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)”

    • A word of warning Crystal. The final location may now be known. I’m hoping I’m wrong (as well as some others) but I feel pretty confident about the location. I guess will be finding out if Dodge has a plan B

      Like

      Reply

      • I hope they have a plan B, because I am still trying to catch up with all of the sleuth’s from Plan A.
        But if everyone has it figured out, then maybe Dodge will change it 🙂

        Like

      • I had to post just to compliment you on your detective work. I think the panoramio picture matches up great, just taken from farther west and a lower elevation. That area is going to be a madhouse Saturday morning, in fact I imagine people are showing up now to get a parking spot. Someone be sure and post lots of pictures.

        Like

      • Steve, did you ever officially share this “known location” with all or is this something someone privately sent you and you believe confirmed? I am planning a trip from south new jersey, would just love to know I have a fighting chance.

        Like

      • Hi Paul. That’s a complicated topic 🙂 The (somewhat) short version is: when I learned the location might be breaking on Dodge’s YouTube site, I published a composite image I had created earlier in the day, matching ridge lines but only proposed it was the same, adding that I would not reveal the location. That was my plan when asked, point blank earlier in the day by another Treasure Hunter’s fan 😉 If I knew the location, I would provide proof so as not to be one of those guys who knew it all along 😦 To your point however, the location was well discussed/shared on Dodge’s YouTube site, so I think it’s fair to say, it’s somewhat common knowledge. Several here shared the same pics and location (but I’ve removed references as it became pretty controversial). Cheers!

        Like

    • I’m not sure where the information comes from that there were 4 Journey’s at PJ’s BBQ on August 30th, but assuming its true, I would guess it was for filming purposes. Its not like those four are the four being given away, I don’t think you actually drive away in the car that is pictured on the live feed, I’m pretty sure the rules say you work out delivery with a local dealer. So… don’t get your hopes up about a secret 4th contest.
      t

      Like

      Reply

      • The mention of 4 red Dodge Journey’s at PJ’s Saratoga Style BBQ was in the article by the Saratogian, stating they had 4 of the red Journeys on site for filming.

        Like

  4. Hi Donna. Understand that I did not want to publish the actual location and had been sitting on the probable location for the day. Around 4:45pm EST, when I learned that someone may have identified the location, I only posted a picture of the probable location without identifying (a composite shot, matching points).

    It wasn’t until just a bit ago that I updated my post because several individuals shared the precise location here, and there was a “breaking” discussion on Dodge’s YouTube page. At the very least, I wanted to be fair and balance.

    As I mentioned around Sunday, I was very concerned with the bike shot (compared to the Journey by the creek shot or hot air balloon shot) because it gave far too much information and could be identified … and was, apparently by a number of individuals.

    In an age of social media and crowdsourcing, information can spread quickly. I’m still hopeful that either I’m wrong or Dodge has a contingency plan. All the best!

    Like

    Reply

    • Yes, the blogs should have not been permitted.

      They should have shut down the internet for this contest.

      He didn’t take anything away from you. He’s using his own skills to play the game well within the rules. You can still use everything available to you think week, and on launch day, to find the vehicle.

      Are you saying that the experience Steve and others had doing this blog should be taken away from him, because you wanted the experience of doing it in the manner you think was “appropriate”?

      That’s a little self-centered don’t you think?

      Like

      Reply

  5. Whos to say that last clue you figured out was the final destination? It could be another clue. I think dodge will change the final destination, if that originally was the spot, otherwise there will be a bunch of people camping out near or at that location waiting for the vehicle to arrive.

    Like

    Reply

  6. I’ve seen the pics online and I’m on board with the findings of David and Steve but doesn’t it seem too easy? Seriously?

    The place where the driver takes the bikes off the roof now makes sense given that we know they crossed lake champlain at fort ticonderoga.

    Driving south through the TK bridge and west by Eagle lake were just backwards clues to throw people off.

    Given that it’s only Monday and the game doesn’t start for 5 days, Dodge has a long time to enact a plan B. I hope they do.

    But, I’ll be parked next to everyone else in VT with my track shoes on ready for a sprint to the Dodge.

    My name is Don and this is my new car!

    Like

    Reply

  8. Thanks for sharing that. I definitely didn’t catch that and have removed the info from my post. For the record, the specific information was shared on Dodge’s YouTube page and several poster’s here before I updated my post 😦 How this plays out, only time will tell. Cheers!

    Like

    Reply

  9. I figured many already knew, with it being a national site so close to the ferry crossing. Dodge has made this predictable imo given how the video has correlated with the previous 2 finds. It would be great if they had a plan B or C for the East search OR even better- had all three searches on the same day. It’s not over yet and this whole event has been a blast. Great blog!

    Like

    Reply

  10. I believe someone like the stylist should be more worried than Steve, with her posting of behind the scenes pictures well in advance of the competition.

    What Steve did was post his thoughts and people came to him. Look at the youtube comments- its the same concept just not as organized or insightful. If Dodge was concerned that sharing of ideas would undermine the contest, they’d have disabled comments or moderated them closely.

    The target of that clause is most certainly people who worked on the production of the contest, not someone like Steve (who has actually helped Dodge more than hurt them).

    Like

    Reply

  11. Steven, there is some negative remarks about your sleuthing skills… but as a fellow lover of puzzles, I think what you did was perfectly normal. You only used information that was readily available from Dodge and the internet to figure out your best guess at the location.

    If Dodge didn’t want people doing that they shouldn’t have released so much information ahead of time.

    I’m really puzzled by all the haters.

    Like

    Reply

  12. I just read the youtube comments and oh boy that is an ugly place. I love the people pointing the fingers here, looking for someone, anyone to blame. Want to point fingers? Go with the editors of the video.

    But, geez, what a bunch of crybabies.

    Like

    Reply

  13. You’re taking a bunch of grief on the Dodge site but I think what you did is impressive. Dodge may or may not hire the brightest people but I’m almost positive they don’t hire the dumbest. If they don’t like this situation, they have over 5 days to change it. Nothing to say that the ferry clue doesn’t become the 1500 mile clue and the thing ends up in Key West.

    Like

    Reply

    • LOL. Like I mentioned on Sunday, for the West and Midwest searches, you had two, impossible to identify shots – close up of the Journey near the creek and arriving at the hot air balloon. Absolutely impossible to identify.

      Like

      Reply

  15. The reason why people are pissed is this…YES, there are smart people who can and did figure this stuff out, myself included. There are those of us that feel like it is deserving because we are smart enough to get the clues. That said, I find it hard to believe that Dodge (after spending money on production and all of the people paid to get this thing working) are going to re-shoot more video and change the location last minute because people are colluding together.

    Like

    Reply

    • I somewhat agree with you Jeremy and if I were Dodge, would have filmed a segment for an alternate, final location while in the region. Someone reported seeing a filming crew farther west of Eagle Lake. Editing changes can be quickly made to work in Plan B. Just a thought … Cheers!

      Like

      Reply

    • Hi Jenn. Yeah. I fully expect that they have, in particular, monitored their YouTube page with message board. Individuals were dropping the specific location left and right. Many of us here have discussed this scenario on a number of occasions, would they have a contingency plan. For example, what if the final location was in White Mountain National Forest, keeping with the last two searches. According to many that live in the area and information shared today, the area is impassable because of Irene. So, you’d think they would have an alternate final location.

      Like

      Reply

      • I just think everyone should do their own research and stop relying on what everyone on the net is saying hence Dodge saying “you wont find them on the internet”, they dont want everyone sitting around discussing it if you know where it is go get it if you dont do some research or if your not going then keep your thoughts to yourselves. I just think this whole competition when down hill the bigger and more known it got. Great idea just not well enough planned out for everyone to have and equal chance

        Like

      • To Jenn, below, Corporations don’t produce these promotions to amuse a few super-sleuths who have some pre-set notion of gaming rules, or whatnot. From Dodge’s perspective, the bigger and better-known the hunt gets, the more successful the promotion. Period. Chrysler doesn’t spend millions of dollars on an ad campaign in the hopes that nobody will find out about it, it won’t go viral, and just a couple of hundred people nationwide will be the exclusive little clique looking for the Journey. Believe me, if 70,000 people have started paying attention–via FB, YouTube, Steve’s blog, or wherever, Dodge would love for it to be 700,000. Better yet, 7-million. And FWIW, Steve is giving all kinds of people an equal chance who wouldn’t have had half a chance without him. You, too. Get out there and find that car!

        Like

  17. Good find. Seems too close to civilization though, right across the border, and too close to the last clue point (ferry)

    I don’t think the picture matches that closely… There are hundreds of miles of possible scenery like that on both the NY and VT side of Lake George and Lake Champlain.

    Like

    Reply

  19. WHOA!!!!!!!! THIS IS ALL SO NUTS!!!!! First off, Steve you have nothing to worry about, its ridiculous to think Dodge would take legal action against someone who played their game from home and figured it out from just the commercials alone! Ok and there was a “Breaking Discussion” on Dodges website????!!!! That’s awesome, Steve you are making an impact man!! Next what is this about the stylist who shared photos??? can someone post a link to that story… and YES that woman is the one who should worry about legal action!! Finally I also don’t think that its 100% sure that the [location omitted] site is the for sure final location, and if it was I am sure they changed it, and if so, Then Steven you are a GOD and I think you should be considered a Winner by Dodge! They should mail you a Journey with its own wifi hot spot of course..lol

    Like

    Reply

    • Thanks for the kind words Nick. The last thing I wanted to do was take anything away from the adventure. If you’ve spent anytime on Dodge’s YouTube page, it can get ugly, people can be rude. I hoped to create a controlled space for collaboration and sharing. At the same time, with personal knowledge of a number of individuals here, like-minded contributors, participating in the actual hunt, I wanted to ensure a level playing field. How this plays out, time will tell … All the best.

      Like

      Reply

      • “level playing field”?? Isn’t the point of a contest to NOT have a level playing field, and let the Darwinian philosophy sort it out? “Leveling the playing field” in this contest is equivalent to giving everyone an MBA degree because the information is out there…what? And..yes, I am a little annoyed because this was going to be a fun trip that was booked for the weekend.

        Like

      • What I meant by that Jeremy was that there a large number of individuals on YouTube sharing the specific location. You had the right to the same information. Otherwise, while you were participating legitimately, at your time and expense, others would have gone straight to that location. Didn’t seem fair to me. Maybe I was wrong. My sincere apologies.

        Like

      • Well I think everyone should at least appreciate( I do) regardless of whether you were participating or not, that you (Steve) are responding to comments about this topic and have made yourself available for discussion. I commend you for that and see your point on the sharing of info. Your constant responses are a lot more sincere considering a lot of other people wouldn’t bother to get involved after sharing that info.

        Like

    • I don’t know if I agree completely with you Jenn. In there very own commercial, near the end they say … “you won’t find any of them online, but it might help you figure out where it might be” … use of the internet is really essential (from home) to work out the clues.

      Like

      Reply

  21. Has anyone thought that maybe the scene where he takes the bike off the car, may not be the final destination of the car? Afterall, it is the final “Journey”. Maybe that final journey is the trek southbound/home I know everyone thinks they are clever, but I am sure you will be surprised where this one ends up.

    Like

    Reply

  24. Exactly! I was just about to type that!! I was gonna tell that lady…. well dont read the blogs then!!!

    Anyone know what that story about a stylist who released behind the scenes photos was?

    Like

    Reply

  25. You all need to keep in mind that the Commercial itself at the end does state. (0.43)….

    “and Then we left three somewhere out there. If you can find one you can have one. You won’t find any of them online, but it might help you figure out where they might be…”

    Like

    Reply

  26. Man now I think it would be really fitting to put the Journey in Lake Paradox NY,….. hey everyone Get out in the world… and find our truck… don’t sit home on the internet, oh but use the internet to find it, we gonna hide it somewhere remote, but our hiding spot got found 5 days before we hid it…. I don’t know I think there is some what of a paradox in there somewhere…. :0

    Like

    Reply

  27. I think the contest was awesome, would love to see more opportunity for similar ‘treasure hunt’ type contest. I can only imagine the amount of time & creativity it takes to put it all together, unfortunate to see some of the issues , hope it doesn’t discourage others from holding similar contest in the future

    Like

    Reply

    • Hi Dale and I agree. I was a huge fan of a one season NBC show call Treasure Hunters. Imagine a near reality show, with a major giveaway like a car with on air and online clues that need to be solved leading to the prize. People would be completely engaged. People have been studying the Dodge commercials religiously for several weeks now. What great brand exposure.

      Like

      Reply

      • HI Alex. I’ve been out of the contest/treasure hunt mix for a bit (I’m a single parent – constantly on the go). Depending on your preferred poison 🙂 ravenchase is a great group to seek (if you like physical hunts involving codes and ciphers) – no monetary prizes though; if you like online contests, visit: puzzletome.com I was an avid participant several years ago; finally, check out tweleve.org They’re great about maintain a variety of hunts. Cheers!

        Like

      • Steven are you familiar with welostourgold.com? You mentioned you were involved with tweleve and they have a decently expansive analysis of that hunt there… coincidentally it was 1 year ago today that the final clues were released and its still out there (allegedly).

        I’ve been stewing over that one for a while and have some theories but I’m pretty stuck. If you want to take a look at that, I’d volunteer to be your “boots on the ground”.

        Like

      • I’m not familiar, but this Dodge Journey hunt, has re-kindled my love for these things (except for the latter part of today, of course :)). Let me look it over …

        Like

      • be prepared to invest some time in that one. the cool thing is, the episodes that they produced to give out the clues are actually entertaining. a tweet that compared the Dodge hunt to WLOG is what got me interested in the Journey Search in the first place.

        Like

      • I loved that show! I always wondered why they didn’t make another one… But maybe they will pick it back up after this contest… One could only hope 🙂

        Like

  28. Now wouldn’t it be like Dodge to make it a 500 round trip back to the city it started in. 250 up and back. I saw some obscure post stating how it gets 500 miles to the gallon and this it said had some significance. Just a thought.

    Like

    Reply

    • We have all lost site of the inconsistent and puzzling nature of a number of the clues (and I understand why) – the Journey is heading South along the Twin Bridges, East into Vermont and West by Eagle Lake. I’m reminded of a sign that points in all directions … LOL 🙂

      Like

      Reply

      • Given that the end location of the vehicle was found, we can only assume that those two clues you mentioned were simply added to confuse and misdirect participants. It worked for a bit, but eventually the VT park photos put those two confusing issues to rest.

        Two questions…

        1. Is there a way to view the most recent posts here? Unfortunately, the posts are not in a linear order based on date and time. One has to always scroll through the entire blog and observe post dates & times to find recent ones.

        2. Given the fact that so many people now know where the Journey is SUPPOSED to be on Saturday… should people still go there and expect that the dodge is there? Or, will they just put it somewhere else?

        I can’t imagine how pissed the makers of this campaign must be right now, knowing that they either have to replace the car and do new videos or leave it where it is and take the heat for being “too easy”.

        Like

  29. Yeah I also think that spot is to close to civilization, I mean come on they just outside the Adirondacks with a billion miles of wilderness at their finger tips and they are gonna hide it out in the open that close to a city literally right down the road from the last clue, if that was the case then I feel like they got tired and gave up….. ehhh im tired of driving… lets just park it here… lol

    Like

    Reply

  30. If you look at the Panoramic pic, that mountain in the background is further north up the lake, not across from [location omitted]. In the commercial, the mountain is right in the background.

    Like

    Reply

  31. Steve You have nothing to worry about because [location omitted] is not the spot. I do know where it is though I have the exact place. No worries it is not where anyone would expect. I have the place down to the trees in the background to where I think im 95% certain. Sorry I cant share where it is because im in the hunt. There is a very crucial bit of information that people are completely forgetting and a tool people so far have not used yet to my knowledge.

    Like

    Reply

    • The previously discussed location may not be the exact spot but a person need not sit around watching and waiting for video clues starting 300 miles from the Dodge. The location is known within a mile or two maximum.

      I’m still wondering if they’ll leave it where they did in the TV commercial or move it and produce one or two new clue videos.

      That area of VT will be swarmed Saturday AM either way. I’ll be the guy wearing a reflective THRUWAY orange vest …so you crazy bastards don’t run me over!

      Like

      Reply

  32. hi steven,
    the offical rules state ‘In the event of a tie, Sponsor will administer a skill-based tie-breaker, determined in its sole discretion’, how do you know it will be a ‘knowledge based’ test and not some other sort of skill?
    also, I think you have just been playing the game and it is very unfair for people to be so aweful to you.

    Like

    Reply

    • Thanks for the kind words 🙂 You’re right. I was recalling from memory. I would love a skill-based vs knowledge-based tie-breaker (I would be worried that you get quizzed on the Journey. Of course, at this point, we should be Journey experts). What do you think they would use? Cheers!

      Like

      Reply

  35. Though I know precedent was set with the West and Midwest clues being contained in the intro commercial, technically the clues for the East Coast Journey have not been released…

    “Sponsor will hide a total of three (3) 2012 Dodge Journeys in different locations across the United States throughout the Contest Period, with clues released for only one (1) hidden 2012 Dodge Journey at a time.”

    With the “One At A Time” rule, they could, in light of all this brilliant detective work by Steven, easily have a Plan B, C or D with entirely new official clues. It would be tough for them to pull off, but it is possible.

    Like

    Reply

    • That’s quite true Dick (and thanks for the kind words). In the past, the clues released the day of, didn’t add much, working with what was already known … however, in planning, you would have expected a buzz to build, from West to Midwest to East searches, and increased participation as well. All along, I would have had, at the very least, an alternative route (filmed while in the area). With the east search, we already have inconsistent, contradictory clues (southbound on the Twin Bridges, East to Vermont, West along Eagle Lake). If it was deliberate, it’s a perfect set up to have Plan A (somewhere that has already been discussed); Plan B in NY; Plan C south, even the Green Mountain National Forest. Time will reveal all … Cheers!

      Like

      Reply

      • I absolutely agree with this. The West didnt have any contradictory information, right? the midwest had just one, yes? As you said, there are multiple points in the remaining clips that don’t add up, which could be potential clues to plan B or C….

        Someone mentioned previously that in the rules it states somewhere that the contest cannot start and end in different states – has this been confirmed or not? I read through all of the “official rules” and found nothing that stated this.

        The other issue I have is that at each of the “final location” shots, they have shown the driver/family getting OUT of the car at the location. The shot that is being considered for the final location of the East only shows him taking the bike off the car. Doesn’t show them getting out and leaving it there…

        I wasn’t convinced it was at that “final location” that was posted before, and now that that HAS been posted, I agree that they would be moving on the Plan B or C…

        Like

      • Hi. You’re pretty well correct. They did give us a bit of misdirection, showing Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe, but the Journey was driving south, back to general route. I have not seen anything that would confirm the single state theory, we only have history as a guide. Cheers!

        Like

  36. It’s fine. I just wasn’t sure if you got it. What did you find as the final location? I thought I read that you had posted it and then removed it. I was away from my computer and didnt get a chance to see it when you originally posted it. I might be wrong about what I said earlier but it makes sense to me…Anyway, I am looking forward to reading your thoughts. You can email me or post it, I will see both now. Thank you.
    Rachel

    Like

    Reply

  37. Well, speaking both as a promotions industry veteran of more than twenty years, and as an avid armchair sleuth (Steven, I doubt too many of us really remember what all went into the Golden Horse hunting), I think the one thing a promotions company fears more than anything is bad PR.

    They’re indemnified in many ways if the hunt seems unfair, or if an insider finds it, or if it’s just a footrace at the end.

    What they’re not protected from is bad PR: two campers get into a fistfight; somebody breaks their leg, two over-zealous hunters ram vehicles head-on at site (just think of the headline: Free Car Contest Ends with Fatal Crash).

    Given the hurricane-ravaged terrain and the hoard of people who’ve read this site, I think there’s a real opportunity for disastrous PR if the site is Plan A.

    So, for many, many reasons, my guess is that if there wasn’t a plan B before, that there certainly is by now.

    As for the haters here, I’d say Steven has simply proven a tenet of our times: secrecy is nearly impossible.

    Like

    Reply

    • Hi Paul. First, thanks for the kind words. [I have a copy of that book, plus several of Masquerade :)] I completely agree with your assessment. They (Dodge) really had a great concept that perhaps, needs a bit of tweaking, i.e. they gave us a lot to work with the introductory commercials, and haven’t added much with the “clues” released on the hunt day. Rather, I would provide clues to the starting destination, so the “boots on the ground” have a solid starting point, then release the radius clues over the course of a weekend. Participants would actually research the clues on location, move to the next area, eventually narrowing the search.

      Like

      Reply

      • It would have been interesting if they ran simultaneously too. Can you imagine trying to sort out all those posts from the people looking in different states? It would have cost more, but you have to hand it to Dodge and the PR firm, they have achieved brand recognition. Before this contest I don’t think I could have picked out a Journey in a parking lot. I just picked out one yesterday. Good job Dodge! I can’t wait to see what you think of the final location Steve. Maybe they should consult you for the next promo event. 🙂

        Like

  38. I also wanted to mention to you Steve (and I know I wasn’t the only person who saw this on the Youtube channel the morning of the Midwest one); there was someone who posted that they actually saw the police escort and hot air balloon going up the road at 5 something in the morning… they were up early to see it and if you have ever been to that part of OK, there is nothing at 5 am on a Sat morning. So this tells us a few things – 1) that it will most likely be planted very early that morning (which most people probably already knew but it helps to have confirmation that it’s not out there right now) and 2) look for suspicious vehicles early in the morning on the 24th… So wake up early hunter! *As a note: I am not looking and am nobody’s competition. I am also a lover of treasure hunting and puzzles*

    Like

    Reply

      • The comment was posted on the day of the search – I do want to say, they were sort of cryptic about it, in that they didn’t come out and say the intersection of Rt 283 and I-40 but they hinted to it (it looked something lie 283/40). Honestly, I don’t know if the hot air balloon was there on the day of the search – it might have been stuffed into a trailer waiting as a last resort if no one had found the car after the last clue… I mean, I’m guessing on that bit… I really do not have information as to whether or not it was on site…

        Like

  39. On this last East trip I’m curious why you have posted the PJs Barbecue is a clue? You stated it “has not appeared in the known commercials or videos and will most likely be a radius search clue, provided the day of the hunt”. Was their a flash in one of the other recent clips? I’m sad that I will not be able to travel up north…this Texan gal is going to have to dream:) The true way on this last contest is for one to have a helicopter to do a quick landing!

    Like

    Reply

    • Hi Kathleen. Someone (Brad) found an article from a local newspaper about Dodge filming on location. This is further supported by the stylist Instagram shot’s. As in the Midwest search, they provided radius clues along the general route, e.g. Sid’s Diner or Red Rock Canyon Cabins. And I’m with you, I’d love to venture north, but as a single parent, I’ll just have to enjoy the virtual hunt from the comfort of home. Cheers!

      Like

      Reply

  40. How about the Lake Champlain Bikeway? Obviously, the theme of the East Coast videos has been biking. This is a major bikeway that goes both through NY and VT, and includes 2 ferry crossings. It is possible that the final destination is somewhere along this bikeway, most likely in a very remote part, and near or in a national park or forest.

    On the other hand, many of the scenes when they are driving on those twisty elevated roads look like the Kangamangus Highway in NH.

    Just some ideas.

    Like

    Reply

  42. Ah, the irony! On the same page, where one poster happily exhorts us to do the “real American” thing and help one another, another poster feels that free speech, that most American of rights, should be muzzled so a car company can execute an idealized marketing campaign. For heavens sake! I’m decent at puzzles, and I’ve won a big, national “marketing” contest before…I even live near the search area. But I don’t know if I’d have had the time to dig through everything by this weekend the way Steve has done already. It’s fantastic! Donna, if the fun is, as you said, in “just being able to work as a family together to figure out the clues,” then this blog cannot have taken anything away from you. Regardless, you shouldn’t have “read on” after landing on this blog, which is basically in and of itself a gigantic, fun, spoiler alert, if you didn’t want to know the details! Nobody forced you to read the information here. And hey, if you still want to find the Journey, get out of the house, load the kids in a car, drive Upstate and get ready for Saturday. Just because this much has been figured out doesn’t mean that there’s not going to be some nutty fun this weekend!

    Steve, thank you for the very fun, excellent blog, and all the time you volunteered.

    Like

    Reply

  43. I just know people are talking about a ferry. What if you had to actually get on that to get to the destination of the car? That would be cool. I am nowhere near where it will be. I am in Alabama. So, I do not have the ability to search for the thing. But it would be cool though. In my own opinion. I love your page here steven. You do nice work. 🙂

    Like

    Reply

    • Hi Kendra. Thanks for the kind words 🙂 If someone is following the route, leading to Ticonderoga, and needs to venture out to Vermont, they will definitely need to take the ferry. Cheers!

      Like

      Reply

      • The ferry trip is not a necessity.

        There are other much faster & more direct routes to get from Albany NY to where they ended up.

        Rte40 (out of Troy NY) for one.

        Like

  45. Can you imagine the pandamonium (sp?) that is going to take place on Saturday? Several thousand individuals know the EXACT location of a $35k+ vehicle. I don’t mean to be the party pooper but I really feel that Dodge should pull the plug on this, or change the location to avoid someone getting hurt. You know someone will try something stupid.

    Like

    Reply

    • I agree Jeremy. Think about this: what if there were 6 or 7 or even 10 regional hunts, laid out, one after another. Awareness would continue to build to a fever pitch level. By the time you get to the 4th or 5th search, there could be a significant number of individuals, racing around on the road looking for the free vehicle. Someone earlier suggested that all the hunts be held on the same day. That would definitely resolve a lot of the potential problems, with individuals focusing on the search of their preference or the one closest to home. Cheers!

      Like

      Reply

    • LOL! That actually would be more fun that searching for theis free dodge! That is a fricking riot and would be so much fun!

      My gawd… what if 3 or 4 people did that and just drove around in the area?!

      Wow, I may have found something even more fun to do this coming Saturday! Someone find me a red journey to rent and I will do it!

      Like

      Reply

      • Hi Ryan. You’re right. Rachel did mention a friend that lives in Newcomb, NY who saw a filming crews and a number of those “red cars.” Newcomb is on a westward trek, passing Eagle Lake.

        Like

  49. I think this would be a different case if it were, say, Friday when all this came to light. Honestly, there is sooo much time left for Dodge to change this and get it ready by Saturday. If you’re going to that spot where everyone thinks it’s going to be, I hope you brought a grill or something because a tailgate party looks much more likely than a Dodge discovery right now. Steven, you are still–undoubtedly–the man. Next time I lose my keys you are my first call.

    Like

    Reply

Leave a reply to Jenni Hoddinott Cancel reply