Even though the grand prize egg in the 2012 Great Easter Egg Hunt was lost due to circumstances beyond our control, many people are left wondering how this year’s clues should have been interpreted.

The egg was hidden at Mud Creek, in a drainage ditch alongside a new bridge where the finished portion of new Route 680 meets the portion still under construction. However, a couple weeks after the egg was hidden, road workers at the site reworked the approach to the bridge, resulting in the egg being buried under several tons of dirt, sandstone and shale.

With the contest now over, we can finally explain what the clues mean.

This is a game of many smiles. This is a game in 395.46 miles. — Floyd County is 395.46 square miles in area. The egg was hidden in Floyd County.

Good thing the storm has now moved out, or else I might be flying about. — The egg was hidden outside. If it had been hidden prior to the March 2 tornadoes, it could very well have been blown away.

Those who fail will have learned that they shouldn’t have left any unturned. — This clue is a reference to the old saying about “leaving no stone unturned.” The egg was hidden under and between two large stones.

Over my head water sometimes will flow, but there’s always more further down below. — The water sometimes above the egg is a reference to water flowing down the drainage ditch. The water below is a reference to the creek below.

The weight upon me hurts my feet. I’d rest but I can’t find a seat. — The first part of this clue is another reference to the stones under which the egg was hidden. The second part means the egg was not hidden in the county seat of Prestonsburg.

Two becomes one. One becomes two. Somewhere in between, old becomes new. — This clue begins to narrow down the location, referring to Route 680 and Route 979. The two roads merge together, then split apart again. The egg was hidden in the merged section, where “old” Route 680 meets “new” Route 680.

Am I a homebody? Not in the least. This year I traveled to the Middle East. — Looking at the location on a map, the egg was hidden in the eastern portion of the county, roughly midway between north and south.

Last year I was in four, but that was before. This year you’ll find me in the other four. — Last year, the egg was hidden in school district 4. This year, it was hidden in magisterial district 4.

Two run apart, but sometimes combine. The difference between them is 299. — Another reference to Route 680 and Route 979. Subtract 680 from 979 and you are left with 299.

No bandage needed; there’ll be no blood. But take your boots, for there will be Mud. — This clue is intended to definitively say the egg was hidden at Mud Creek.

Not found me yet? You need a new plan. You’ll finding me hidden beside the new span. — The “new span” is the new bridge built where new Route 680 ends.