Crystal Lake

by Kevin J. Lin

On an expedition in the Puzzlanian desert, hundreds of miles from civilization, you discover the fabled Icosahedron Diamond, a beautiful giant crystal worth a Newcomb Being's ransom. Unfortunately, the diamond is on a tiny island in the center of a square lake. Fortunately, you know how to swim. Unfortunately, the lake is not water but highly concentrated acid, the result of ignoring paranoid environmentalists.

The lake's sides are 40 feet long, and shortest distance from the middle of a side to the island is a little over 19 feet. Conveniently close to the lake you find a half-dozen wooden planks, each measuring 16 feet by 16 inches by 2 inches. Cursing your luck you discover that they're just few feet too short to bridge the gap. If only you'd brought some tools along on this expedition- rope, nails, super glue, anything! Swearing to actually plan your next expedition you sit in the dirt and try to puzzle your way out of another fine mess.

Will you walk back to civilization empty-handed, or can you think of a way to the Icosahedron?

See the Solution