What do you get when you combine over 50 adults and kids, 15+ roaring automobiles, a church and a clue? A sanctuary full of nuns praying for safe roadways.

Last night Juli and I (along with Stacey and Jodi…and Kennedi) headed over St. Elizabeth’s annual scavenger hunt. First prize: $200/team. Second prize: $75 per team. Third prize: entry fee back. As we got to the church, it seemed pretty bare. The place was decorated like Christmas. This years theme: Christmas in July.

When we arrived, there were maybe eight other people there…not the makings for a great race. Everybody’s attention was towards Clark W. Grizwald (as National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation played in the VCR). So it seemed that our chances of walking away with some cold hard cash was pretty good. But as time passed, more and more and more and more people showed up. By the time the first clue was given at 7:30, there were over 15 teams. And it was apparent that most of them were veteran scavengers.

Some teams were talking smack about how they’ve won in past years…but this year they were going to lay back and take it easy. Other teams had “get-away-cars” ready in the parking lot. But we didn’t buy into any of it. As the first clue was given to us, everyone raced out of the church and bolted for their cars. Two hours later…we came in third to last.

Although it was a disappointing finish, we had a blast. It’s not everyday I’ll see Stacey running the ol’ Honda at 90mph. As for our strategy for next year: Drive faster, avoid train tracks, and talk louder.