comm with the uncle sam and the ferry crossing but what from there when and where can i view further clues? also what is supposed to happen on the 23th or the 24th?

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    • The “clues” will come out, probably at 9am EST on the 24th … but as has been the case, we should already have a pretty good starting point, before they’re released. Cheers!

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  21. also do you know of a website like google earth but with live satellite to travel around u s in real time? like a huge big live webcam in real time which i can navigate and view everything in real time?

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    • Quite possible but I won’t rule out Albany. I expected a starting point of Tulsa or Dallas, TX with the Midwest search. In part, because with the west search, they started from a landmark like the Golden Gate Bridge (and a 300-mile search radius)

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  24. Hey, Steve. I live in CT and i was wondering if I should go wait in Vermont. My Grandma has a house in Readsboro, which is right over the Massachusetts border. There is a chance it could be in NH or maybe even ME, but at least I might be closer. The newest car we own is from ’97,and it is the only one, so any help you can provide would be greatly appreciated! Also, has the yellow bridge been located yet? Thanks for your time!

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  25. In the main commercial, right at the beginning at 00:05, the Journey passes trees on the right and a gas station / convenience store on the left, with a sign that says “Chains Off” and a neon sign “Open”. This could be Tahoe, or it could be Vermont. With the Granite outcropping on top, it is more likely Vermont. Some of those trees are pines, which could be seen at either location.

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      • Shucks I should have remembered that from your other page. But that was a whole week ago.

        I never made it to Tahoe. On my one attempt from SF, the CHiPs were stopping anyone from proceeding if they didn’t have… wait for it… chains.

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  26. steve, you said you are in eastern va. with your online journey, what is the exact name of this eastern city which now has you at a dead end in vermont? or do you have more clues
    your now figuring out from this eastern city in vermont? what does elk city have to do with this journey?

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  27. In the main commercial at the end, right at 00:55, the Journey is parked by a lake with granite rocks. The first two Journeys were parked in open / dry areas, so perhaps this is the actual photo of the third location? I guess we’ll find out next week.

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  28. Is the 3rd Journey already out there? meaning it can be found now..or they place it out on the 24th? would they tell you if its been found yet even without the clues…I just don’t want to waste a trip for nothing. Thanks for the answers.

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    • No Raddy. It won’t be on location until the 24th (otherwise, there would be a lot of advance hunting). It only took a day to find the Midwest Journey (really less than a day). Cheers!

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  30. Steve, I am about to sign off.. but I figured I would give you this extra little tid bit in hopes that you will track it down further… Maybe fill in a gap or something somewhere…

    The kayaks seen in this screenshot: http://d.pr/zLZ4
    – They are “Jackson” brand.
    – Jackson only has 3 Vermont distributors… as seen here: http://bit.ly/qNWzyK
    – One dealer (Mike’s) particularly interests me. Not sure if I can connect any dots just yet.

    I also want to point out that for obvious reasons relating to the search, liability, and unpredictability of searchers.. this is all being done on FEDERAL land. At least the last two are… this is probably to protect people from getting shot by private property owners as they cross their property. Yes, this is a real concern. With that said, my estimation is that we will find the East route lead into the White Mountain National Forest – and it will be some nook or cranny that does not have any Google Street View images. This would only make sense since they knew we would all be doing that and strategically took photos at angles or just outside the viewable Google Street View ranges.

    My estimation, for the record.. and without looking at a single additional clue would put it here: http://d.pr/GLAE

    Good luck everyone!

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    • Take care Dan. The kayak sequence is from the West search, watch the 300-mile clue. Bikes are used for the east scenes, e.g. crossing the bridge, another shot of a guy unloading on a hill/mountain with a lake behind him, probably in VT. Definitely agree about the National Parks.

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  32. steve you say we should be sure of the start city be 4 the clues come out on the 24th but how are we supposed to know the start if the clues dont come out til then (the 24th)? where are you now in your online search for the journey whats your city now?

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  34. Thanks for the updated post. Living in the north country right near a few of these places makes it easier for a start. I will warn people, with Hurricane Irene, a good majority of these main roads are still closed to all people and quite a few to just locals only. Detours and back roads everywhere. Willing to be the commerical was filmed before the hurricane so be carefull all, ill be out searching for it for sure.

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    • Hi. Yeah, I’ll be around today. When I mentioned virtually participating, I just meant, working on the physical searches (West, Midwest and now East) from home. There’s isn’t one to be found for those at home, but it’s been fun trying to pinpoint their destination 🙂 Cheers!

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  38. If the Uncle Sam and hot air balloon clips have more to do with this last Journey than we think, consider this: one of Uncle Sams’ residences was in Troy, NY, near Albany, NY where Steven picked up one of the first clues in this third puzzle, one of the largest hot air balloon events of the year is held in Glens Falls, NY, also along Steven’s proposed route, of course then he found the exact Uncle Sam statue at the Magic Forest, Lake George, NY, crossing into Vermont makes sense because there is a white paper I found called “Can We Trust Uncle Sam? Vermont and the Submarginal Lands Projects”, which talks about the creation of the Green Mountain National Forest. Where the ferry crossing ends is west of the northern section of the Green Mountains National Forest. Also, Green Mountain National Forest is right in between Uncle Sam’s two homes in Troy, NY and Arlington, MA.

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  39. Steve- I was looking around VT to try and help out. Maybe the Cedar Lake area for the vacation picture… This is my first best guess looking for the lake/mountain combo…

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    • A couple of thoughts April. The road they’re traveling on has a metal guardrail. I’ve examined a number of roads near lakes with no guardrails, rusted guardrails, cable guardrails, so that will help determining the right road. The mountain shape in the background is pretty unique as well as the outcropping on the right. Cheers!

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    • Yeah Alex. I’ve found several because that mountain shape is pretty distinct but each has been the facing the opposite direction 😦 It will be found though 🙂

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    • That’s a great find Brad. You’re right, it is not. But when they release the “clues,” the day of – they will provide more specific clues, providing a radius search. However, with the last two, they haven’t added anything to the general route that we didn’t already know. For example, Saratoga Springs, is along the already known route. It may be used for the 100-mile clue. Thanks for sharing.

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  44. Hey Steven,
    I live in MD and won’t be able to do the East Journey Search but wanted to give you and anyone searching some possible clues. I have spent many summers along the Dead Creek area in Addison, Vermont and that vacation picture does look exactly like some of the rural roads that wind along the water. It looks like Snake Mountain in the background but there are a lot of hills in that area that it could be.
    -Don

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  45. ALEX DONT WORRY ABOUT MY POSTS IF STEVEN DOESNT WANT TO ANSWER HE DOESNT HAV TO. MIND YOUR OWN OR U MAY B BLOCKED. U DONT HAV TO READ ANY OF MY POSTS AND NONE OF THEM ARE FOR U. U HAV NO IDEA WHO I AM OR WHAT I MAY KNOW ABOUT THE DODGE JOURNEY EASTERN U S SEARCH,

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  46. Steven,
    I just saw the picture of the guy taking the bike off the car. I’m almost positive that is just off of Nortontown Rd in Addison, VT just west of Route 22A. My family and I would come across that stretch a lot and there is a pull off on the right side that is elevated and overlooks the water and gives you a panoramic view of the mountains to the west. Even if that’s not the final location my money and experience would be on the Dead Creek area surrounding Addison. Good Luck everyone and I’ll look forward to seeing updates to your blog and map Steven!
    -Don

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  47. BYE THE WAY ALEX, I WANT U TO KNOW THAT I’M NOT A THREAT TO YOUR FINDING THE JOURNEY. I DRIVE A NEW BLK RANGE ROVER THE FLAGSHIP MODEL. I’M HERE BECAUSE I LOVE TREASURE HUNTS AND I LOVE TO EXPLORE.

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  49. I think the PJs BBQ find is huge… if that gives us Clue 1, a starting point of Sarasota Springs…. Clue 2, Magic Forest…. then Ticonderoga is so far up 9N, it has to be Clue 4… not Clue 3…. I’m starting to think that the picture of the mountain, is not on the VT side… but actually somewhere on the Lakeshore Dr portion on 9N…. halfway between Uncle Sam and the Ferry…. I’ve started peaking around, and the railings are same, views are similar… just a lot to look through…. Ticonderoga could be 50 miles from the location…

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    • I agree Ben. I think the first clue will either be 200 or 300, and not give us too much to work with. But if it’s 100-150 miles, that would def help now. Related thought: the last two search led to a National Park (Eldorado for West and Black Kettle Grasslands in OK) In VT, there are two: Green Mountain in VT (which would mean heading back south) or White Mountain in VT. Green Mountain is within 50 while White Mountain is near 125 miles.

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      • THERE ARE 2 GREEN MOUNTIAN NAT FORESTS IN VERMONT
        ONE IS NORTH NEAR MIDDLEBURY, VT AND ONE IN THE SOUTH LOWER PART OF VERMONT NEAR BELLOWS FALLS, VT. WOULDN’T NEED TO GO BACK SOUTH WOULD YOU?

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      • Yeah. I have a bad feeling about this. I would def start my search in Ticonderoga. And that should be within 25-30 miles of the final location. But there isn’t a national park in that range …

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  50. Just some random thoughts about the last pictures that I’m sure you’ve thought of already, Steven, but here goes:
    – The road “looks like” it’s a larger road like maybe a state road – it’s got a guardrail and a white stripe which I wouldn’t necessarily expect to see on a smaller rural or County road
    – The road is VERY close to the water – no more than a road’s width – SHOULD (?) be obvious on GE/GM
    – The body of water looks smallish. Much smaller than Lake Champlain, but not like a river
    – Smallish peninsula, it looks like, sticking out from the right
    – Some possibilities to explore in street view:
    — SR 53 along Lake Dunmore
    — US 7 – Emerald Lake
    — SR 14 (Elligo Lake Rd?) – Elligo (maybe Eligo) Lake
    — SR 14 – Hardwick Lake
    — SR 100 – Woodward Reservoir
    — SR 100 – Amherst Lake
    — SR 100 – Echo Lake
    — SR 100 – Lake Rescue
    — SR 12 – Baker Pond
    — SR 12 – Lake Elmore

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