Cryptic crosswords is a pastime I took up following retirement from a career as a telecommunications engineer. As an avid solver of regular crossword puzzles, I had long been intrigued by the cryptic crosswords that appeared beside them in the newspaper. However, occasional forays into this area produced very meager results - perhaps solutions to one or two clues.
Following retirement, I finally had time to research the principles and conventions used in cryptic crosswords. Soon, I was able to solve a goodly portion of most puzzles - although I might not have always understood all the wordplay. And - to me - understanding the wordplay is just as important as finding the solution.
I hope this blog can be a forum where those of us who enjoy solving cryptic crossword puzzles can share our thoughts and experience to our mutual benefit.
Thank you very much for posting the cryptics every week. This is my favorite puzzle and it's how I start my Saturdays.
ReplyDeleteHere's the solution, Falcon. Have a good vacation.
ReplyDeleteAcross
1 KHOLRABI
5 YAMS
8 BANANAS
9 MUSTARD
11 DATES
12 AVOCADO
14 CUCUMBER
16 SPELT
18 ONION
20 RUTABAGA
23 SPINACH
24 CHARD
26 ORANGES
27 LETTUCE
28 NUTS
29 PURSLANE
Down
1 KINETIC
2 HANKS
3 REST AREA
4 BAMBOO
6 ABALONE
7 SODA
8 BAD ACTOR
10 SWANSEA
13 STRADDLE
15 MENDING
17 MUDHOLES
19 INSTANT
21 AS A RULE
22 NASSAU
24 COTTA
25 CORN