Hi all! This is a puzzle I've devised, a hybrid of two puzzle types called Parks and Tents. Because boredom.



What you see is a rather convoluted camping ground, divided into impratical sections (colored for your viewing convenience). Because of regulations, each row, column and section must contain exactly two trees. A tree takes up one square. No tree may touch another, even diagonally.

Then there are tents (marked 'A'). Like trees, no tent may touch another even diagonally, campers want their privacy. Tents take up one square, like trees. The numbers along the edges tell how many tents are in that row/column, pre-placed tents are included in that number.

The campers want to be in the shade of a tree, so a tent must be directly adjacent (sharing an edge) with a tree. Every tent must be attached to a tree. Also, every tree must have a tent attached. No one wants to have unused trees slacking around.

Clarified: a tree can have multiple tents around it, but only one tent can connect to it (the other tent must have some other tree nearby to connect to) Vice versa, two trees can be around a single tent but it can't be the only tent to connect for both. Basically, you're placing down tent-tree pairs.



tl;dr:

• Two trees for each row, column and colored section
• Trees may not touch each other, not even diagonally
• Number on edge tells the amount of tents on that row/column (pre-placed tents are included in that number)
• Tents may not touch each other, not even diagonally
• A tree can have multiple tents around it, but can attach to only one. Vice versa for tents. Every tree and tent must be attached. (see clarification picture)
• A tree and its tent needn't be in the same section
• Tents are marked 'A', trees can be marked as you wish (I use 'T')

I think it's quite tricky. Feedback, please!

Can't add the Excel file for some reason.

No interest at all?
I posted this over at the xkcd fora and they seemed to like it.

I like the concept, but I don't have the energy to solve it. I am somewhat surprised that no one has posted a solution.

I have an exam in a couple of hours, but I'll give it a go afterwards, if no one else solves it first!

There should be an equal number of trees and tents, correct?

Just back from holiday, I did a lot of this kind of puzzles on the long train journey ! Now I will try your puzzle.