Now that the Great Easter Egg Hunt is over, it is time to reveal the meaning of this year’s clues. And judging from some of the reaction to this year’s contest, that might be more necessary than ever.

The Floyd County Times received numerous complaints about the difficulty of this year’s contest. But the puzzle did not prove too hard for Eddie and Janie Ratliff, who were led to the hiding spot late Tuesday afternoon.

So, without further delay, here is the meaning to the clues that kept so many so puzzled for so long.

“That which my hiding places exposes, makes me cold whenever is snowses.” The egg was outside. The outdoors exposes everything, so you would get cold when it snows.

“My hiding places knows when spring begins, because it’s seen 210.” To see 210 springs, you would have to be around for 210 years. Floyd County is 210 years old this year, so the egg was in Floyd County.

“While I’m lying in my bed, I see lines above my head.” The egg was hidden beneath the power lines originating from the electrical substation beside Prestonsburg High School and leading up the hill across the river.

“There is more than the eye can see, concealed in that dropped by a tree.” Trees drop leaves. The egg was hidden inside a covering of leaves.

“One stands up, one falls down, in the middle is where I’m found.” This is the first reference to the Garfield Trail, along which the egg was hidden. At each end of the trail are signs noting that the trail is for pedestrian and bicycle use only, and the sign on the West Prestonsburg end of the trail has been knocked down. The egg was along the trail, and therefore between the two signs.

“If I’m not soon found by the winner, I might get taken by Thanksgiving dinner.” This was a reference to the fact that quite a few turkeys make a home near the area where the egg was hidden.

“As you are drawing near, then you’ll find the way is clear.” The area where the egg was hidden is where the transmission lines cross the trail, and where trees have been clear-cut underneath.

“Just a few more clues and then we’ll be done. List your best guesses and then look at one.” The “one” to look at is Magisterial District 1.

“You’ll find me where Fifth meets Vine, but you won’t get help from any sign.” The egg was hidden in the middle of a cluster of five small trees, one of which was encircled by a vine.

“I am tired, I am beat, but after many years I’ve found a seat.” The seat that was found was the county seat, meaning the egg was hidden in Prestonsburg.

“I am nestled snug above a trail. Further below you’ll find a rail.” The egg was hidden on the uphill side of the Garfield Trail. Below the trail is the railroad.

“Leave the West, but not by car. If you see a Horn or Beach, you’ve gone too far.” If you leave West Prestonsburg via the Garfield Trail, you couldn’t go by car, because no motorized traffic is allowed by the trail. If you were to come across the gravesite along the trail, where a Beach and a Horn are buried, you would have gone too far and would need to go back.

“Travel the trail in 11 & 12. Walk till you see clues 7 & 3. In that area be on the lookout for 9, but don’t forget 4 or you won’t see me.” Walk along the Garfield Trail until you see the power lines (“lines above my head”) in the clearing (where “the way is clear”). Look for the five trees and vine (“Fifth and Vine”), but don’t forget to dig in the leaves (“that dropped by a tree”).