THE SIGN OF
THE TWISTED CANDLES
Nancy Drew #9
Roberts Park
Alameda County 
Oakland, CA

Directions: Highway 13 , exit Joaquin Miller/ Lincoln Avenue. Go east (up the hill) on Joaquin Miller to the crest, then turn left at the signal onto the two lane portion of Skyline Blvd. Chabot Space & Science Center is 1.3 miles up Skyline on the right. Park at the Science Center - it should be free. Take the trail which begins behind the parking structure (you'll have to cross the small employee lot too) 

Nancy Drew, Bess Marvin and George Fayne were headed for a secluded inn called The Sign of the Twisted Candles. Bess and George were related to a very old man who lived there. Rumors had recently come that he was virtually a prisoner in the tower of the old-fashioned mansion. Bess and George had never been there and had asked attractive, titian-haired Nancy to drive out to investigate the rumors. If there was a mystery, it would be a challenge to Nancy, affectionately called "our detective" by her friends.

George was navigating, giving directions as they all zipped along in Nancy's blue convertible. "It says to take Roberts Ridge St. out of town, then the West Ridge Highway in the easterly direction. We should pass the Graham homestead on our way."

"Isn't this such lovely countryside," said Bess. "Perhaps some day we could take a bicycle ride out here."

"I'm afraid that wouldn't be possible, Bess," said Nancy. "They don't allow bicycles here - see that sign?"

"What a shame," replied Bess.

George spoke up: "Right around here somewhere should be the turnoff for Peak Rd. It says in the directions that the inn will be at the top of the hill."

The girls found the turn and proceeded, but after a ways Bess exclaimed "I believe we're lost!"

"Don't worry," said Nancy confidently, "I see the way over here to the left. See, there's the lovely inn itself!"

The girls had arrived at a stone-faced building which they paused to admire. Nancy led the way to the door and opened it. The three girls found themselves in a long hall lit only by sconces on the walls. The bulbs were in the shape of candles that were large and twisted. Knowing that the old man, Asa Sidney, lived in the tower room, the girls took the stairs to the right.

As they reached the top of the stairway, Nancy tapped on the door. To her surprise, the door swung silently open. From a low, broad chair, the gaunt figure of a very old man arose. He had long, silver-white hair sweeping over stooped shoulders, merging with a snowy beard that spread across his chest.

"What a surprise to have visitors - not a soul ever comes to see me. But it is my one hundredth birthday, so I am glad to have the company," spoke Mr. Sidney. "I'm afraid you'll find this strange tower of mine scarcely prepared for your delightful visit; however, you are most welcome."

"Thank you kindly for the invitation," replied the girls as they gazed around the room. On the mantle was a commemorative medal that interested Nancy, and she asked about its significance.

"Oh that's from the coast and geodetic survey I worked on back in '46," explained Mr. Sidney. "Look at the markings on the back - there's an interesting story to tell about that survey." Nancy turned over the medal and noticed that 7-315-7-210 was inscribed on the back. With that invitation, the girls settled in to comfy chairs and listened to the rest of the centenarian's tale.

Box Status Reports 

Date
17 Jan 2005	replanted box in a new spot; while looking for a good hiding place I stumbled across anothre letterbox that is not listed on LbNA - consider it a bonus box to this one. From the tree in the code, take 5 steps at 340 and look under the stump. Also, on your way up to the Twisted Candles, you will pass by or very near to Fairy Ring, Chabot Alien and Sqwigly Alien.