Blocks Away

Blocks Unlocked: Apothecary Part IV

Blocks Away by Ron Locke

Next to the Ferris Box is another unique drawer in that it functions very differently than any other in the chest.  “Blocks Away” was designed and created by Ron Locke, a friend to the puzzle box world who is no longer with us.  Ron’s boxes are fanciful affairs full of mystery, legend and romance.  He even used gold leaf gilding on some of his designs, and his boxes came with a puzzling riddle in lieu of instructions.  Blocks Away is no less impressive despite the toned down nature of the box, to meet the requirements of the larger chest.  The box has two red wood blocks visible from the front, and when the drawer is removed from the chest, one finds two more along the sides.  These function like a maze burr puzzle, and must be navigated through an intricate dance if one hopes to access the secrets which wait inside the box.  Which is also necessary, whether you like it or not, because other critical elements of the meta-puzzle are housed inside.  I must admit that while opening the box was a challenge for me, closing it up, back to the original positions, was even worse.  I managed it once, and foolishly opened it again.  That’s all I’m going to say about that right now.  It’s sad to know that Ron Locke won’t be making such wonderful creations anymore, and we will treasure the ones he managed to share with the world.

Can't seem to get these blocks away

For Locke’s box (a lovely ring to it, no?) I’ve got more locks.  I don’t have socks, although keep your “chin” up - we’ll get to that later.  I’m revisiting an old favorite cocktail I featured in a different version previously, for another fine lock.  The “Lock Pick” is a wonderful summer sipper with bourbon and ice tea.  I featured my own version of it along with Shane Hale’s Haleslock 2 a while back, and now I present it in the original form for Locke’s box.  The drink was created for Larceny bourbon (hence the illicit name) but works well with your favorite corn and whiskey mash too.  I used pomegranate juice rather than liqueur, which is also delicious, but I added more sugar syrup to make up for it.  So mix up one of these bourbon tea treats and go pick a lock – any of Ron’s fine puzzles will do.  Cheers!

The Lock Pick 

Congratulations, we’ve made it past the first set of challenges.  Stay tuned as we move on to phase two of the apothecary box.

The Lock Pick

1 ½ oz bourbon

¾ oz pomegranate liqueur

¾ oz lemon juice

3 oz iced tea (such as orange pekoe)

 ½ oz simple syrup

Shake all but tea together over ice and strain into an ice filled glass.  Top off with the tea and give it a little stir as you lean back and relax.  Cheers!

I'd pick these locks any day