"Starting Positions" - August 20, 2021

[M and M]

We have a good solid classic meta path to an answer that fits the title, but are just as unhappy as everyone else about the fact that there is another good solid classic meta path... Can't wait for Monday to see if we are all being pageanted or if there is really something odd in this puzzle.

[ky-mike]

Solved and submitted.

EDIT - Seeing the two options, and understanding the hesitancy for some to submit.

But only one of those options fits well with the puzzle title.

[HunterX]

On the beach. Tiki bar closed, and good thing this early. Will find coffee at the inevitable Starbucks behind the sand dune, or the one of there behind the other sand dune, or the one behind the palm tree...

Finished grid last night. Many rabbit holes distracted me from the mechanism, even after I told the kids, "Well that seems odd..." But no answer.

Then woke in the middle of the night with RLS and thought, "Maybe I can do the puzzle in my head and either fall back asleep or come up with the answer." Came up with a mechanism and checked the iPad. Nope. But it got me checking something which lead me right back to the thing I saw when filling out the grid.

And I do see a potential second answer. But the one I originally found seems far better. I'd say this was a 100%.

[802puzzler]

I'm also with Isaac and the excel spreadsheet!

[SusieG]

Laying in bed in the dark I thought I’d devised a path to a solution, but as with many dreams it made no sense this morning.

Isaac, what do you have for someone who lost her ability to solve a meta? Give me a double!

[SReh26]

I have some things written down that may eventually get me to shore. But I’m not there yet.

[LittleGood]

I'm with Isaac.

[BeTheLight]

On shore and I can't imagine what a second possible answer would be. The mechanism is quite deliberate.

[LadyBird]

On shore and I can't imagine what a second possible answer would be.

On the ship and I can't imagine what the FIRST possible answer would be!

I redid the grid and have now found new rabbit holes to explore, but alas they are leading nowhere.

[mlvilv]

I can't find even one mechanism, never mind the second questionable one that people have.

[Bill_Swerski_13]

I doooo believe I am on the shore. Not as confident as I've been with previous answers, but I can definitely justify it.

[SReh26]

Ashore!!!!! (with a nudge)

I feel good, doo doo doo doo doo doo doo

knew that I would

very slight nudges available

[Cindy N]

On shore. Will save my libation until after work today. Found the meta mechanism but the answer didn't fit. Realized what was needed and submitted. Yes, it fits better with the title. Yes, it's a logical step in the meta solving. Yes, I suspect it will trip some people up.

[mattythewsjpuzzler]

Still with Isaac. Funny I see 0 answers not two!

[DrTom]

Ah, dry land! After sampling all of Isaac's concoctions it took a nudge to get me over the side of the ship (any more libations and I'd have fallen over but drowned). Unfortunately even after the first one I needed a head slap to make sure I swan straight for shore. So, I'll claim the shore but not the submit.

ASHORE

Mike has thrown a couple of curve balls this time...fun of course and a demonstration of mastery, but hard to hit.

Me at 2 AM after seeking the "precious" for what seemed like eons....

[CopperRiver]

Grid done. Meta…none.

[Miki]

Still lost at sea, but in my head is the answer I will submit on Sunday night at 11:59 when all else fails.

It's been a while since I've been stumped.
My back up answer is funny. I'll have to share on Monday.

[Gman]

Dragged to shore by a friendly fellow Muggle. This one was a KAS 5 for me.

Time for a beer. They're pretty much all good over here!

[Kas]

Remember Schultz, from Hogan's Heroes? "I know NATH-ing, I see NATH-ING!" ?
I'm with Schultz, except that usually he DID know something.
I am with Isaac, knowing and seeing nothing.

"Schultzed," you say? ME, TOO!
And it's got me feeling blue.
I've dickered and I've pondered,
But I don't know what to do.

Rabbits! Rabbits everywhere!!
As far as I can see!
But I'll keep on playing Whack-a-mole,
Hold a beach-side seat for me!!

[Bob cruise director]

Good Saturday morning muggles

First welcome again to our newest muggles - CptnCodon and Kalamitykatie

For those who feel that they have been losing their mojo over the past six weeks, the challenge has been up resulting in fewer submissions except for I've Got Words For You.

Last thing before we get to the status - for those in the southern part of New England, stay safe from Henri. We don't get many hurricanes here - the last one was Bob 30 years ago.

We have 37 on the ship and 62 on the shore. Isaac has commandeered some of the tender drivers and set up a bar on the lido deck. Those who are so inclined can help with MaineMarge's garden as she is on the shore enjoying a G&T

With Isaac are
TeamDoubleTow
mntlblok
Joepickett
Geezer Weezer
HeadinHome
cbarbee
Kalamitykatie
JeanneC
SusieG
Henry Paul
streroto
802puzzler
lbray
Heidi
ladybird
architect
TeaJenny
Scott M
Miki
LittleGood
joes
copperriver
auee89
EVJ
CPJohnson
mattythewsjpuzzler
sharkicicles
Richard
TheCatt
MatthewL
mlvilv
hunkra
mindle
Powers2020
rosiegirl
Cap'n Rick
mitchel674

And on the beach relaxing are

Hector
Wendy
Georgeall
Meg
benchen71
Tina
Cindy
Bird Lives
dpl11
Eric P
docison
Zach
meowmiao71
Peter
Tmart
Brian M
Les
CptnCodon
Jace54
Beth T
oldjudge
boharr
madhatter5
Kay
Chris
jrdad
joe
RobM
Omnibus
DannyWalter
ky-mike
Al
MarkWoychick
darth
MaineMarge
Joe R
ZooAnimalsOnWheels
jimmyd
Dow Jones
markhr
Mike H
RPardoe
joequavis
Laura
C=64
Barbara K
Bill
DannyCincinatti
HunterX
Cindy N
Bill Swerski 13
Homer
DrTom
Moi
M and M
Jack
Glyn
BeTheLight
dplass
SReh26
Gman
Ergcat