Number 42 in Justin Posey's Treasure Hunt

What’s with the number 42 in Justin Posey’s Treasure Hunt?

In the Beyond the Map’s Edge treasure hunt, there seems to be at least a few instances where the number 42 is being hinted to. Let’s take a look at them! Join discussions on the MW Discord

Netflix: 42 on Taillight

In the Netflix Documentary the numbers 4 and 2 are seen written in the dust on the taillight of Justin’s truck. There wasn’t a lot, if any, chatter of this before the Dillon book signing. At that book signing, however, Justin said there were two clues he thought were obvious that were being missed. Is this one of those? (or two (since there are two numbers)

The quote: There are two hints in the Netflix series that I laugh every time they come up because to me they’re just super obvious and no one has noticed.”

Netflix Clock time: 4:02

Another instance of 42 in the Netflix Documentary is seen when Justin turns back the clock. This time is highlighted. Justin changes – turns back the clock – to 4:02. He could have changed it to any other time – but chose this time. To me, that says something. What, I’m not sure.

However, since he turns it back to 4:02 – hint to 24?

The Rod Race 42

In the book’s story titled The Rod Race – on page 126 -is the sentence:

“Grandpa Fitzwater, who was eighty-four and still rowed like he was escaping Alcatraz…..”

Later in that same chapter on page 128 is:

“Grandpa, stationed in the heart of the boat, rowed with the fervor of a man half his age.”

Half of his age is 42

Audiobook Change: Idaho / Utah

When Justin released the Audiobook for Beyond the Map’s Edge there were a few differences. One was a change to where the ‘big hill/speed bump’ – in the story The Concrete Kiss – was located.

Instead of: “We called it “The Big Hill” – though it might barely register as a speed bump in Idaho” – it was now in Utah’. Idaho and Utah boundaries are on the 42 parallel.

The ‘big hill’ is also shown in the illustration on page 42.

I think this change of states was to also highlight ‘big hill’ – which connects to how 42 can be seen on the map by using the Alaska Peaks.

Alaska Mountain Peaks

Number 42 in Justin Posey's treasure hunt - map clue

Drawing lines to the Mountain Peaks listed on the map – in ascending order – gives 42. Note Mt. Denali (#9) is not included because it is the highest mount. The highest mount was given for every state on the map (except 1 – more on this).

Harlequin Lake

On page 171 of the book is a photo of Tucker at a location. The caption asks, ‘where is it?’ Because the chapter is about sniffing out bronze and shows Tucker, one first assumes it is asking where the bronze is. However, it could be asking ‘where the location is in the image’. This supported by the fact that Justin included a contest to identify where the image on page 184 of the book was.

So where is it? The image on pg 171. It’s Harlequin Lake – which is found on the list on page 185 between 4 and 2. 42

Justin said there are different ways to find the clues. The above displays different ways 42 was found. Now whether these are clues is for each of us to decide.

And to answer the question – what’s the number 42 in Justin Posey’s treasure hunt a clue to?