Saturday, August 18, 2007
10th box planted!
as if the three boxes planted earlier today weren't enough, we planted #10, "Bearly There" tonight in the cover of darkness. we also had dinner with 4Armstrongs and had a letterboxing brainstorming extravaganza. look for some exciting new letterboxing opportunities coming soon.
Busy Boxing
Just planted our "Baylor History Walking Tour," inspired by Lionsmane's "City Different Walking Tour," in Santa Fe. We also planted "Sailor Bear" and "Just Passing Through" Hitchhiker Hostel.. As i was adding (and fixing!) the clues for the walking tour, i got an email from another letterboxer (seconds after posting!) who said they had a relative (and letterboxing partner) considering Baylor for college. who knew letterboxing could help recruit for the university? :-)
Thursday, August 9, 2007
excerpts from letterbox readings
charming and or entertaining excerpts from the book
Dartmoor Letterboxing: A Guide for Beginners:
"A word of warning though...letterboxing, as a hobby, can be very addictive and, once started, people have been known to spend every spare moment, whatever the weather, out on the moors in search of 'that elusive box'!"
"What the well-dressed letterboxer is wearing-
It is not necessary to spend a fortune on specialist clothing as it's possible to find a great number of letterboxes within easy range of your parked vehicle, but it is important to understand the potentially dangerous environment that you will be 'boxing' in....What you put on your feet is very important - flip flops will not do even on the finest summer days and, although Wellington boots are often fine for a short outing, they are not suitable for longer excursions. Any self-respecting moorland walker should have footwear that is tough but comfy and which gives a degree of protection."
"If you have no intention of going very far or staying out for very long, then you might not want to carry food and drink, but you should NEVER walk without some emergency rations, particularly those which give energy and/or nourishment. Mint cake or glucose are good examples of 'food' that can revive flagging batteries when such situations arise. There are certain items which are a must for any longer outing....If a longer expedition is planned, whistle, torch (with spare batteries) and survival bag are recommended items. And, I suppose, a sign of the times, a mobile phone can be useful in the event of a broken limb or some other emergency."
Dartmoor Letterboxing: A Guide for Beginners:
"A word of warning though...letterboxing, as a hobby, can be very addictive and, once started, people have been known to spend every spare moment, whatever the weather, out on the moors in search of 'that elusive box'!"
"What the well-dressed letterboxer is wearing-
It is not necessary to spend a fortune on specialist clothing as it's possible to find a great number of letterboxes within easy range of your parked vehicle, but it is important to understand the potentially dangerous environment that you will be 'boxing' in....What you put on your feet is very important - flip flops will not do even on the finest summer days and, although Wellington boots are often fine for a short outing, they are not suitable for longer excursions. Any self-respecting moorland walker should have footwear that is tough but comfy and which gives a degree of protection."
"If you have no intention of going very far or staying out for very long, then you might not want to carry food and drink, but you should NEVER walk without some emergency rations, particularly those which give energy and/or nourishment. Mint cake or glucose are good examples of 'food' that can revive flagging batteries when such situations arise. There are certain items which are a must for any longer outing....If a longer expedition is planned, whistle, torch (with spare batteries) and survival bag are recommended items. And, I suppose, a sign of the times, a mobile phone can be useful in the event of a broken limb or some other emergency."
8/8/07 Waco, TX
"The Real Thing- Texas Governors Series" by Boots Tex
"The Lawman- Texas Governors Series" by Boots Tex
"Parks for Texas- Texas Governors Series" by Boots Tex
These letterboxes are brand new and part of a larger series by Boots Tex. These three are found in the Oakwood Cemetery in Waco- one of the most beautiful, historic cemeteries in this part of the country. Boots Tex's amazing stamp carving shines through in these amazing recreations of early photographs of these three Texas governors. We found these three late in the evening as the sun was setting and countless fireflies drifted throughout the cemetery.
"The Lawman- Texas Governors Series" by Boots Tex
"Parks for Texas- Texas Governors Series" by Boots Tex
These letterboxes are brand new and part of a larger series by Boots Tex. These three are found in the Oakwood Cemetery in Waco- one of the most beautiful, historic cemeteries in this part of the country. Boots Tex's amazing stamp carving shines through in these amazing recreations of early photographs of these three Texas governors. We found these three late in the evening as the sun was setting and countless fireflies drifted throughout the cemetery.
8/5/07 Frisco, CO
"Are there bears out there?" by us!
today we planted our sixth box (a micro) "are there bears out there?" in the downtown area of Frisco, a quaint little village. We had our letterboxing niece follow the clues to make sure it actually worked!
"Peninsula" by The Brown Knight
This was a great box out in the woods near Frisco. Hunted this one with some of our extended family letterboxers, Becky, Josh, and Mike. Nice stamp and logbook in a scenic spot!
today we planted our sixth box (a micro) "are there bears out there?" in the downtown area of Frisco, a quaint little village. We had our letterboxing niece follow the clues to make sure it actually worked!
"Peninsula" by The Brown Knight
This was a great box out in the woods near Frisco. Hunted this one with some of our extended family letterboxers, Becky, Josh, and Mike. Nice stamp and logbook in a scenic spot!
8/04/07 Breckenridge, CO
"AXO Letterbox"
This was located in "downtown" Breckenridge. After a great pizza and a tour of a gold mine, we set out to find this LB. this was a clever hide just off the beaten path, within sight of hundreds of people. fun adventure and a great little town in which to hang out.
This was located in "downtown" Breckenridge. After a great pizza and a tour of a gold mine, we set out to find this LB. this was a clever hide just off the beaten path, within sight of hundreds of people. fun adventure and a great little town in which to hang out.
7/31/07 Frisco, CO
"March of the Penguins" by Blackvelvetrav
We spent the week in Dillon, Colorado and did a tiny bit of letterboxing (nothing as monumental as our Sante Fe leg of the trip though!). With the help of our son, niece and nephews, we set out to look for "March of the Penguins." we found the first two penguins, but the last two have been missing unfortunately. Frisco is a great little town with lots of charm, in the same little valley as Dillon and Breckenridge.
We spent the week in Dillon, Colorado and did a tiny bit of letterboxing (nothing as monumental as our Sante Fe leg of the trip though!). With the help of our son, niece and nephews, we set out to look for "March of the Penguins." we found the first two penguins, but the last two have been missing unfortunately. Frisco is a great little town with lots of charm, in the same little valley as Dillon and Breckenridge.
photo from santa fe "mini meet"
thanks to lionsmane for this photo of Travelin Ts and Astro D during our recent meet!
be sure to visit lionsmane's blog at:
http://lionsgame.blogspot.com/2007/07/meeting-travelin-ts.html
7/30/07 Santa Fe
"La Paloma" by Astro D
Another box that hinges on having a compass or at least a good understanding of how they work! this is a really cool spot and GREAT clues (those kind that don't make any sense until you get there). this one took a little digging to find the location (even with some help from Astro D!). the first time we looked for this one, we came up empty-handed. With a little more encouragement from Astro D and help from our new family recruits to letterboxing (Josh, Jeremy, and Joel of Houston), we were able to find the box on the second attempt. well worth it. beautiful stamp. nice work D!
"The Crow Knows" by lionsmane
this was our last find of our santa fe trip. Ghost Ranch of Santa Fe has a beautiful sculpture garden that's definitely worth seeing. hidden among this lovely setting is another great stamp by lionsmane. definitely worth visiting!
sad to say goodbye to santa fe, but we made some great new friends who challenged and inspired us with their letterboxes and thoroughly enjoyed our time in the city. we'll definitely be back!
Another box that hinges on having a compass or at least a good understanding of how they work! this is a really cool spot and GREAT clues (those kind that don't make any sense until you get there). this one took a little digging to find the location (even with some help from Astro D!). the first time we looked for this one, we came up empty-handed. With a little more encouragement from Astro D and help from our new family recruits to letterboxing (Josh, Jeremy, and Joel of Houston), we were able to find the box on the second attempt. well worth it. beautiful stamp. nice work D!
"The Crow Knows" by lionsmane
this was our last find of our santa fe trip. Ghost Ranch of Santa Fe has a beautiful sculpture garden that's definitely worth seeing. hidden among this lovely setting is another great stamp by lionsmane. definitely worth visiting!
sad to say goodbye to santa fe, but we made some great new friends who challenged and inspired us with their letterboxes and thoroughly enjoyed our time in the city. we'll definitely be back!
7/27-30/2007 Santa Fe
"City Different Walking Tour" by lionsmane
i wasn't even sure where to list this LB, since it took several days to complete! this adventure is NOT for the faint of heart, but it certainly was worth the time. this hunt involves lots of deciphering all over the city, but along the way, you'll learn all kinds of interesting stuff about the city and its founding. the reward is certainly worth it! some of our relatives who were passing through santa fe while we were there, were introduced to letterboxing on this one. they loved it and we worked late into the night, having to use our cellphones as flashlights to finish (about 10pm). but a LOT of fun! i even went back the next day to enjoy the final location for a second time.
i wasn't even sure where to list this LB, since it took several days to complete! this adventure is NOT for the faint of heart, but it certainly was worth the time. this hunt involves lots of deciphering all over the city, but along the way, you'll learn all kinds of interesting stuff about the city and its founding. the reward is certainly worth it! some of our relatives who were passing through santa fe while we were there, were introduced to letterboxing on this one. they loved it and we worked late into the night, having to use our cellphones as flashlights to finish (about 10pm). but a LOT of fun! i even went back the next day to enjoy the final location for a second time.
7/29/07 Santa Fe
"Lizard Goes South" by Kat
a stamp that will make you smile, and come to think of it, so will the location. Old Ft. Marcy Park is a great spot with a wonderful scenic view.
"Play Pasture Pool?" by rubberpeace
Great stamps and logbook! this one took us a while to find (i think because we were sure we'd see a rattlesnake!). we didn't though and this one took us to an area of santa fe we NEVER would have found on our own!
"Art Attack #1" by preboxed
whether your a native or a visitor to santa fe, this is a great adventure and takes you to some places you'll definitely want to see. the clues were very creative (and the kind that aren't going to make any sense until you're actually there hunting).
a stamp that will make you smile, and come to think of it, so will the location. Old Ft. Marcy Park is a great spot with a wonderful scenic view.
"Play Pasture Pool?" by rubberpeace
Great stamps and logbook! this one took us a while to find (i think because we were sure we'd see a rattlesnake!). we didn't though and this one took us to an area of santa fe we NEVER would have found on our own!
"Art Attack #1" by preboxed
whether your a native or a visitor to santa fe, this is a great adventure and takes you to some places you'll definitely want to see. the clues were very creative (and the kind that aren't going to make any sense until you're actually there hunting).
7/28/07 Santa Fe "on your mark...get set..."
Busy day letterboxing...
We started by revisiting "Calavera"... a really great and educational adventure dealing with the rich, cultural tradition of Dia de los Muertos. a great box and great stamp! this was a super busy location that required a lot of stealth.
the next LB was "Canyon Oasis"....wow...worth traveling to Santa Fe just to experience this! a beautiful stamp by Astro D in a magical location. a peaceful, restful escape from the hustle and bustle (and heat!) just steps away.
"Artful Southwest" by Artrekker
we'd looked for the first two in this series ("Catherdral Moon" and "Little Pot") the day before, but after meeting with Astro D and Lionsmane, learned that they'd been checking on these and hadn't been able to locate either. Heard a really interesting story about Lionsmane rescuing "little pot" from accidental disappearance once before!) the two spots for the missing LBs were super great, so we were sad they'd disappeared. however, the third in the series, "Santa Fe Style" was there and in a fun hiding place (that also required a lot of stealth and patience to retrieve). These Santa Fe-ers are inspiring with clever (and sometimes HARD!) clues, amazing stamps, and fun adventures!.
"Is She Mary?" by rubberpeace
this was super fun and a nice twist, requiring interacting with other people to make contact with this box. a great and unique hiding place! we'd hoped to get to meet rubberpeace during the impromptu "santa fe mini meet" earlier in the day, but it didn't work out. i guess we'll have to schedule another trip to santa fe to meet rubberpeace and find the tons of boxes we didn't have time to search for! this was our first LBing trip outside of texas, but i'm convinced this is the perfect place to plan a letterboxing trip. if you haven't hunted here before, stop what you're doing and schedule a trip to santa fe. i've always loved this town and it's vibe, but now that we're into letterboxing, it's even BETTER! gobs of wonderful LBs in a beautiful, enchanting setting. (stop reading and go plan your trip!)
"A Pressing Matter" by Astro D
wow... this is one of my all time favorite letterboxes! i don't want to give anything away on this one, but it is sooooo cool. if you haven't hunted for this one... add it to your list right now. BEAUTIFUL box, stamp, experience. thanks, Astro D!!!
"Honor Loyalty and Peace" by lionsmane
this was our first lionsmane LB to find and we LOVE his style! this was the busiest location yet, but an amazing and creative hiding place! everywhere i go, i'm looking for a place like this!
"Bear in Mind" by lionsmane
another clever hide in a very busy area! this is where i learned that i'm a compass retard! thankfully, lionsmane added enough clues that "compass impaired" people can still do this (if they ignore the compass directions!) we hunted this one late at night and it still took patience and stealth! i'd almost given up on this one (even when i knew i was in the right place) bec itause was hidden so well! in our stacks of printed out clues, i somehow missed this one, but as we passed a landmark related to the clue (and inspiration for the stamp), i said, "hey, there's a letterbox right here somewhere!" but realized i should get the clues rather than just start searching aimlessly! thanks to the magic of technology (and free wi fi in our hotel room!) we got the clues online and imported them to our iPod for instant letterboxability!
"Going in Circles" by lionsmane
another creative clue by lionsmane! i love how he hides and creates the clues. this clue had no words at all!
"Giant Rebel of Eden" by lionsmane
really great stamp and great hiding place too!
We started by revisiting "Calavera"... a really great and educational adventure dealing with the rich, cultural tradition of Dia de los Muertos. a great box and great stamp! this was a super busy location that required a lot of stealth.
the next LB was "Canyon Oasis"....wow...worth traveling to Santa Fe just to experience this! a beautiful stamp by Astro D in a magical location. a peaceful, restful escape from the hustle and bustle (and heat!) just steps away.
"Artful Southwest" by Artrekker
we'd looked for the first two in this series ("Catherdral Moon" and "Little Pot") the day before, but after meeting with Astro D and Lionsmane, learned that they'd been checking on these and hadn't been able to locate either. Heard a really interesting story about Lionsmane rescuing "little pot" from accidental disappearance once before!) the two spots for the missing LBs were super great, so we were sad they'd disappeared. however, the third in the series, "Santa Fe Style" was there and in a fun hiding place (that also required a lot of stealth and patience to retrieve). These Santa Fe-ers are inspiring with clever (and sometimes HARD!) clues, amazing stamps, and fun adventures!.
"Is She Mary?" by rubberpeace
this was super fun and a nice twist, requiring interacting with other people to make contact with this box. a great and unique hiding place! we'd hoped to get to meet rubberpeace during the impromptu "santa fe mini meet" earlier in the day, but it didn't work out. i guess we'll have to schedule another trip to santa fe to meet rubberpeace and find the tons of boxes we didn't have time to search for! this was our first LBing trip outside of texas, but i'm convinced this is the perfect place to plan a letterboxing trip. if you haven't hunted here before, stop what you're doing and schedule a trip to santa fe. i've always loved this town and it's vibe, but now that we're into letterboxing, it's even BETTER! gobs of wonderful LBs in a beautiful, enchanting setting. (stop reading and go plan your trip!)
"A Pressing Matter" by Astro D
wow... this is one of my all time favorite letterboxes! i don't want to give anything away on this one, but it is sooooo cool. if you haven't hunted for this one... add it to your list right now. BEAUTIFUL box, stamp, experience. thanks, Astro D!!!
"Honor Loyalty and Peace" by lionsmane
this was our first lionsmane LB to find and we LOVE his style! this was the busiest location yet, but an amazing and creative hiding place! everywhere i go, i'm looking for a place like this!
"Bear in Mind" by lionsmane
another clever hide in a very busy area! this is where i learned that i'm a compass retard! thankfully, lionsmane added enough clues that "compass impaired" people can still do this (if they ignore the compass directions!) we hunted this one late at night and it still took patience and stealth! i'd almost given up on this one (even when i knew i was in the right place) bec itause was hidden so well! in our stacks of printed out clues, i somehow missed this one, but as we passed a landmark related to the clue (and inspiration for the stamp), i said, "hey, there's a letterbox right here somewhere!" but realized i should get the clues rather than just start searching aimlessly! thanks to the magic of technology (and free wi fi in our hotel room!) we got the clues online and imported them to our iPod for instant letterboxability!
"Going in Circles" by lionsmane
another creative clue by lionsmane! i love how he hides and creates the clues. this clue had no words at all!
"Giant Rebel of Eden" by lionsmane
really great stamp and great hiding place too!
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