Nearly Ten to Four

 Appearing in the i Newspaper as Inquisitor 1686, Nearly Ten to Four on 13th February 2021.

A 43 accompanied by 34 set off on a journey which is approximately mapped in the grid.  Dots should be entered in the two cells containing clashes which represent the departure point and a possible destination (after 12 intervened).  Solvers must highlight the 43’s contiguous path and appropriately shade 11 cells (in two contiguous blocks) which illustrate the final destination (one cell shares both colours).  Finally, a four digit number linked with 47 should be written beneath the grid.

1549

This puzzle celebrates the “Miracle on the Hudson” which took place on 15 January 2009. TEXAN Chesley SULLENBERGER (“Sully”) and Jeffrey SKILES were the US Airways pilots of an Airbus A320 (call sign CACTUS 1549) which was scheduled to go from LA GUARDIA airport in New York to Charlotte Douglas.  The plane was struck by GEESE shortly after take-off, taking out both plane engines.  Sully dismissed the option to return to LA GUARDIA or divert to TETERBORO and instead ‘landed’ the Airbus A320 on the HUDSON RIVER, saving all 155 souls on board.  These events were cinematically recreated in the film, “Sully” directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks in the title role.

Sketch Map

 

Published in the Australian Crossword Club's CrOZworld magazine for February 2021, solvers were expected to spot the ninas (highlighted here), of five Australian towns or cities, Darwin, Alice Springs, Sydney, Perth and Moree.

CrOZworld reported the following results:

 

73 entries

64 correct

88% success rate

And supplied feedback from solvers:

 [Comments that simply identify the five locations have been omitted, as have some contributions that incorrectly identify them, to save those members’ blushes – Ed]

An enjoyable puzzle. Ian Thompson

The title “Sketch Map” was a good clue to help find that fifth location! Fraser Simpson

El Paso, Tacoma, Domicile, Whence and Asians (I hope). Rob Milton

IIn EL Paso, not sure which is definition. Worried it is needed as a location. Roy Taylor

Nice to see TACOMA. It is mentioned in mathematics courses where; in 1940; due to mechanical resonance; its bridge famously oscillated and collapsed. Len Colgan

A lovely trip to Alice Springs, Darwin, Moree, Perth and Sydney nice to be home. Tricky, enjoyable puzzle liked clues EINSTEIN and NYLONS. Joan Smith

I tried to get the place name Yenda to work at the bottom of the puzzle, before I realised it was Sydney! Doh! Julie Leigh

Some great clues! Especially liked 6d NYLONS - simple but good! Ann Millard

The many anagrams were a big help. The. Ulla Axelsen

Fingers crossed Anne Simons

Clever puzzle. Thank you! Bev Cockburn

My geography being on the sketchy side, I had trouble locating 5 destinations. Found El Paso, Tacoma, Laguna, and Arnold. Not sure what to nominate for NO. 5, unless it is Asia. But, with the help of an Collins Atlas, I also found Alpha and Rose River, Honey Lake and Mt. Honey. I have probably NOT found a tick! Nea Storey

Fun puzzle Jean Barbour

Good one Eclogue. Robyn Wimbush

Darwin, Moree, Sydney,Perth - can”t find the fifth unless it’s Tacoma, El Paso or even Asia Merv Collins

Many clever clues: OILWELL, DOMICILE. Max Roddick

The five(?) locations. The four obvious ones are Darwin, Moree, Sydney and Perth. Also in the puzzle I found Tacoma, El Paso, Tennyson, Alpha and Arno (and I have probably missed the fifth )! Cheryl Wilcox

Darwin, Alice Springs, Sydney, Perth and Moree, plus a couple of US cities just to tantalise us with the thought of overseas travel. Kath Harper

I found 6 not 5 locations in this puzzle: Darwin, Moree, Sydney, Perth, El Paso, Tacoma! Alison Shield

NYLONS for my COTM - very neat! Mike Potts