Well, it's finally happened. After a month of herniated discs, hospital visits and cortisone shots, the Highlander was finally able to struggle into work this week and see about the shirts. They shouldbe ready by tomorrow for us and we'll start mailing out the ones to those of you who paid for it this weekend. I'm pretty sure we AREN'T going to be doing any more travel or gatherings this year, so anyone that wants to come to the hitchhiker hostel is welcome to grab your shirt when you come. I just want to take care of the hubby for awhile and enjoy the recent peace that's come from finally getting him some pain relief.
Hope the world of boxing is still spinning without us! We did get to take a trip to visit my grannies in Florida and took one letterboxing to pick up A Leaf and Wanderings (both planted by Kirbert). We even planted three new boxes in the area which Kirbert has graciously offered to adopt for us! I also took a trip alone to the the LBMA Gathering at Knoebels with my friend and her family, but the Highlander and I shall never gather separately (???) again if I can help it...after all, it's a two person stamp!
I hear Team Dakota snuck back into town under cover of night and might be staying. If anyone knows where they are, let us know...we have a PLB for them!
The S & H
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Monday, September 05, 2005
Short Boxing Trip and...well, BOXES!!!
Just got back from Pennsylvania tonight after visiting our friends the Millers for the Labor Day weekend. We hadn't intended to turn it into a boxing weekend/recruitment trip, but after two pf Lightnin' Bug's boxes (Trexler's Tatanka and The Caboose of the Ironton Rail series), we've got a family of new boxers and 3 more participants for the Knoebel's Gathering at the end of September! Oh, what a demanding mistress letterboxing is, constantly demanding new sacrifices and fresh blood....! :-)
Oh, and as if to prove that the boxing gods are smiling down on us, we went into the Tops Market in Medina right before we left and found they had brought back the display of Lock and Lock boxes we all love to use! I bought a bunch on the spot and almost left the milk and stuff I CAME for behind!
School starts tomorrow, so the last major boxing events we have for this year (at least as far as I KNOW) are all coming up in the next few months. The Knoebel's Event is at the end of September in PA, the "Lake Eerie" Gathering in Ohio is in October as well as the Pink Flamingo Caper in CT and HOPEFULLY a night boxing event. We even plan to visit my grannies in Florida to box with them for a weekend. After that, though, I think the Highlander and I are due for a social calendar rest! We'll check back with everyone soon!
The Sprite & the Highlander
Oh, and as if to prove that the boxing gods are smiling down on us, we went into the Tops Market in Medina right before we left and found they had brought back the display of Lock and Lock boxes we all love to use! I bought a bunch on the spot and almost left the milk and stuff I CAME for behind!
School starts tomorrow, so the last major boxing events we have for this year (at least as far as I KNOW) are all coming up in the next few months. The Knoebel's Event is at the end of September in PA, the "Lake Eerie" Gathering in Ohio is in October as well as the Pink Flamingo Caper in CT and HOPEFULLY a night boxing event. We even plan to visit my grannies in Florida to box with them for a weekend. After that, though, I think the Highlander and I are due for a social calendar rest! We'll check back with everyone soon!
The Sprite & the Highlander
Sunday, August 28, 2005
2005 WNY Gathering Wrap Up
And another good time was had by all! Thanks to everyone that came for making this a wonderful weekend of boxing! The Highlander and I had a ball Saturday and it seemed like everyone left happy with the amount of boxing and socializing available, which is all we ask for! We even had a great time Sunday with Jiggs (sorry we lost you after lunch, man!), Craftmouse and Dandelion. I just posted Mama Rose's pics to the AQ site and the photo folder at the Yahoo group (plus I'll add them to our wrap-up page on our website), but if anyone else has pics to share, please post them as well!
Thanks to all who donated boxes, food, raffle items and, of course, money...we actually broke even for a change on the supplies and pavillion! :-) And SUPER special thanks to my planting partners, without whom we could not have done this...the IAP, Celtic Quinn, Silver Dragon Quinn, Mama Rose, Judomon, Little Tiger and Dances With Music (hope we're not forgetting anyone!).
The majority of these boxes are out here forever, but ALL of them are here for the next month, so feel free to return to the area and box again. Keep in mind (now that you won't have a herd of folks behind you as you box waiting to stamp in!) to take the time to rehide all the boxes as well, if not better than you find them so we've have a series that people can enjoy for years to come.
Finally, we'll be sending the t-shirt money to the makers this week and will contact all of you via AQ and this group when they finally arrive. If you can still get money to us this week, we can still get you a shirt, but e-mail us ahead of time so you'll know if we've placed the order yet.
Well, that's it for now! We're gonna find a spot to night box in October, but until then, how about a camping weekend in Allegeny NEXT August? We'll check it out and hope to see you there for the 4th Annual WNY Gathering!
The (happy, but exhausted) Sprite & the (exhausted, but happy) Highlander
Thanks to all who donated boxes, food, raffle items and, of course, money...we actually broke even for a change on the supplies and pavillion! :-) And SUPER special thanks to my planting partners, without whom we could not have done this...the IAP, Celtic Quinn, Silver Dragon Quinn, Mama Rose, Judomon, Little Tiger and Dances With Music (hope we're not forgetting anyone!).
The majority of these boxes are out here forever, but ALL of them are here for the next month, so feel free to return to the area and box again. Keep in mind (now that you won't have a herd of folks behind you as you box waiting to stamp in!) to take the time to rehide all the boxes as well, if not better than you find them so we've have a series that people can enjoy for years to come.
Finally, we'll be sending the t-shirt money to the makers this week and will contact all of you via AQ and this group when they finally arrive. If you can still get money to us this week, we can still get you a shirt, but e-mail us ahead of time so you'll know if we've placed the order yet.
Well, that's it for now! We're gonna find a spot to night box in October, but until then, how about a camping weekend in Allegeny NEXT August? We'll check it out and hope to see you there for the 4th Annual WNY Gathering!
The (happy, but exhausted) Sprite & the (exhausted, but happy) Highlander
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Atlas Quest Ceremonial Candle Affirmation
(looks up briefly from lighting incense at her Atlas Quest shrine and dusts off her ceremonial AQ acolyte robes) Yeah, some people get really into Atlas Quest, but not me. I just...hang on a second (turns to yell at the Highlander) I said FIVE ceremonial AQ candles to be lit by NOON, not FOUR! Are you TRYING to anger the boxing gods???
Well, after this post on the Premium Boards at Atlas Quest, it was apparent that we needed to put our candles where our mouths were! So, after getting candles and our Springchick from AQ headquarters, we did Ryan one stupider and draped ourselves in the ceremonial robes to proceed with our Affirmation Ceremony.
We lit the appropriate number of candles (5), knelt at the AQ shrine (okay, sat at the picnic table with it) and spoke aloud the affirmation, thereby invoking the true spirit of letterboxing. We also read from the Book of Speedball, verses 2004-2005 and sacrificed a huge horsefly that landed on Moonlightgamer's back while we were stamping. At the end, most of us signed into the event book with the official AQ pencils, too. There was even a little bloodshed as both Celtic Quinn and Moonlightgamer were both stung by yellowjackets trying to get the "What A Boy Wants" LB out of the tree (which they successfully did, I might add!)...oh, and when I reached into my backpa...er, ceremonial bag of holding for the pencils and stabbed myself with 5 of them. I think we must have done it wrong, though, since we STILL don't have a clue! (we did kinda wait until AFTER noon to light the candles...darn it!) :-)
Even though this was a sacred gathering, it WAS an official event with its own event stamp and flash photography was allowed. Celtic Quinn should be posting the pics from this once they get home from boxing and upload them to the photo album on AQ and LBNY. We posted the Book of Speedball as well for folks to laugh at (in reverance, of course!). All in all, a hilarious day at Rotary Park, but a very weird one for the folks that lived nearby and saw us in our ceremonial robes and hats (which were NOT just sheets from the closet, the hat from an old Halloween costume and a pillow on my head, no matter WHAT the investigating officer says!).
The (sitll peeling wax off the green satin sheets) Sprite and the (reluctant to put away the ceremonial purple pimp hat from last Halloween) Highlander
Well, after this post on the Premium Boards at Atlas Quest, it was apparent that we needed to put our candles where our mouths were! So, after getting candles and our Springchick from AQ headquarters, we did Ryan one stupider and draped ourselves in the ceremonial robes to proceed with our Affirmation Ceremony.
We lit the appropriate number of candles (5), knelt at the AQ shrine (okay, sat at the picnic table with it) and spoke aloud the affirmation, thereby invoking the true spirit of letterboxing. We also read from the Book of Speedball, verses 2004-2005 and sacrificed a huge horsefly that landed on Moonlightgamer's back while we were stamping. At the end, most of us signed into the event book with the official AQ pencils, too. There was even a little bloodshed as both Celtic Quinn and Moonlightgamer were both stung by yellowjackets trying to get the "What A Boy Wants" LB out of the tree (which they successfully did, I might add!)...oh, and when I reached into my backpa...er, ceremonial bag of holding for the pencils and stabbed myself with 5 of them. I think we must have done it wrong, though, since we STILL don't have a clue! (we did kinda wait until AFTER noon to light the candles...darn it!) :-)
Even though this was a sacred gathering, it WAS an official event with its own event stamp and flash photography was allowed. Celtic Quinn should be posting the pics from this once they get home from boxing and upload them to the photo album on AQ and LBNY. We posted the Book of Speedball as well for folks to laugh at (in reverance, of course!). All in all, a hilarious day at Rotary Park, but a very weird one for the folks that lived nearby and saw us in our ceremonial robes and hats (which were NOT just sheets from the closet, the hat from an old Halloween costume and a pillow on my head, no matter WHAT the investigating officer says!).
The (sitll peeling wax off the green satin sheets) Sprite and the (reluctant to put away the ceremonial purple pimp hat from last Halloween) Highlander
LBCNY & LBWNY merge into LBNY!
Well, after asking whether or not folks wanted to change our Letterboxing Western New York shirt to say Letterboxing New York, the two New York State Yahoo groups have merged into one (and the shirt is changed, too!). The new site is at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LbNY/ and we definitely encourage everyone to join. The LBWNY group will be closing down after the gathering to promote unity within the state. The t-shirt has already been changed to say LBNY, too, so all is well in NYS boxing!
In other changes, this has become our official site from now on. Having a place to post all these updates without having to update a webpage is a much nicer prospect, so expect more info to be posted on a more regular basis.
On that note, Trogdor (one of our boxes inspired by the Millenium is now selling Trogdor t-shirts and happens to also be right near where the box is currently located...fate works in mysterious ways!
Gathering proceedings continue! Currently, the Quinn clan and friends are joining us for a little irrevent fun at the expense of Atlas Quest...check out the link for the Atlas Quest Cermonial Candle Affirmation. The shrine has been made, the PZCut has been fattened, the ink has been huffed on and I'm still looking for decent robes to wear...they just don't make graduation gowns as sturdy as they used to!
Anyway, that's all that's new with us this week...check back in a few days for last minute updates. I'm going to attempt to get my sleep patterns back in order before school starts up again (good luck with THAT, seeing how it's already 2:17am and the Highlander has been out cold since10:30!)
The S & H
In other changes, this has become our official site from now on. Having a place to post all these updates without having to update a webpage is a much nicer prospect, so expect more info to be posted on a more regular basis.
On that note, Trogdor (one of our boxes inspired by the Millenium is now selling Trogdor t-shirts and happens to also be right near where the box is currently located...fate works in mysterious ways!
Gathering proceedings continue! Currently, the Quinn clan and friends are joining us for a little irrevent fun at the expense of Atlas Quest...check out the link for the Atlas Quest Cermonial Candle Affirmation. The shrine has been made, the PZCut has been fattened, the ink has been huffed on and I'm still looking for decent robes to wear...they just don't make graduation gowns as sturdy as they used to!
Anyway, that's all that's new with us this week...check back in a few days for last minute updates. I'm going to attempt to get my sleep patterns back in order before school starts up again (good luck with THAT, seeing how it's already 2:17am and the Highlander has been out cold since10:30!)
The S & H
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Ceremonial AQ Robes and Gathering Update
Well, after SERIOUS hiking yesterday with Silver Dragon, Celtic Quinn and our new boxing buddies, Dances With Music and Mama Rose and the Rosettes, all the boxes for the gathering have at LAST been planted (plus we found the last two Penefield parks boxes without a hitch!). We were able to get every single box (yes, EVERY box!) into Durand Eastman Park, so this promises to be a day of boxing euphoria beyond compare! In addition, most of these boxes are permanent plants, so anything you miss in the 60+ boxes should still be available for at least a month, if not longer.
We're still trying to come up with ways to work this t-shirt thing by August, too, but we don't see it happening unless we A) do iron on transfers or B) find another person willing to silk screen the shirts for us with our logo. If anyone knows someone who can silk screen shirts that we order for FREE, let us know! :-) Again, we'll still get shirts, just not as fast as we'd hoped.
Also, as part of a joke that was posted on the Premium Boards at Atlas Quest, Ryan (Green Tortuga) has, in fact, sent over the ceremonial AQ candles and Springchick! :-) We plan to send him a nice photo album of our AQ ceremony invoking the spirit of letterboxing this weekend. It's going to be campy and stupid (needless to say, the Quinn Clan is automatically involved), but we'll post the pics when we're done!
The (scrubbing her acolyte/graduation robes to a spotless...er, black) Sprite & the (sharpening the sacrificial Speedball cutter and fattening the PZCut) Highlander
We're still trying to come up with ways to work this t-shirt thing by August, too, but we don't see it happening unless we A) do iron on transfers or B) find another person willing to silk screen the shirts for us with our logo. If anyone knows someone who can silk screen shirts that we order for FREE, let us know! :-) Again, we'll still get shirts, just not as fast as we'd hoped.
Also, as part of a joke that was posted on the Premium Boards at Atlas Quest, Ryan (Green Tortuga) has, in fact, sent over the ceremonial AQ candles and Springchick! :-) We plan to send him a nice photo album of our AQ ceremony invoking the spirit of letterboxing this weekend. It's going to be campy and stupid (needless to say, the Quinn Clan is automatically involved), but we'll post the pics when we're done!
The (scrubbing her acolyte/graduation robes to a spotless...er, black) Sprite & the (sharpening the sacrificial Speedball cutter and fattening the PZCut) Highlander
Monday, August 08, 2005
Tips For Attending a Gathering
As promised, here's some info we've compiled on what to do if you're attending a gathering. Rather than post a big log here, we've stored it as a printable document here: http://www.geocities.com/dasprite222/gtips.doc Ryan also has it posted on Atlas Quest, so if you can't bring up our file, just go right to this link and print this instead: http://www.atlasquest.com/events/tips2.html
New/Old pics & Box Updates
Hey, we just added pics to the Atlas Quest event page for the November 2004 WNY gathering! Just click here to see them http://www.atlasquest.com/events/event.html?gEventId=37
I also went ahead and added all the boxes that were donated to Atlas Quest. The owners will be able to add the clues to LBNA after I post them, but since LBNA doesn't have a way to show an adoption, I decided to let them choose whether or not they want to list the boxes there.
Still time for those of you who haven't to sign up to come in August. Just click on the link to the right to go straight to the event page and sign up. It's going to be big...5 more boxes showed up this weekend that we have to add!
I also went ahead and added all the boxes that were donated to Atlas Quest. The owners will be able to add the clues to LBNA after I post them, but since LBNA doesn't have a way to show an adoption, I decided to let them choose whether or not they want to list the boxes there.
Still time for those of you who haven't to sign up to come in August. Just click on the link to the right to go straight to the event page and sign up. It's going to be big...5 more boxes showed up this weekend that we have to add!
T-Shirt Update
Good news and bad news...
The good news is you guys still have time to place an order for the LBWNY t-shirt (the one with the hiker on the front and our "If You Plant It, They Will Come" slogan cicled around the image of NYS with "LBWNY" on the back) for the $11 price (see the LBWNY Yahoo group or the event page's photo album for pics).
The bad news is only a few of the shirts will be ready for the gathering. The folks at Planet Love are swamped with orders and craft shows and our little shirt is really the last in line. They didn't realize we needed them so soon (and we were kind of leisurely taking orders and collecting money with the assumption that time is an infinite thing), so they haven't even had a chance to order the extra shirts for us yet, let alone put logos on them.
So, what WILL be available at the gathering is the chance to SEE these shirts and place an order, since they were able to crank out one or two for us to display. The rest will come after Labor Day and you can pick them up or contact us for mailing instructions. Needless to say, we would be MORE than happy to let you pick them up if you live nearby (we hadn't figured in the cost of mailing out all these individually until this moment...ouch!). If you've placed an order for a shirt already, you will HAVE to pay by August 27th to get it (except Dagonell, who gets his free). Bringing your money to the gathering is okay, but it must be given to us by day's end to get in this order. A
nyone NOT ordering and paying by August 27th has two options:1) Purchase your shirt from Planet Love at the individual shirt price without the discount at $252) Wait for us to get another order of at least 24 shirts at $11, which will take longer, but would get you a shirt cheaper
Anyway, sorry for all the promises of a t-shirt paradise! We'll still have a great shirt, but (as is the custom with reality checks) not exactly when we want it!
The good news is you guys still have time to place an order for the LBWNY t-shirt (the one with the hiker on the front and our "If You Plant It, They Will Come" slogan cicled around the image of NYS with "LBWNY" on the back) for the $11 price (see the LBWNY Yahoo group or the event page's photo album for pics).
The bad news is only a few of the shirts will be ready for the gathering. The folks at Planet Love are swamped with orders and craft shows and our little shirt is really the last in line. They didn't realize we needed them so soon (and we were kind of leisurely taking orders and collecting money with the assumption that time is an infinite thing), so they haven't even had a chance to order the extra shirts for us yet, let alone put logos on them.
So, what WILL be available at the gathering is the chance to SEE these shirts and place an order, since they were able to crank out one or two for us to display. The rest will come after Labor Day and you can pick them up or contact us for mailing instructions. Needless to say, we would be MORE than happy to let you pick them up if you live nearby (we hadn't figured in the cost of mailing out all these individually until this moment...ouch!). If you've placed an order for a shirt already, you will HAVE to pay by August 27th to get it (except Dagonell, who gets his free). Bringing your money to the gathering is okay, but it must be given to us by day's end to get in this order. A
nyone NOT ordering and paying by August 27th has two options:1) Purchase your shirt from Planet Love at the individual shirt price without the discount at $252) Wait for us to get another order of at least 24 shirts at $11, which will take longer, but would get you a shirt cheaper
Anyway, sorry for all the promises of a t-shirt paradise! We'll still have a great shirt, but (as is the custom with reality checks) not exactly when we want it!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
New Travelling Event Stamp
I know, I know, I told everyone we'd be in Canada all weekend, but after driving to and from Fear Faketor, we decided to just excommunicate ourselves from the outside world (well, the HIGHLANDER did...I just made a BLOG, f'r cryin' out loud...and I LIKE talking!)
Anyway, we have a new travelling event stamp to unveil at the gathering in August! It's called The Four Seasons and it's got one of the 4 major sports associations interlocking on 4 puzzle pieces (MLB, NFL, NHL, & NBA). It works well with the "Just Playin' Around WNY" theme, but it also works nice for events in general as an around-the-pavilion sort of set of boxes.
I also finished a Dungeons & Dragons stamp last night that turned out even better than I had hoped, so much so that I'm thinking of retrying our personal stamp once more, once I get more carving material. So now I'm in carving mode...trying to decide what ELSE I can make with my little erasers today while playing with my new colorwheel and markers...
I have NO idea how I'll survive until the 27th.... :-O
Anyway, we have a new travelling event stamp to unveil at the gathering in August! It's called The Four Seasons and it's got one of the 4 major sports associations interlocking on 4 puzzle pieces (MLB, NFL, NHL, & NBA). It works well with the "Just Playin' Around WNY" theme, but it also works nice for events in general as an around-the-pavilion sort of set of boxes.
I also finished a Dungeons & Dragons stamp last night that turned out even better than I had hoped, so much so that I'm thinking of retrying our personal stamp once more, once I get more carving material. So now I'm in carving mode...trying to decide what ELSE I can make with my little erasers today while playing with my new colorwheel and markers...
I have NO idea how I'll survive until the 27th.... :-O
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
WNY Gathering and General Summer Update
We’re P85 F405 X188 H52 V44 as of 8/3/2005, but will hit over 100 plants VERY soon! Here’s what else is new with the Winged and the Kilted One!
Our summer of gatherings continues! We attended the Fear Faketor Gathering in Standfordville, NY from July29-30 and hung out overnight with the Quinn kids (Celtic Quinn, Green Star and Silver Dragon) along with our hostesses, Talking Turtle & Kreepy Kelli! We also had a terrific time visiting with Team Dakota, and those who came to say hi to them at the Spriland Fling Mini-Meet on July 24th. The 3rd Annual WNY Gathering (which has an updated webpage as of 8/3/2005 linked to the Atlas Quest site) is coming at the end of August, so now all our energy is devoted to making this last party a success! Click the links for details and to sign up!
The LBWNY (Letterboxing Western New York) Yahoo group continues and one of its most recent tasks was to create our new slogan “If You Plant It, They Will Come”, which we’ve placed on the back of our new t-shirt, Pics of the front hiker design and the back logo/slogan are posted in the photo section of the group. The shirts will be on sale for $11 at the WNY gathering, but you can contact us to preorder a shirt so that we’ll have your size when we get there. Mark & Sue Pepe have also been cool enough to send us some of their “Just Get Out There and Box” wristbands, which will also be on sale at the gathering for $5 each. One shirt and a few wristbands will also be raffled off at the gathering.
We’re still making the Life Lessons from The Jukebox series and now have our boxes in about 10 different states. We’re going for all 50, so if you’d like to offer your adoption services, contact us and let us know! If you find it ANY of our boxes, please be sure to register your find on Atlas Quest for us. We love seeing who’s who!
That's it for now...hope to see you all at the gathering!
The S & H
Our summer of gatherings continues! We attended the Fear Faketor Gathering in Standfordville, NY from July29-30 and hung out overnight with the Quinn kids (Celtic Quinn, Green Star and Silver Dragon) along with our hostesses, Talking Turtle & Kreepy Kelli! We also had a terrific time visiting with Team Dakota, and those who came to say hi to them at the Spriland Fling Mini-Meet on July 24th. The 3rd Annual WNY Gathering (which has an updated webpage as of 8/3/2005 linked to the Atlas Quest site) is coming at the end of August, so now all our energy is devoted to making this last party a success! Click the links for details and to sign up!
The LBWNY (Letterboxing Western New York) Yahoo group continues and one of its most recent tasks was to create our new slogan “If You Plant It, They Will Come”, which we’ve placed on the back of our new t-shirt, Pics of the front hiker design and the back logo/slogan are posted in the photo section of the group. The shirts will be on sale for $11 at the WNY gathering, but you can contact us to preorder a shirt so that we’ll have your size when we get there. Mark & Sue Pepe have also been cool enough to send us some of their “Just Get Out There and Box” wristbands, which will also be on sale at the gathering for $5 each. One shirt and a few wristbands will also be raffled off at the gathering.
We’re still making the Life Lessons from The Jukebox series and now have our boxes in about 10 different states. We’re going for all 50, so if you’d like to offer your adoption services, contact us and let us know! If you find it ANY of our boxes, please be sure to register your find on Atlas Quest for us. We love seeing who’s who!
That's it for now...hope to see you all at the gathering!
The S & H
What IS Letterboxing?
Our new favorite hobby is letterboxing (which, we can do in tandem with our national park passport cancellation search). The premise is pretty simple. People all over the world leave little boxes to be found by others who use clues from various internet websites (like www.letterboxing.org or www.atlasquest.com) to locate them. You go in search of these with your own little stamp and inkpad (something you like that you can get from any craft store), a writing utensil of some sort and your own little notebook for logging where you've been.
Once you've found a box, you'll always find a note explaining what you've found, a little stamp pertaining to the box and a logbook to leave your mark in. You use the stamp and inkpad you've brought to mark your presence in the letterbox's logbook, then use THEIR stamp to mark your own notebook as proof you've been there (essentially, exchanging stamp images). You can also write little notes to say more if you'd like. (ex--"Found it! From the Sprite & the Highlander"). Once you're done, put everything back and you're all set!
Sometimes you'll find a little box or pack inside a letterbox that comes complete with its own stamp and logbook. These are called hitchhikers and they're meant to travel. When you find one, take it with you and place it in the next letterbox you find. When you get there, pretend like the hitchhiker (or HH) is another person. Both you and the HH stamp into the box’s logbook (so people will know you were both there) and stamp both your log book and the HH’s with the box’s own stamp (so everyone will know where it’s been). Alternately, you can mail them to another letterboxing friend for them to place, which really helps move a hitchhiker around! No matter what, make sure you stamp in just like you would on a normal box.
The key in all this is making sure people DON'T see you. If you attract a lot of attention to a box, vandals might bother with it for fun, and then the box is gone for the next finders (as it stands, we're told that some people think it's funny to check for these boxes just to destroy them). We actually enjoy the cloak and dagger kind of stuff...one person plays look out while the other acquires the package, sliding along walls to make sure you don't get caught, doing the dive roll as the enemy opens FIRE...well, you get the idea, here!You also want to make sure you put things back the way you found them. We’ve been to lots of boxes now and really try to do what we can to rehide the box as well as possible. Nothing is worse than finding out your box was stolen or vandalized because someone was in a rush to take off to the next box and left it out to be found by passerbys.
Next time...gatherings!
Once you've found a box, you'll always find a note explaining what you've found, a little stamp pertaining to the box and a logbook to leave your mark in. You use the stamp and inkpad you've brought to mark your presence in the letterbox's logbook, then use THEIR stamp to mark your own notebook as proof you've been there (essentially, exchanging stamp images). You can also write little notes to say more if you'd like. (ex--"Found it! From the Sprite & the Highlander"). Once you're done, put everything back and you're all set!
Sometimes you'll find a little box or pack inside a letterbox that comes complete with its own stamp and logbook. These are called hitchhikers and they're meant to travel. When you find one, take it with you and place it in the next letterbox you find. When you get there, pretend like the hitchhiker (or HH) is another person. Both you and the HH stamp into the box’s logbook (so people will know you were both there) and stamp both your log book and the HH’s with the box’s own stamp (so everyone will know where it’s been). Alternately, you can mail them to another letterboxing friend for them to place, which really helps move a hitchhiker around! No matter what, make sure you stamp in just like you would on a normal box.
The key in all this is making sure people DON'T see you. If you attract a lot of attention to a box, vandals might bother with it for fun, and then the box is gone for the next finders (as it stands, we're told that some people think it's funny to check for these boxes just to destroy them). We actually enjoy the cloak and dagger kind of stuff...one person plays look out while the other acquires the package, sliding along walls to make sure you don't get caught, doing the dive roll as the enemy opens FIRE...well, you get the idea, here!You also want to make sure you put things back the way you found them. We’ve been to lots of boxes now and really try to do what we can to rehide the box as well as possible. Nothing is worse than finding out your box was stolen or vandalized because someone was in a rush to take off to the next box and left it out to be found by passerbys.
Next time...gatherings!
Our First Blog!
Well, it was bound to happen sometime! We got sick of posting and erasing all the stuff we had added to show you guys new info that we finally decide to blog it all (sounds so sordid!).
From now on, we'll be posting our updates and travel stuff on here, but we'll also keep our clues at our same address (www.geocities.com/dasprite222/boxclues.htm) and keep the main page available for a little while longer (just to redirect folks to this one). If this works the way I want, all the stuff on our main page will be here and we'll just use this space for our clues. Enjoy!
From now on, we'll be posting our updates and travel stuff on here, but we'll also keep our clues at our same address (www.geocities.com/dasprite222/boxclues.htm) and keep the main page available for a little while longer (just to redirect folks to this one). If this works the way I want, all the stuff on our main page will be here and we'll just use this space for our clues. Enjoy!
Sunday, August 01, 2004
General Boxes
These boxes are listed alphabetically.
Choo Choo Ch’Boogie (record your find)
Placed on 10/23/04 in Medina, NY (Orleans County)
This box is located at the Medina Railroad Museum in Medina, NY (can be found with a simple internet search). The clues are very simple. On the north side of the main building, you'll notice a platform. Part of the side of this platform is covered and has No Parking signs on it. Right where the boards stop covering the sides, you'll find a gap where you can reach-ch-ch in and boogie on back to your car to stamp!
The museum is pretty cool, too...you can take holiday rides as well as visit the miniature trains inside...it's MUCH bigger than it looks!
Coming Home (record your find)
Placed on 11/26/04 in Carrollton, TX (Denton County)
BEING REPLACED AS OF 8/21/05…WILL REPOST WHEN IT RETURNS!
Carrollton was the Sprite's home in the 90's and we return here each Thanksgiving, so we decided to leave a little part of us behind this holiday. In Carrollton, take Frankford Road to where Dickerson and Rosemeade meet. Take Rosemeade past E.L. Kent Elementary School (on left) and cross over the culvert to the park on the right. Turn right on Greenglen around the edge of the park and park your car down by the metal bridge that crosses the creek. Take a look around and enjoy the view, but before you even cross, make sure to check under the left side of the bridge behind the oddly circular piece of cement for what you seek.
Make sure the parkgoers are looking the other way when you acquire and rehide this one...happy hunting!
Placed on 10/17/04 in Snyder, NY (Erie County)
This box is the first and the inspiration for our series "Something I'm Thankful For", to be placed out for the Western NY Gathering on November 13th. It's also the only box that will be posted before the 2nd week of November. We've been trying to bring a little letterboxing sprite or Highlander into this world for quite a while now, so we decided to place this box outside our doctor's office. When you find it, say a little prayer and keep us in mind!Snyder is a tiny suburban city just off I-290 in Buffalo. Take the Harlem Rd. exit and turn left to get on Harlem. Go a few miles up to JUST BEFORE Route 5. On your left are the buildings for Snyder Park North. Turn in and go to the back of the parking lot. On the right is a brick building. Park here and look under the large tree to your left.This is an urban area, so be as careful with this box...well, as you would our own child! ;-) Once you get the box, you can actually sit in your car and stamp without looking too suspicious.
Flying J (record your find)
Placed on 1/4/05 in Pembroke, New York (Genesee County)
This box is right near a place near and dear to our heart, the Flying J. The Flying J is a a nice clean truck stop that has saved our lives many a time. From rushed birthday cards to last minute birthday gifts, showers and dinners, even mini tvs and DVDS...the Flying J has it ALL! We just love going it to see if they have whatever bizarre items we want...and they've only NOT had the item once!
Take the New York Thruway to the Medina/Pembroke exit #48 (the Six Flags Darien Lake exit), or for local folks, take Route 77 to where it meets the Thruway. Pull into the parking lot for cars and RVs and go to the parking along the right hand side. Stop and check the warped metal casing on the 3rd light post for this LB (whose container was ALSO purchased at the Flying J!). Stop inside and take a look around!
If Only For A Moment… (record your find)
Placed on 11/12/04 in Lockport, NY (Niagara County)
This box is hidden at a touching little park dedicated to children called the Children's Memorial Park (at the "Y" in the road between Lincoln Avenue and Transit Road (Route 78). The walkway stones are all dedicated to children who never had the chance to become adults. Refreshingly, however, this park is not just used to remember those who've passed on. Prom pictures and bridal shots are done regularly at the little gazebo, making what we consider a meaningful connection between endings and new beginnings. We think it also helps to remember the life of those same children, which was certainly filled with love and happiness as long as they were with us (even if only for a moment...)The box is quite close to the gazebo. Check the pinecone shaped bush to the right of the walkway as you head up to the gazebo and treasure the little things in life...tomorrow is not promised to any of us.
The Letterbook (record your find)
Placed on 9/23/04 in Medina, NY (Orleans County)
Letterboxes you've seen
But take a look
At our new letterbox
The Letterbook.
First go to Medina
To the middle of town
Near Main and Center
Have a look around.
See all the sights,
But the place you'll stop
Is a lovely little store
That's called The Book Shoppe.
Inside will be books
But the ones you should see
Are on the second shelf
Of "History"
On that shelf
In that bookcase
Is a Southwestern book
That seems out of place
Once you open it
Inside you'll find
A logbook and stamp
But no ink, so bring thine (poetic license)
As always, be sure
To be nice and neat
Even thought the owner knows
You should still be discreet.
Once you're done,
Don't rush off to go
Stay and look around
And have a cup of joe!
Little Cabin In Indian Falls (record your find)
Placed on 1/9/05 in Indian Falls, New York (Genesee County)
This box isn’t far from the Flying J, but we chose this location more for its view than its products. The Log Cabin Restaurant is just as nice and clean as the Flying J, but just not quite as appetizing, in our opinion (stop in for a bite and prove we’re wrong, please!) It is, however, an actual log cabin, which we love, and it DOES have a little hidden waterfall just behind it, which is even nicer.
From the Flying J, head north on Route 77 to Indian Falls. You’ll eventually drive down a hill that crosses over a small bridge. DO NOT cross over, but turn left and pull into the parking lot of the Log Cabin. Our box is right by the guardrail that prevents you from going into the waters below. Park on the far right end of the guardrail. Look between the 3rd post of the guard and the rail itself for a metal microbox.
Note: Snow gets shoved against this rail in the winter, so check the snow bank closely…the other side of it is entirely clear, so you can get to the box.
Lock City (record your find)
Replaced on 7/15/2004 in Lockport, NY (Niagara County)
This box was moved from Outwater Park after vandals destroyed the container. Luckily, we were able to recover the stamp and have moved it to a more appropriate location:
To get to Lockport: From the NYS Thruway, take the Airport exit (Route 78/Transit Road) all the way into Lockport. If you're already in the Western New York area and know the back roads, you can take take the 990 to Millersport, which dead ends into Transit, too.
Once in Lockport, follow the signs to the two canal locks right in the middle of town. Park nearby and take the stairs down to the locks on the SOUTH side (NOT the side the towpath is on!). Head EAST down more stairs and along the canal, keeping the cement wall on your right. The wall eventually curves away from the sidewalk and heads uphill, becoming a old stone wall. A hole in the wall that looks like someone has tried to partially refill it with cement is here. Just below this hole to the bottom left is a microbox (Altoids tin) containing a smaller version of the old Flight of Five that made Lockport famous. You’ll have to move two flat rocks about half your palm size to see it.
Please be sure to be EXTRA discreet in acquiring and replacing this box. This is right in town and LOTS of people hang around, so watch for tourists on the bridge and on the opposite side of the canal…you are visible from quite a few locations!
The Mystery of A’Tuin (record your find)
Placed on 12/22/04 in New York
Location: The word "Onguiaahra" appears on documents as early as 1641, and a little later "Ongiara" . Both are Indian words thought as meaning "The Straight". A more romantic meaning "Thunder of Waters" is also given.
Clue: Find the Native American A'Tuin overlooking this place (perhaps not THE A'Tuin, but large enough). Look under the middle tree near its southern side for a smaller version of its likeness. Note: This is a VERY small circular shaped Lock N Lock box, so look carefully!
Once A Year (Uncle Julie) (record your find)
Placed on 11/28/2004 in Addison, TX (Dallas County)
When we visit Texas for Thanksgiving, the one thing the Highlander INSISTS on is a trip to his favorite restaurant, Uncle Julio's (affectionately termed Uncle Julie!). So, it seemed only fitting this year that as we sat knocking back salsa, chips and margarita swirls, we created our second Texas stamp.You'll need to head to the Uncle Julio's at Keller Springs Road and the Dallas Tollway. Once you pull in by the sign, try to get the first parking space on your left facing the restaurant. If you can't, park close by and go the shrubbery in front of that space. It's basically at the southeast corner of the building. Check around under this shrubbed in area for our loving tribute (if it doesn't QUITE look like him, remember this is what he looks like to us AFTER a few margarita swirls!)
To Your Health, Too! (record your find)
Placed on 5/21/2005 in Clarence Hollow, NY (Erie County)
This box was originally part of the huge Royalton Ravine series and was called To Your Health. The stamp is still the same, but the location is new and quite worth the re-find! Incidentally, the reason we chose the location is because the historic museum here is actually the old home of Wilson Greatbatch, the inventor of the first implantable pacemaker! If you’d like to make a nice weekend of it, the Asa Ransom House is a stone’s throw past this box and it’s the best bed & breakfast in town, not to mention an award-winning restaurant.
Head down Route 5 from Williamsville and take it all the way until you get to the Clarence Historical Museum at 10465 Main Street (the entrance is on the right, just past the soccer fields and before the Asa Ransom House). Pull into the parking lot and park at the far end near the picnic tables and lake. Head down to the lake and go around to the side with the bridge. Before you cross the bridge, look to your left and you’ll see a faint path heading along the creek into the woods. At the start of this path, head 10 steps in and look down to the left. A fallen tree leans up against a tree near your path. You’ll have to leave the path and climb down a little to lift some deadwood for this box.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Homestar Runner Box Series
These boxes are based on the hilarious characters from the Homestar Runner website (www.homestarrunner.com)
Trogdor (record your find)
Placed on 12/12/04 in Middeport, New York (Niagara County)
THIS BOX HAS BEEN OFFICIAL RETIRED.
Trogdor II (record your find)
Placed on 8/19/05 in West Henrietta, New York (Monroe County)
This box is located in between two of our favorite places, the China Buffet on Jefferson Road and Millenium Games on West Henrietta Road (which happens to SELL Trogdor t-shirts now!). First, locate these two stores. The China Buffet's strip mall makes an L shape with the buffet itself anda Subway being the bottom of the L. Go to the TOP of this L and you'll find a little grassy and wooded stretch between you an the back part of Millenium's Strip mall. Sitting right at the VERY edge of this little grassy lot is a tree that has a partially rotted out bottom (if you're looking at the right tree, the strip mall for the buffet is at your back and the wooded area between you and the game store is in front of you. Move a piece of bark to find out who did this terrible damage to the tree.
Homestar Runner (record your find)
Replanted on 6/9/05 in Middeport, New York (Niagara County)
This location is another one of the little canal surprises for me…I always assumed that the water from drainage pipes ran right into the canal, but this spot proves me wrong!
To find Homestar, find the Basket Factory Restaurant in Middleport (which, by the way, can be gotten to via the Erie Canal as well, since they have a dock for boaters). Park in the park lot on the right of the building and head toward the canal. Follow the canal to the right until you reach the cement bridge that crosses over a raging little drainage pipe below. As you approach the culvert, sit down on the edge in front of you and look down at the water. It’s a great way to pretend that you’re NOT reaching for the box wrapped in a plastic Subway sandwich bag tucked into the cracks in the rock right by your left foot!
As before, please BE CAREFUL NOT TO PUSH THE BOX INTO THE WATER!!! :-O
Placed on 7/10/05 in Williamsville, NY (Erie County)
Pom Pom is Homestar’s large blimplike buddy and was drawn for us by one of the Sprite’s students, Madman. The location we chose was discovered while searching Glen Falls Park in Williamsville for the Falling Willamsville LB (which, if you’ve done this one, is on the other side of Glen Avenue). To get to the park, from Route 5 (Main Street), turn onto Mill Street, then turn onto Glen Street. Park in the available parking area to the right as far over as you can.
Once parked, head toward the far end of the parking lot toward the short wood fence that blocks you off from the Port-a-Pottie (don’t know if that’s a permanent one or not, but it’s the left corner of the lot). Follow the dirt path down toward the woods, passing 3 rocks and further down, a bench on your right and eventually 2 red painted stumps on your left. From this spot, you should see a way into the woods ahead of you. Go to this path, but do not go in just yet. Stand at the top of this path and look in the direction the main path goes (to the right). Along this path, look for the first double trunked tree on the left. Down under some deadwood is Pom Pom, wedged in pretty tightly! To your right is a fallen log where you can sit and stamp in. This is a well traveled path and park, so be discreet and rehide this box WELL!
Strong Sad (record your find)
Placed on 8/21/05 in Middleport, NY (Niagara County)
Strong Sad is Strong Bad’s elephant-shaped baby brother and was drawn for us by one of the Sprite’s students, Madman. It has been placed with the Thankful for Donations series out at Rotary Park in Middleport, NY, which is just behind the Lutheran church on Route 31.
Placed on 8/6/05 in North Tonawanda, NY (Niagara County)
The Cheat is Strong Bad’s sidekick and was drawn for us by one of the Sprite’s students, Luigi Loser. Start by finding the entrance to Niawanda Park, just near the end of Two Mile Creek Road. follow the parking lot until you reach the dead end, where a line of rocks stops you from going any further. Park and continue on foot to the east past these rocks staying close to the shrub and underbrush line on the right (this should put the Niagara River on your left). Ahead of you, before you reach any other trees on this grassy area, is a strange looking shrub. It's actually an old stump that keeps growing shorter branches and weeds.
Sit down in front of this shrub and watch the bikers and walkers in front of you enjoying the Niagara River scenery. When no one's looking (which will be a tough call at such a busy park), look back into the shrub/tree and move the chunk of rock that blocks a hidey hole with our buddy, The Cheat! Again, be VERY careful...this is a very popular place to hang out! If you can, prop your bag (or your Highlander!) up in front of the hole so you can reach behind it to get the box.
Trogdor (record your find)
Placed on 12/12/04 in Middeport, New York (Niagara County)
THIS BOX HAS BEEN OFFICIAL RETIRED.
Trogdor II (record your find)
Placed on 8/19/05 in West Henrietta, New York (Monroe County)
This box is located in between two of our favorite places, the China Buffet on Jefferson Road and Millenium Games on West Henrietta Road (which happens to SELL Trogdor t-shirts now!). First, locate these two stores. The China Buffet's strip mall makes an L shape with the buffet itself anda Subway being the bottom of the L. Go to the TOP of this L and you'll find a little grassy and wooded stretch between you an the back part of Millenium's Strip mall. Sitting right at the VERY edge of this little grassy lot is a tree that has a partially rotted out bottom (if you're looking at the right tree, the strip mall for the buffet is at your back and the wooded area between you and the game store is in front of you. Move a piece of bark to find out who did this terrible damage to the tree.
Homestar Runner (record your find)
Replanted on 6/9/05 in Middeport, New York (Niagara County)
This location is another one of the little canal surprises for me…I always assumed that the water from drainage pipes ran right into the canal, but this spot proves me wrong!
To find Homestar, find the Basket Factory Restaurant in Middleport (which, by the way, can be gotten to via the Erie Canal as well, since they have a dock for boaters). Park in the park lot on the right of the building and head toward the canal. Follow the canal to the right until you reach the cement bridge that crosses over a raging little drainage pipe below. As you approach the culvert, sit down on the edge in front of you and look down at the water. It’s a great way to pretend that you’re NOT reaching for the box wrapped in a plastic Subway sandwich bag tucked into the cracks in the rock right by your left foot!
As before, please BE CAREFUL NOT TO PUSH THE BOX INTO THE WATER!!! :-O
Placed on 7/10/05 in Williamsville, NY (Erie County)
Pom Pom is Homestar’s large blimplike buddy and was drawn for us by one of the Sprite’s students, Madman. The location we chose was discovered while searching Glen Falls Park in Williamsville for the Falling Willamsville LB (which, if you’ve done this one, is on the other side of Glen Avenue). To get to the park, from Route 5 (Main Street), turn onto Mill Street, then turn onto Glen Street. Park in the available parking area to the right as far over as you can.
Once parked, head toward the far end of the parking lot toward the short wood fence that blocks you off from the Port-a-Pottie (don’t know if that’s a permanent one or not, but it’s the left corner of the lot). Follow the dirt path down toward the woods, passing 3 rocks and further down, a bench on your right and eventually 2 red painted stumps on your left. From this spot, you should see a way into the woods ahead of you. Go to this path, but do not go in just yet. Stand at the top of this path and look in the direction the main path goes (to the right). Along this path, look for the first double trunked tree on the left. Down under some deadwood is Pom Pom, wedged in pretty tightly! To your right is a fallen log where you can sit and stamp in. This is a well traveled path and park, so be discreet and rehide this box WELL!
Strong Sad (record your find)
Placed on 8/21/05 in Middleport, NY (Niagara County)
Strong Sad is Strong Bad’s elephant-shaped baby brother and was drawn for us by one of the Sprite’s students, Madman. It has been placed with the Thankful for Donations series out at Rotary Park in Middleport, NY, which is just behind the Lutheran church on Route 31.
Placed on 8/6/05 in North Tonawanda, NY (Niagara County)
The Cheat is Strong Bad’s sidekick and was drawn for us by one of the Sprite’s students, Luigi Loser. Start by finding the entrance to Niawanda Park, just near the end of Two Mile Creek Road. follow the parking lot until you reach the dead end, where a line of rocks stops you from going any further. Park and continue on foot to the east past these rocks staying close to the shrub and underbrush line on the right (this should put the Niagara River on your left). Ahead of you, before you reach any other trees on this grassy area, is a strange looking shrub. It's actually an old stump that keeps growing shorter branches and weeds.
Sit down in front of this shrub and watch the bikers and walkers in front of you enjoying the Niagara River scenery. When no one's looking (which will be a tough call at such a busy park), look back into the shrub/tree and move the chunk of rock that blocks a hidey hole with our buddy, The Cheat! Again, be VERY careful...this is a very popular place to hang out! If you can, prop your bag (or your Highlander!) up in front of the hole so you can reach behind it to get the box.
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Life Lessons From the Jukebox Series
While driving the No Doz induced 24+ hours from Dallas to Buffalo, we found ourselves listening to the Sprite’s Time Life Sounds of the 70's CD collection. By the end of the trip, a long list of life lessons had been gleaned from the hours of sappy ballads, disco anthems, and country crossovers (click here to read the entire list). Contact us if you’d be willing to adopt a box to plant in your state!
#1 Wildfire (record your find)
Placed on 1/9/05 near Shelby, NY (Genesee County)
“Never go chasing after a horse in a blizzard...and if a hoot owl starts howling for more than 5 nights in a row outside your window, either make out a will or shoot that bird!”--Michael Martin Murphy
To find this song, head out to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge off Route 63, a good 10 miles north of the NYS Thruway. A wooden sign to your right lets you know you've entered the refuge. After driving through the large expanse of flooded timber that flanks both sides of Route 63, you'll come upon a dirt road in an open space to the left where you can drive to a kiosk that overlooks some of the federal lands. Turn in and park, but make note of the first tree on the right. Under a rock near its roots is a stampable reminder of the song Mr. Murphy gave his sage advice in.
Note: There are at least 3 or 4 other boxes near this refuge, not all of which belong to us...check Atlas Quest for the closest ones!
#2 Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl) (record your find)
Placed on 1/9/05 in Grand Island, NY (Erie County)
Never fall for a man whose life, love and lady is the sea (even if he gives you Spanish jewelry)!--Looking Glass
To find this song, head out to Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island in New York. Take the park roads all the way to the back of the park. Head past picnic areas 4 & 5 (might want to stop at the Niagara River Canvasback first!) and go back to picnic shelter 3B. The road curves sharply here near the waterfront. On the same side of the road as the river, look for a lone gnarled tree standing with a thick umbrella of branches, even in the winter (should still be missing one of its larger limbs). In the crotch of this tree is another musical reminder of Looking Glass’s one hit wisdom.
Note: Check below for info on how to find the Niagara River Canvasback, also in Beaver Island!
Definitely MISSING--will be replaced!
Placed on 2/12/05 in Buffalo, NY (Erie County)
“The Tallahatchee Bridge is one depressing place to hang out.”—Bobbie Gentry
“The Tallahatchee Bridge is one depressing place to hang out.”—Bobbie Gentry
To find this song, you’ll need to find the Left Bank in Buffalo. Once there, park in the lot to the right and check the base of the one scraggly tree against the building, right where the wall ends.
Note: This place is our favorite Valentine’s Day haunt…plan to stay for a meal if you can!
#4 Angie Baby (record your find)
Placed on 3/9/05 in Williamsville, NY (Erie County)
“Radios or music players of ANY kind are not advisable birthday gifts for girls named Angie.”—Helen Reddy
To find this song, head south on Wehrle Drive off Transit Road in Williamsville. Turn left into the industrial parks off Earhart Road and pull into the first entrance on your right. Head between the two office buildings to the back parking lot and look of a light post whose bottom is a little bent out of place (first one you see between the rows of parking spaces). Lift the metal housing upward to find this microbox and its stamp.
Placed on 5/1/2005 in Holland, MI (Ottawa County)
“Mining is a poor career choice if your name happens to be Timothy.”—The Buoys
Overview: This box is in Kirk Park - and Ottawa County Park. $4.00 daily...blah, blah, blah. There are a few parking spots before the pay booth. The treck is no more than 1 mile with only one small incline. Getting there: Entrance to the park is on Lakeshore Drive between Pierce Rd. and Stanton Rd. Park anywhere you like - this quest begins at the Trail Head.
Clues: Right is not right. It fells like we've been this way before... The first choice requires no barriers. Stay the course when things get vague. Pines on right...power above...going up. M.T.R. liked it here. in this case the conjoined twin has passed. From the one yet living 110. A different kind of beach.
Planted & adopted by Doglvrs
#6 Oh, What a Night (December 1963)
Placed on ??/??/???? in ???
“Apparently, there was one heck of a party back in December of 1963…”--Three Dog Night
Sent to Talking Turtle in NY for planting
#7 Joy to the World (record your find)
Placed on 3/18/05 in North Kingstown, RI (Washington County)
“Bullfrogs possess an unusually fine stock of wine.”—Three Dog Night
On Route 1A in North Kingstown, just south of the intersection of Route 1a and Gilbert Stuart Road, park your car at the GREEN gate entrance to Rome Point. Follow the main trail all the way to the end. You will be looking out over Narragansett Bay, with both the Jamestown and Newport Bridges visible to your right.
Head down the beach south, with the ocean to your left and the woodlands to your right. At 160 paces, look for a cluster of arborvitaes. Take a bearing of 230'. Walk 25 paces at 230' to a twisted old tree trunk. Look for Jeremiah at the base of its roots.
Planted and adopted for us by Warrior Woman
Planted and adopted for us by Warrior Woman
#8 The Devil Went Down to Georgia
Placed on 4/16/05 in Syracuse, NY
“You can bet your soul that hillbilly music beats demonic fiddle playing any day.”—The Charlie Daniels Band
Difficulty rating: Moderate, not suitable for families with very small children. There are some difficult rocky, rooty areas where the trail is not well defined - but trees are marked.
Round trip about 8/10 mile.
Clark Reservation, Jamesville, NY
605 E. Seneca Turnpike
Jamesville, NY 13078-9516
#315-492-1590
Onondaga County
This is a 300-acre state park that includes a Meromictic lake. There is a $7 - 8.00 fee to enter or use your Empire Pass. Dogs on a 6' leash are allowed. Clark reservation features 5 million year old exposed bedrock, beautiful views, picnic area's, fishing, hiking, and open all year. **
Syracuse is centrally located in New York State, at the crossroads of New York Thruway 90 (east & west) and Interstate 81 (north & south). From this intersection go south on I-81 and take exit 16A: here begins the 481 Bypass and you can only go one way. Take the first exit, which will be Rock Cut Rd., at the end of the off ramp go to the right and up the hill. The road ends at Brighton Ave. and a traffic light. Make a left. At the next traffic light go straight on Seneca Tpk./Rte. 173, this intersection has a Mobil gas station. Stay on Seneca Tpk./Rte. 173 and about 5 minutes after exiting the expressway, Clark Reservation State Park will be on your
left. You know you've gone too far if you enter the village of Jamesville.
Enter the Park and go straight, on to the ticket booth and parking lot.
**Info from the "I*NY, NEW YORK STATE, Travel Guide & Vacation Map" 2003
NOTES:
- Pick up a map at the Ticket Booth if unfamiliar with the park.
- Be warned that the rocks can be very slippery when wet, take care.
- This hunt leads you on a trail that will at times be table rock, whenever possible, please step on the rock and not the delicate mosses or other flora.
- Each step is one footfall and c. 28" long.
CLUES:
1) From the parking lot take the Mildred Faust Trail (green blaze) that leads past the comfort station. Once into the woods Mildred Faust Trail soon leads to the left, but you want to continue straight.
2) Very quickly you will be at the fence that runs along the cliff's edge, and down below will be Glacier Lake. Turn left, this is Cliff Trail (blue blaze).
3) When the fence ends, stay on the Cliff Trail and go down the rock "steps". When it goes back up, the left path (blue ribbon) is easier but both will get you to the top.
4) Once at the top of the hill (this will be Big Buck Trail) turn right, then a quick jog to the left and you're back on the rim and Cliff Trail.
5) Stay on this, keeping the edge of the cliff to your right, and it will lead you past Long Trail.
6) Before long the path will wander out beyond the trees to the rock edge of the cliff, and then lead back into the trees.
7) This area always reminds me of the Sierra Nevada's and is one of my favorite spots of the park. You will immediately notice a tree in the middle of the trail. On the left you'll see an opening of rocky ground leading away from the trail into the woods.
8) Enter and take 11 steps straight in, you should be able to step on the rock and not the moss or flora. Stop.
9) To the right at about 2:00 and roughly 4' away is a scrawny, shaggy bark deciduous tree (c. 3" dia.). About 6' straight ahead are two little deciduous trees growing close together. To your left is a very young cedar, it's trunk curving from the earth towards you and over a rock. Keep this rock in mind.
10) Walk another step or two then then turn around 180º and face the path you came from.
11) Go to the rock. This rock is squarish in shape with one corner pointing your way. On the right side of this corner, snuggled up to the rock and well hidden under a covering of leaf debris and smaller rocks you'll find your prey.
12) A nice stamping-in spot and beautiful view awaits you if you return to the Cliff Trail, turn left and go just a little way up to the big sitting rocks on the right.
13) Please secure all 4 latches on the lid, and return the box to the same hidey-hole and cover well with the rocks, and a good layer of forest debris and leaves (an extra sprinkling of leaves and forest debris under the rocks is even sneakier). ;-)
Planted & adopted by Catbead & Fly Doc
#9 Nothing From Nothing
Placed on ??/??/???? in ???
“Nothing from nothing DOES, in fact, leave nothing!”—Billy Preston from “Nothing From Nothing”
Sent to Rosie River Cat for planting in NJ
#10 YMCA/In The Navy
Placed on 3/19/05 in Allentown, PA
“The YMCA and the Navy are ALSO looking for a few good men!”—The Village People
Begin in the SE Corner of the South Parking lot of the Allentown YMCA (15th St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd). From the large pine tree, sight a sign with odd distances and dimensions SE of here. Follow this sign towards the boulevard named after the great civil rights leader and begin heading SW. Head under the bridge, as the boulevard heads west. If on foot, you may want to cross to the south side of the boulevard, where the sidewalk is black asphalt. This sidewalk will become a thin trail used by runners. You will come to a stone bridge with green railings, so turn left and cross it. You will pass a parking area on your left (you can start here is really lazy) and an iron gate on your right before the road goes uphill to a large grass triangle. From the center, go to the corner at 210° then enter the Little Lehigh Parkway trail at 165°. Time to be a Macho, Macho Man (or lady). Pass three of these Macho exercise signs, being sure to pump it up! After the 3rd Macho sign, you will come to a manhole with green spray paint on it. Just before this, spot an indistinct trail at 105° going gently uphill. A 4 ft tall stump is the trail guardian. At the top of an old cement kiln, double back, going 348° more steeply uphill. When the trail levels off, 4 more paces and sight a boomerang rock at 20°. Look under suspicious rock (and maybe a remnant pine branch that Kirby Rider put in front) to find the Village People.
First Finder gets the Zymurgy Hitchhiker, the last hitchhiker known to mankind!
Hidden near the Allentown, PA YMCA by Team Night Flyer (Kirby Rider and Lightnin’ Bug)
#11 Harper Valley PTA
Placed on 2/29/05 in Richardson, TX
“The Harper Valley PTA has no right to censor ANYbody!”—Jeannie C. Riley from “Harper Valley PTA”
We thought it only appropriate to place this box right in the middle of some very strong and active PTA country! Mimosa Park is on Mimosa in Richardson, TX at the intersection of Apache, near Mohawk Elementary, Arapaho Elementary, West Junior High School and between Richardson and Pearce High Schools.
Take the entrance into the park that leads you to the tennis courts in back. Pull that short skirt down as far as it will go to reach your knees, and face the tennis courts. On your left will be a covered picnic table area with a barbeque grill at the corner. Stand at the grill and face roughly east towards the creek and houses beyond. Take approximately 23 steps towards the creek and look for a multi-trunked (roughly 6 trunks) tree in the non-mown area. Life Lesson #11 is hidden down in the crotch of the trunks – please re-cover very well with sticks and leaves, because this dry material will blow off in a storm.
Planted and adopted for us by Celtic Lions
#12 Space Oddity
Placed on 8/15/2005 in Gales Ferry, CT
“Never go into space with ANYONE named Major Tom…on that note, planet Earth is blue and there’s nothing ANY of us can do…”—David Bowie
VERY pet friendly! Bring you dog for a swim -- or bring a tennis ball to fetch in the large field. PLEASE pick up after your pet! First, find Erickson Park. Its on Military Highway between Long Cove Road and Mullberry Drive. Park in the large gravel lot and begin a clockwise walk on the cinder walk way. Take time to stop and read the signs, the whole project was funded with LIS and Brownfield monies -- this beautiful spot is your tax dollars at work! Continue clockwise from the signboard, following the Thames River. Veer off the path to the VERY large hickory tree directly in front of you. Spy a break in the wall at 330 and a small makeshift cairn 2 steps right of the pass-through. Low in the wall awaits David Bowie!
Placed on ??/??/???? in ???
“Rubber Ducks CAN drive trucks!”—C.W. McCall
Sent to Rosie River Cat for planting in LA
#14 The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald
Placed on 4/9/05 in Ithaca, NY
“Do not go on pleasure cruises on Lake Superior when the gales of November come early.”—Gordon Lightfoot
From the upper entrance to (Five plus One) Mile Creek, just south of the intersection of Rt. 79 (East State St.) and Giles, walk past the gate labeled Wildflower Preserve. Follow the wide main path until it narrows considerably and you reach a rather non-traditional bridge (you'll know it when you see it). Just before the bridge you'll see quite a few rocks, some larger than the others, among the trees on your left.One of these larger rocks, flattish and grayish with some green moss growing on it, rests on a slope, with a square corner pointing up the slope. To the left of the corner is a smaller rectangular rock. Look behind the left side of this smaller slab. No rocks need to be moved to get what you're looking for, other than the much smaller rocks actually concealing it.Be sure to cover the box completely with these rocks as well as leaf debris when you leave, and watch for passersby. Don't forget to admire the tall waterfall in front of you while you're stamping in, either!NOTE: You may need to drive farther down Giles and park in the actual parking lot, then walk back up the road. Please be incredibly cautious if walking this road, especially with children, as drivers race through this twisty stretch with little consideration of either pedestrians or the posted speed limit.
Planted and adopted for us by TurtleMcQ
#15 Please Mister Please
Placed on 4/9/05 in Delaware, OH
“B17 is the most depressing song on the jukebox.”—Olivia Newton-John from “Please Mister Please”
“B17 is the most depressing song on the jukebox.”—Olivia Newton-John from “Please Mister Please”
The Delaware State Park is located on Highway 23 north of Delaware, Ohio. Allow 30 minutes for a round trip to find the letterbox. Follow the signs for the Marina as you drive through the park. Arriving at the Marina parking lot, pull off to the right and park in the spaces closest to the road. Find the Mink Run Trail across the road you drove in on. The trailhead is between a sign board and a cluster of picnic tables.
Continue following the trail as it wends around the lake. After an uphill rise and a slight turn to the left, look for a triangle formed by two parallel trees and a low stump in the middle of the trail. From this stump walk 25 paces forward. You should be at a small tree growing in the middle of the trail. Standing at this tree, look at 240 degrees for a fallen tree about 5 paces off the trail. The jukebox wisdom you seek so desperately can be found at the intersection of that fallen tree and a standing tree.
Planted and adopted for us by Rosmarnius
#16 Hair
“There’s all KINDS of hair.”—from “Hair”
Placed on 8/11/05 in Spokane, WA
Find Liberty Park.Go to the top of the UFO.Look through the trees and find the cave.Once there follow the tree line and go up the path.At the triangle go up nine steps.Right in front of you is your hair.Please rehide better than found.Do not do this box alone and watch children closely. NOT a night box!Please read disclaimers and such.
Planted and adopted for us by homeschoolmommy
#17 What’s Your Name?
Placed on 4/26/2005 in West Mansfield, MA (Bristol County)
“Rock stars don't even remember your name, so why the !@#$ would you sleep with them???”—Lynard Skynard from “What’s Your Name?”
You can obtain a trail mail map here: http://www.mansfieldma.com/conservation/images/Trail_map_2001.pdf
There couldn't be a more fitting location for this Jukebox Life Lesson letterbox. The Great Woods Conservation Area abuts the Tweeter Performing Arts Center, an outdoor concert venue for major musical performing acts. (Mandatory blaze orange during hunting season)
Take 495 to Exit 12 - Route 140N Mansfield, MA. Follow Route 140N, take a left onto School Street. Continue on School Street as it turns into Elm Street. Continue on Elm Street. Take a left onto Oak Street. Just as Oak Street takes a sharp right hand turn, you will see the entrance to the Great Woods Conservation Area on your left. The parking lot is open from dawn to dusk, but there is a little parking area at the trail head if the parking lot gates are closed.
You will be following the Red Trail all the way to the end. Some creative bushwhacking and log balancing will get you easily through some of the swampier areas. The Red Trail ends at an open field overlooking The Tweeter Performing Arts Center. You can gaze off into the distance for a glimpse of a rock star.At the end of the trail, facing the open field, turn around and walk 55 paces back down the trail from which you just came. At 55 paces you will notice a side trail off to the right at 330'. Walk 25 paces at 330' to an abandoned washing machine. From the washing machine, walk 10 paces at 350' to a small multitrunked tree holding a basket of - what else? - ROCKS! - at the base of the tree. Carefully move aside the rocks to find the real rock star - "What's Your Name?" - nestled in the basket formed by the multitrunks.
Planted and adopted for us by Warrior Woman
#18 My Eyes Adored You & Wichita Lineman
Placed on ??/??/???? in ???
“They aren’t STALKERS, they’re men whose eyes adored you…on that note, the Wichita Lineman is STILL on the line….”—Glenn Campbell and Frankie Valli
Sent to Ron in MO for planting
#19 Little Willie
Placed on 9/10/2005 in Deering, NH
“Regardless of the amount of coercion, Little Willie WON’T…go home.”—Sweet from “Little Willie”
What do Sweet and Tom Rush have in common? They are both singers of the 70’s that have left their mark on their music world. So, what better place for Sweet to hang out than in the Tom Rush Forest. The Forest is newly acquired by the state and has no maps or signs yet. You will find a sign down near the road, kinda hidden but no trailhead there. To find this forest you must find your way to Deering, New Hampshire. Once there, find the town hall, library, and the church. Right along the church is Gregg Lake Road. Goes up a big hill and ends at the top. No-one, not even the police in Deering, seem to know if the house on top is private or part of the state land. I have parked many times up there with no problems. If you are uncomfortable, then park somewhere at the bottom and walk up.Now for the directions to the box.On the right is a small uphillish type of parking area facing a large fieldly path. Take this path. When you reach the T go left. You will soon be at a field, follow the path to the left. At the end of the field you will pass through a small strip of trees into another field. Continue to follow the path on the left and enter the woods.At the T take a right. you will now be following alongside a stone wall. Continue down this road until you reach yet another T.There is a cellar hole in front of you. Find the steps. Go down them and 3 more steps to the floor rock by the twisted tree. Look to your right.
Planted and adopted by Uneksia
Saturday, May 01, 2004
Virtual Stamps & PACE/School Stamps
These boxes are designed to be kid friendly as well as adult friendly. All were created for the Lockport CSD elementary gifted program, so they might be the perfect challenge for the young boxers in your family!
Once we have time, we'll make a nice page of info to go with the actual stamp images, but for now, answer these questions, then use the letters from your answer to find the secret word. Plug the word into the blank in this web address to get a direct link to the stamp image: http://www.geocities.com/dasprite222/________.bmp
PACE Virtual Stamp #1 Children's Mysteries (record your find)
1. The four main characters of Gertrude Chandler Warner's books were famous for originally living in a what? (use the first letter of this answer)
2. The Jigsaw Jones mysteries are written by whom? (use the 3rd and 4th letters of the last name)
3. Who was Donald J. Sobol's famous boy detective? (10th letter of the first word)
4. The Mystery of the Stolen Corn Popper is one about which young detective? (5th and 6th letters of the last name)
PACE Virtual Stamp #2: Little House Books—Laura (record your find)
PACE Virtual Stamp #3: Little House Books—Rose (record your find)
Placed on 3/18/05 in Lockport, New York (Niagara County)
This box is on school property, but is in a fairly public use area, so do not attempt until weekends (or at least after 5pm on weekdays). You'll first need to locate the Lockport Board of Education building, which is off Beattie Avenue. Park in the parking lot and head north to the track/football field that people use in the evenings for walking (as well as the games and events for the middle school). Head to the stands closest to you and look under the right hand corner of the first step.
Science Olympics Series (record your find)
Are you one of the Sprite’s students? Click here to log in your Science Olympics stamps you earned. Not one of the Sprite’s students? Contact her if you want the code that her students had to decipher to get those stamps. Break the code and she’ll mail you the stamps you earn!
Keeping Up The PACE (record your find)
Placed on 10/9/04 in Lockport, NY (Niagara County)
This box had been retired, since it cannot be replaced in the same location!
Virtual Stamps
Once we have time, we'll make a nice page of info to go with the actual stamp images, but for now, answer these questions, then use the letters from your answer to find the secret word. Plug the word into the blank in this web address to get a direct link to the stamp image: http://www.geocities.com/dasprite222/________.bmp
PACE Virtual Stamp #1 Children's Mysteries (record your find)
1. The four main characters of Gertrude Chandler Warner's books were famous for originally living in a what? (use the first letter of this answer)
2. The Jigsaw Jones mysteries are written by whom? (use the 3rd and 4th letters of the last name)
3. Who was Donald J. Sobol's famous boy detective? (10th letter of the first word)
4. The Mystery of the Stolen Corn Popper is one about which young detective? (5th and 6th letters of the last name)
PACE Virtual Stamp #2: Little House Books—Laura (record your find)
1. In Little House on the Prairie, what is Laura's last name? (use the third letter of this answer)
2. What is the third book in Laura's Little House series? (use the 3rd and 5th letters of the first word)
3. What instrument does Pa play? (last letter of the word)
4. In the first book, Laura's family lives in what U.S. territory, which later becomes a state? (6th letter of the territory's name)
5. In which book does 15 year old Laura end up teaching in a claim shanty to earn money to send Mary to school? (1st letter of the third word and 4th letter of the fourth word)
6. Name the friend whose new buggy Laura helps drive from the book in question 5. (hint: Laura and this person eventually become more than just friends!) (last letter of the first name)
7. After the birth of Carrie, how many people were in Laura's immediate family? (spell out the number, use the third letter)
8. What was the name of Laura's cat? (last letter of second word)
9. The illustrator for the Laura books was whom? (last letter of the last name)
PACE Virtual Stamp #3: Little House Books—Rose (record your find)
1. What is Rose Wilder's grandfather's name? (use the last letter of the first or second word...they're they same!)
2. What is the third book in the Rose series? (3rd letter of the 8th word)
3. What town in Louisiana does Rose go to for high school? (3rd letter)
4. What region or area of Missouri did Rose and her family live in? (1st and 5th letters)
5. Name the boy who is caught trying to steal eggs from the Wilders in Little Farm in the Ozarks. (switch around the 4th and 5th letters of this name)
6. What is the name of Rose's family farm? (3rd letter of second word)
7. In New Dawn on Rocky Ridge, the New Year signals the turn of the what?. (last letter of word)
8. In what city does Rose learn to become a telegrapher? (first letter of first word)
9. Who is Rose's childhood sweetheart, according to the books in the Rose series? (5th letter of second word)
School Stamps
Lockport CSD: The Letterbox! (record your find)
Placed on 3/18/05 in Lockport, New York (Niagara County)
This box is on school property, but is in a fairly public use area, so do not attempt until weekends (or at least after 5pm on weekdays). You'll first need to locate the Lockport Board of Education building, which is off Beattie Avenue. Park in the parking lot and head north to the track/football field that people use in the evenings for walking (as well as the games and events for the middle school). Head to the stands closest to you and look under the right hand corner of the first step.
Science Olympics Series (record your find)
Are you one of the Sprite’s students? Click here to log in your Science Olympics stamps you earned. Not one of the Sprite’s students? Contact her if you want the code that her students had to decipher to get those stamps. Break the code and she’ll mail you the stamps you earn!
Keeping Up The PACE (record your find)
Placed on 10/9/04 in Lockport, NY (Niagara County)
This box had been retired, since it cannot be replaced in the same location!
Thursday, April 01, 2004
Things We're Thankful For Series (Boxes from the 2nd WNY Gathering)
These are the boxes that the Sprite & the Highlander placed for the gathering, but not all of them belong to us (creators are in parentheses). All those boxes that were meant to disappear in a month are now gone…this is the PERMANENT list!
Thankful at Royalton Ravine Series (19 boxes)
Begin by heading to Royalton Ravine Park for this whole series. Once you get there, park and walk west into the park itself on the gravel road toward the pond.
1. Once you get near the pond, enter the woods near the memorial to young Renee. From the first tree on the right, take about 20 steps. Look under the roots of the large tree on your right for Migration (The Sprite & The Highlander).
2. Leave the woods the way you came in and head west straight back until you reach the bench and treeline at the back of the park, (almost directly west of where you parked). Two paths enter the woods...take the one to the right of the bench. Only a few paces in will get you to twin sister trees with a red mark. Head north to the mass of upturned tree roots. Look between the pair of trees just in front of it under the bark with the rock on top for our favorite little winged one, Petra (The Sprite & The Highlander).
3. Get back on the path (marked with red trees) and keep heading the same direction you were going until you reach a T in the path. Two fallen logs lay in front of you. Check where they meet for our Family Tree (The I.A.P.)
4 & 5. Continue to the right on the path (still marked with mostly red paint on trees) until you find the arboreal monument to SH & NN '98 a little off the path to the right. Check the roots under a large rock for some of our favorite Seasons (The Sprite & The Highlander). Before you leave, step to the left into the little dip in the ground where Seasons is hidden and look back south. Take 13 steps to the larger tree in front of you and check its roots, too for what Bear was thankful for this year...Halloween (Bear).
6. Continue in the direction you were heading originally on the path. At the "T", head left and curve down into the ravine using what we're liberally terming "steps"...take extra care if it's muddy! 25 paces past the tree with the blue arrow pointing down and up the trial, you'll see two logs on the ground. Look in the hole of the one closest to the ravine for what the Sprite is most thankful for, Love O' The Irish (The Sprite and the Highlander).
7. Continue down into the S-curve of exposed roots and wood ties that serve as the path, keeping the ravine on your right. until you get to the bridge. Go past the bridge about 20 paces to the fallen log on the right. Check its roots to find Mare Bear (Mare Bear with Auntie Sprite!), the creator of Halloween. This was her second personal stamp creating attempt, so we decided to make it a Thankful box (other nieces are further on!)
8. Cross the bridge and turn left. You'll cross over the fallen tree and pass a tangle of thick vines before you reach another fallen log whose roots stick out on the right side of you. Follow this log back to the tree standing upright near it. Look in the curve of the large root of this tree for Good Books (The Sprite & The Highlander).
Note: All boxes from this point will take you in a loop back to this general area, which will require you to essentially mudslide down the hill to your right or backtrack the way you came, so keep your bearings!
9. Our oldest niece Meghan loves reading, so it made sense to keep her close to Good Books. Unfortunately, this is where you need to have those boots and pants you don't care about. This area is low lying, so it has some puddles and some mud (but let's face it, you're a letterboxer and you LIVE for this stuff!). The path is a little obscured here because of the leaves and puddles, but try to follow the faint tire ruts on the ground to the west, keeping the water to your left. We've also marked a few trees with the letters "LB" so you'll know you're going the right way. At some point, you'll see these tire ruts heading uphill and you should follow. You'll know you're in the right place when you start to see pale blue marks on the trees to your left. Head uphill to the 3rd blue tree (larger than the first blue trees), which has a twin just behind it about the same size. Look between these two for Meg (The Sprite & The Highlander), who is NOT about silly trailnames!
10. Climb to the top of the hill to find a tree with a base wider than its trunk on the left. Put your back to it, then head 300 degrees for 16 paces to the fallen log. Check under it closer to the roots for our middle niece (and synchronized swimming champ), the Beeler (The Sprite and the Highlander).
11. Keep heading up the path and maneuver around the first of a few large puddles. Just past this puddle on the left is a tree with the letters "FORME" spray painted on the trunk. With this tree at your back, look west (270 degrees) for triplets of the same variety of tree. They almost form a little chair and right in the seat is where you'll find Friends (The Sprite & the Highlander).
12. Continue on the path, which should get a little rocky after a while. Once it does, the path splits very slightly to curve to the left. As you go around, step off the path about 3 paces from the middle of the curve to see the ravine below. For a cold bath, jump down into the ravine, but for Hot Baths (The Sprite & the Highlander), look under the mossy flat rock by 3 saplings bunched together.
13. Follow the path back to the main path (barely 4 steps away) until it splits off again, this time in a much more obvious way. Take the one that bears left (heading a bit more straight than the one to the right). You'll come across the foundation for an old house. Right inside the corner closest to you, look under the leaves and wood for Anime Babes (to make him think the wrong thing!) (The Sprite & the Highlander).
14. Just across the path toward the ravine from Anime Babes is a mossy rock wall. Check under a large flat rock near the top for the Sprite's hairdresser and new best friend, Ivy (The Sprite & the Highlander).
15. Take the path that crosses in front of the stone house. Bear left away and head down, then up a little incline. On your left off the path is a HUGE tree. Check the flat rock at its base for National Public Radio (The Sprite & the Highlander).
Unfortunately, there WERE 4 other boxes out here that have been stolen. Only two were recovered and should soon be back out on the trail, but in other locations. So from here, you'll need head straight to the white bucket on the ground (or if it's gone, just head toward the bottom of the little incline near you. At this point, you can shortcut to the beginning. You can head toward the LB on the tree on the slight incline near you and head across the woods. You'll follow the painted marks on the trees until you get to the hill overlooking the ravine again (bridge is below and to the left). However, taking this path means basically sitting on the steep incline and crab walking/sliding down (not a great plan with VERY little ones, but we adults and big kids kinda had fun!). Slide at your OWN RISK...we don't want anyone to misunderstand the potential danger, so check the hill out first...you will NOT be able to stand up and walk down it unless you walk down sideways and cut diagonally down the hillside, NOT straight down.
The other option is to back track the way you came by turning back toward the NPR tree, heading back to the stone house and going left back down the hill the way you came up. Either way, you want to make it back to the bridge, back up the ravine on the opposite side, turn right at the top and head straight out of the woods following the red trees.
These boxes are at Rotary Park in Middleport, NY. It's behind the Holy Cross Lutheran Church on Route 31 (actual address for the church is 133 Telegraph Road, Middleport, NY
Monday, March 01, 2004
The Sprite's Friends
Medina Water Sprite (record your find)
Placed on 8/30/04 in Medina, NY (Orleans County)
The Village of Medina is one of the beautiful canal towns of upstate New York and the adopted home of the Sprite & the Highlander. With its little main street and its beautiful old homes right in the middle of the surrounding farmland, it's the perfect place for us both! Lately, a massive effort has been made to renovate the canal in order to keep up with the new towpath bike trail park along the length of the canal. That's where you'll find this little sprite hiding!
From the NYS Thruway, take the Medina/Pembroke exit #48A. Head north on Route 63 through Indian Creek, Alabama, the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge and Shelby all the way through Medina's town center. The road wraps and winds, so make sure you stay on Main Street/Route 63! Pass the first bridge and head around the corner to the second bridge, which is a lift bridge. Cross over the canal and turn left to park next to the pilot house.Head west a good 160 paces up the bike path. Across the canal will be a street and some housing. Look for a two story house with a cement chimney. Put this chimney directly at your back (south), which should put a tall tree that hangs a bit over the path at your front (north). Our little sprite is hiding under a rock at the edge of the foliage, where no one will see her.
Culvert Earth Sprite (record your find)
Placed on 8/31/04 near Medina, NY (Orleans County)
The second in our sprite series of letterboxes. Like her sister the water sprite, this little one is near the canal, but since she's quite near a tunnel, we knew she must be an earth sprite! ;-)
From the NYS Thruway, take the Medina/Pembroke exit #48A. Head north on Route 63 through Indian Creek, Alabama, the Iroquois Wildlife Refuge and Shelby into Medina's town center. The road wraps and winds, so make sure you stay on Main Street/Route 63! Make a right onto Center Street (Route 31, NOT 31A) and head east out of Medina for a few miles. Culvert Road is a left turn off this road. Drive a few tenths of a mile and the tunnel will come into view.
To find the sprite: Head toward the tunnel, but do NOT go through. Take the gravel path on the left just before the tunnel and follow that up to park by the canal. Head east on the path, going past 3 telephone poles on your right. Take note of the 2 digit number on the post just over the road below. Subtract 50 from that number and take that many steps past the 3rd telephone pole. Turn and face the canal, then walk to the water's edge. Our little sprite is hiding under a flat rock at the edge of the water, where no one will see her.
Lockport Air Sprite (record your find)
Placed on 9/1/04 in Lockport, NY (Niagara County)
The third of our sprite series (which really ought to be a canal series by now)! This box was stolen and will not be replaced.
Placed on 9/19/04 near Oakfield, NY (Genesee County)
Head out toward Oakfield, New York out to the Oak Orchard State Wildlife Management Area using Albion Road. You'll see a large wood and metal open air observation tower on your left (if you're heading north) or right (if you're heading south). Stop and park in the gravel circle.
In the middle of this circle is a vine covered group of trees. Circle around them until you can see the low stone wall within this little green shelter. Hiding under rocks at the southern end of the wall is our little sprite. Um...she's not REALLY next to any woods, but the Highlander swears there's flowers there in the spring, so he's the one to complain to if you don't get the full effect! (Aw, who'm I kidding...it's a THEME I like!)
While you're there, why not try bagging the Oak Orchard Black Duck? If you stop by the sprite first, you can carry her and the duck up to the top of the observation tower and get a WONDERFUL view of the refuge.
Sunday, February 01, 2004
The Highlander's Favorite Fowl
Iroquois Goose (record your find)
Placed on 9/4/04 near Alabama, NY (Genesee County)
The first of the Highlander series! The Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge is part of US Fish & Wildlife Service federal refuge system. Of course, you can go find the goose anytime of the year you wish but we highly recommend early April...especially at sunrise or sunset. This is when the waterfowl migration is at its peak. It's truly breathtaking as the skies are constantly swirling with wave after wave of geese and ducks making their way up north to their nesting grounds. It's important to remember that all areas of the refuge are closed to the public after dark...even the overlook.
To get to the refuge:From the NYS Thruway, take the Medina/Pembroke exit #48A. Head north on Route 63 through Indian Creek & into Alabama (the only stoplight on this road). Turn left onto Route 77 and head west for about 2 or 3 miles. The Cayuga Overlook will show up on your right.
To find the goose:Find the "saddest" tree you can find. The goose is nesting right in the lowest crotch of the tree. Please be sure to be discreet in acquiring and replacing our goose. Especially, if you go in the spring during peak migration as there will be many birdwatchers at this overlook at that time. Also, you will have to step up on the tree a bit to get to the goose...we stood on a large knot that sticks out right at knee level to place it. Watch your step!
Placed on 9/6/04 near Alabama, NY (Genesee County)
The second of the Highlander series! The Tonawanda Wildlife Management Area is state land right next to federal land (Iroquois Nat'l Wildlife Refuge). Of course, you can go find the widgeon anytime of the year you wish but we highly recommend early April...especially at sunrise or sunset. This is when the waterfowl migration is at its peak. It's truly breathtaking as the skies are constantly swirling with wave after wave of geese and ducks making their way up north to their nesting grounds.
NOTE: All areas of the refuge are closed to the public after dark.
To get to the refuge:
From the NYS Thruway, take the Medina/Pembroke exit #48A. Head north on Route 63 through Indian Creek & into Alabama (the only stoplight on this road). Turn left onto Route 77 and head west for about 2 or 3 miles. Head PAST the Cayuga Overlook to where Meadville Road (heads south) and Salt Road (heads north) intersect.
To find the widgeon:
Turn left down Meadville Road. Head down this road for 1.2 miles toward the woods and stop at the gate with the chain in the middle on your left (has a big maple tree it). There'll be a few smaller gates you'll pass, but ignore those. Park at the mouth of the path, then go under the chain (or around the fence itself) and walk all the way to the next gate, which should be a large yellow pole across the road. Go just off the trail into the underbrush on the left, behind the boulders and the foliage. In the underbrush, you'll see another good sized boulder that hidden from view of the path. The widgeon is nesting right behind that boulder.
The widgeon is pretty secure, but as usual, please be sure to be discreet in acquiring and replacing it. Lots of birdwatchers hang around during peak migration and hunters like to scope out the land as well. Also, you will have to go a little ways into the underbrush for this box...wear some mosquito repellant and long pants!
Oak Orchard Black Duck (record your find)
Placed on 9/19/04 near Oakfield, NY (Genesee County)
Head out toward Oakfield, New York out to the Oak Orchard State Wildlife Management Area using Albion Road. You'll see a large wood and metal open air observation tower on your left (if you're heading north) or right (if you're heading south). Stop and park in the gravel circle. Head for the observation tower. Climb up to the 4th landing and check the metal crossbeams that support the tower right in front of you (by the way, we picked up this particular style of letterbox from the prolific and amazingly crafty Elba Onions!)
Note: We recommend letting the Woodland Flower Sprite welcome you before bagging the duck...if you get her first, you can carry her and the duck up to the top of the observation tower and get a WONDERFUL view of the refuge.
Niagara River Canvasback (record your find)
Note: This box is currently listed as missing! We haven’t been able to search personally, but have had several folks not find it…search at your own risk!
Placed on 1/9/05 near Grand Island, NY (Erie County)
Head out to Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island in New York. Take the park roads and turn right at picnic areas 4 & 5 near the sledding hill. Park once you cross the bridge. To your right are two picnic tables near the water’s edge. The furthest one is hidden by some undergrowth, which you’ll need to go to the left of through a little open area to get to. Even further to the left of this space is the largest tree in the area, also surrounded by some undergrowth. Check the rock at the foot of this tree for our duck.
Note: Don’t leave before stopping for the second tune in our Life Lessons From the Jukebox Series, Brandy (You're A Fine Girl)!
Placed on 1/9/05 near Alabama, NY (Genesee County)
To find this duck, head out to the Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge off Route 63, a good 6 miles north of the NYS Thruway. After passing the flashing light in Alabama, start looking for Roberts Road on your right. Turn right on Roberts and head to Sour Springs Road. Turn left on Sour Springs and follow the road out to Oak Orchard Creek, which flows under the first bridge you come to. Check the quadruple trunked tree on the left just over the bridge for our wood duck, but stay still and look around for the real ones that populate this area in the spring.
Note: Sour Springs is a seasonal road, so it tends to be filled with potholes and not paved very well. In the winter, the road is only open up to the nature trail, but you can park and walk past the “Road Closed” sign to the bridge. Regardless, exercise caution in making your way out here and to the box!
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