Puzzle #868 • September 15, 2026
Stuck on today's Crossclimb?
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Hints first, no spoilers until you say so.
Top Word
Part of the frame
B A C K
Word 1
Short taste, as of a lollipop
L I C K
Word 2
Outside covering of a tree
B A R K
Word 3
Shortage or absence of something
L A C K
Word 4
Songbird whose name completes the phrase “on a ___”, meaning to do something impulsively or just for fun
L A R K
Word 5
Choose between a few options
P I C K
Bottom Word
Part of the frame
P A C K
Shared Frame Clue
The top + bottom rows = A compound word meaning to go on some adventurous travel with just a bag over your shoulders. Keep in mind: The first word may be at the bottom.
Tap to reveal frame clue