We started at the beginning - just as you entered the park you looked for some landmarks and followed clues to a box very near the entrance. We looked but didn't find. So we continued. The next box we looked for was in the vicinity of The Tree of Life. Not right near it but a little ways down the road. Again after searching we came up empty handed. We continued our visit of the park until we came to the next area where there was a box. So we followed the clues, found all of the landmarks but again no box. We still had one more but it was on the other side of the park and we said if we got there we would look for it but no special trip just for the box. We did make it to the area of the last box at the end of the day but again we didn't find it. For these four boxes I am sure we were in the right spot for each of them but they were gone. The clues were straight forward and the areas were easy to find but no boxes. So we found 0 of 4 boxes. So far on this trip we are 6 for 24 - pretty bad! We are not giving up though. I still have some clues and we are here until Friday morning, so who knows - maybe we will find a few more.
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Letterboxing - Animal Kingdom - 0 for 4
We spent the day at Disney's Animal Kingdom today and I had clues for four boxes here. 
We started at the beginning - just as you entered the park you looked for some landmarks and followed clues to a box very near the entrance. We looked but didn't find. So we continued. The next box we looked for was in the vicinity of The Tree of Life. Not right near it but a little ways down the road. Again after searching we came up empty handed. We continued our visit of the park until we came to the next area where there was a box. So we followed the clues, found all of the landmarks but again no box. We still had one more but it was on the other side of the park and we said if we got there we would look for it but no special trip just for the box. We did make it to the area of the last box at the end of the day but again we didn't find it. For these four boxes I am sure we were in the right spot for each of them but they were gone. The clues were straight forward and the areas were easy to find but no boxes. So we found 0 of 4 boxes. So far on this trip we are 6 for 24 - pretty bad! We are not giving up though. I still have some clues and we are here until Friday morning, so who knows - maybe we will find a few more.
We started at the beginning - just as you entered the park you looked for some landmarks and followed clues to a box very near the entrance. We looked but didn't find. So we continued. The next box we looked for was in the vicinity of The Tree of Life. Not right near it but a little ways down the road. Again after searching we came up empty handed. We continued our visit of the park until we came to the next area where there was a box. So we followed the clues, found all of the landmarks but again no box. We still had one more but it was on the other side of the park and we said if we got there we would look for it but no special trip just for the box. We did make it to the area of the last box at the end of the day but again we didn't find it. For these four boxes I am sure we were in the right spot for each of them but they were gone. The clues were straight forward and the areas were easy to find but no boxes. So we found 0 of 4 boxes. So far on this trip we are 6 for 24 - pretty bad! We are not giving up though. I still have some clues and we are here until Friday morning, so who knows - maybe we will find a few more.
Friday, December 02, 2011
Letterboxing - Epcot - 6 for 15
Today we were at Epcot and I had clues for 15 boxes. One set of clues was for a series of 11 boxes, one was a series of two and the other two were single boxes. We started by looking for the series of 11 boxes which is called The World Showcase. Each of the boxes was placed in a different country. The other boxes were in various countries so I marked which ones were in which country and we headed out. In between seeing shows and looking around we searched for boxes.
We ended up going in the opposite direction than the clues only because we entered the World Showcase in that area. We entered into Canada first and looked for the box there - it took a little patience but in the end we found it - this was a box from the World Showcase series.
And while I was stamping in Thomas noticed a woman reading a paper and looking around so he asked her if she was letterboxing and she responded with a hesitant "Maybe!". They introduced themselves as The Treasure Seekers from Ohio. We talked for a bit and then Thomas and I left them to stamp in and we moved on. In Great Britian there were two boxes to look for - one from the World Showcase and one from another series called A Christmas Carol. We didn't find either box. They were both in the same area which had a bandstand, a small hedge maze and some sitting areas. There weren't too many people but it wasn't empty either. Both boxes were placed near these large columns that were part of a decorative wrought iron fence. You had to reach in between the decorative wrought iron and find the box. Neither Thomas nor I could get our arms in enough to actually search for the Great Britian box for the World Showcase series and the box from A Christmas Carol series was in an area that was blocked off with Christmas decorations and a set up for Father Christmas - so no boxes found in Great Britian. Moving on we looked for two boxes in France. Both were in the same area - one from the World Showcase Series and a single one. We found the France box for the World Showcase Series and sat on a bench to stamp in - then I put the box back in place and read the clues for the second box. But I wasn't able to look for it because Cinderella showed up and the area was packed with people right where I needed to look. So we just skipped that box. Next stop in Morocco for another of the World Showcase boxes. I sat on a bench in the area where the box was suppose to be and read the clues and found the spot I needed to look in and just as I was heading to the spot a couple came and sat down in the area. I waited a little while but they didn't seem to be leaving so I took my things and went and sat right next to the area and casually reached in and searched for the box. I was looking in the opposite direction so I only had feel to go on. I didn't find the box and I didn't want to be too obvious so we just left and went on to the next one. We were now in Japan. We followed the clues and hit a road block - literally. They had blocked the path (in three places) with large wooden walls that were braced and held in place with cinder blocks so we couldn't even get close enough to look for the box.
So we continued on. The next stop was the United States. We found the first landmark and then from there just looked for the next landmarks. We spotted the what we thought was the right area but there was no way to get to it. There were strollers (two deep) lined up along the fence we needed to get to where the boulder was that hid the box.
There was also a cast member who was dealing with the strollers so we had no chance at this one. Next was Italy. The area was really crowded because there was this little show going on - which in the end helped us because people were watching the show and not us. Fortunately for this box we were able to sit right near the spot and reach behind the fence and grab the box without being noticed. I stamped in right there and then replaced the box before moving on - this was one of the World Showcase series boxes. Now we were in Germany. There was one box for the World Showcase series, one for the A Christmas Carol series and a single one. The first one we looked for was the single box - I found a landmark that fitted the clues but there was no box there so we continued around the building looking for that same landmark and we found it but we weren't able to get to it because there was a large group of people waiting in line to take pictures with Snow White (too bad the evil queen didn't succeed with that poison apple) - so no box found there. Then we looked for and found the box from the A Christmas Carol series - thankfully this was in a quiet area with hardly anyone around and it was kind of hidden out of the way. After stamping in and replacing the box we went in search of the World Showcase box. We found that one as well even though it was in a more open area but it was also kind of hidden so I didn't have too much trouble retrieving and rehiding the box. Before we left Germany we checked to see if Snow White was gone but she wasn't so we decided it wasn't worth the wait so we made our way to China. There was an acrobatic show going on in the pavilion so we had to wait a few minutes before we could look for World Showcase box here. When we finally got the chance to look for the box we came up empty handed. We had two more boxes to look for from the World Showcase series. Now we were in Norway and we followed the clues and found the spot. I sat down next to the landmark and reached in (all the way to my elbow) but did not find the box. By this time it was dark and it did me no good to look into the spot - all I can say is thankfully nothing bit me. One last box in Mexico. We found the first landmark, then the second and then the third. I had to wait a few seconds for the area to clear and then I quickly reached in and found the box. I took it to some steps out of the way to stamp in and then replaced it.
So we only found six out of 15 boxes. It is really hard to be stealthy in Walt Disney World so we had to forgo looking for a few of the boxes and I am sure that some of the ones we looked for were missing due to the busyness of the area and the large amount of people present. Anyway, I can now saw that I have found letterboxes in Florida - the 34th state that I have found boxes in.
We ended up going in the opposite direction than the clues only because we entered the World Showcase in that area. We entered into Canada first and looked for the box there - it took a little patience but in the end we found it - this was a box from the World Showcase series.
And while I was stamping in Thomas noticed a woman reading a paper and looking around so he asked her if she was letterboxing and she responded with a hesitant "Maybe!". They introduced themselves as The Treasure Seekers from Ohio. We talked for a bit and then Thomas and I left them to stamp in and we moved on. In Great Britian there were two boxes to look for - one from the World Showcase and one from another series called A Christmas Carol. We didn't find either box. They were both in the same area which had a bandstand, a small hedge maze and some sitting areas. There weren't too many people but it wasn't empty either. Both boxes were placed near these large columns that were part of a decorative wrought iron fence. You had to reach in between the decorative wrought iron and find the box. Neither Thomas nor I could get our arms in enough to actually search for the Great Britian box for the World Showcase series and the box from A Christmas Carol series was in an area that was blocked off with Christmas decorations and a set up for Father Christmas - so no boxes found in Great Britian. Moving on we looked for two boxes in France. Both were in the same area - one from the World Showcase Series and a single one. We found the France box for the World Showcase Series and sat on a bench to stamp in - then I put the box back in place and read the clues for the second box. But I wasn't able to look for it because Cinderella showed up and the area was packed with people right where I needed to look. So we just skipped that box. Next stop in Morocco for another of the World Showcase boxes. I sat on a bench in the area where the box was suppose to be and read the clues and found the spot I needed to look in and just as I was heading to the spot a couple came and sat down in the area. I waited a little while but they didn't seem to be leaving so I took my things and went and sat right next to the area and casually reached in and searched for the box. I was looking in the opposite direction so I only had feel to go on. I didn't find the box and I didn't want to be too obvious so we just left and went on to the next one. We were now in Japan. We followed the clues and hit a road block - literally. They had blocked the path (in three places) with large wooden walls that were braced and held in place with cinder blocks so we couldn't even get close enough to look for the box.So we continued on. The next stop was the United States. We found the first landmark and then from there just looked for the next landmarks. We spotted the what we thought was the right area but there was no way to get to it. There were strollers (two deep) lined up along the fence we needed to get to where the boulder was that hid the box.
There was also a cast member who was dealing with the strollers so we had no chance at this one. Next was Italy. The area was really crowded because there was this little show going on - which in the end helped us because people were watching the show and not us. Fortunately for this box we were able to sit right near the spot and reach behind the fence and grab the box without being noticed. I stamped in right there and then replaced the box before moving on - this was one of the World Showcase series boxes. Now we were in Germany. There was one box for the World Showcase series, one for the A Christmas Carol series and a single one. The first one we looked for was the single box - I found a landmark that fitted the clues but there was no box there so we continued around the building looking for that same landmark and we found it but we weren't able to get to it because there was a large group of people waiting in line to take pictures with Snow White (too bad the evil queen didn't succeed with that poison apple) - so no box found there. Then we looked for and found the box from the A Christmas Carol series - thankfully this was in a quiet area with hardly anyone around and it was kind of hidden out of the way. After stamping in and replacing the box we went in search of the World Showcase box. We found that one as well even though it was in a more open area but it was also kind of hidden so I didn't have too much trouble retrieving and rehiding the box. Before we left Germany we checked to see if Snow White was gone but she wasn't so we decided it wasn't worth the wait so we made our way to China. There was an acrobatic show going on in the pavilion so we had to wait a few minutes before we could look for World Showcase box here. When we finally got the chance to look for the box we came up empty handed. We had two more boxes to look for from the World Showcase series. Now we were in Norway and we followed the clues and found the spot. I sat down next to the landmark and reached in (all the way to my elbow) but did not find the box. By this time it was dark and it did me no good to look into the spot - all I can say is thankfully nothing bit me. One last box in Mexico. We found the first landmark, then the second and then the third. I had to wait a few seconds for the area to clear and then I quickly reached in and found the box. I took it to some steps out of the way to stamp in and then replaced it.So we only found six out of 15 boxes. It is really hard to be stealthy in Walt Disney World so we had to forgo looking for a few of the boxes and I am sure that some of the ones we looked for were missing due to the busyness of the area and the large amount of people present. Anyway, I can now saw that I have found letterboxes in Florida - the 34th state that I have found boxes in.
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Letterboxing - Disney's Magic Kingdom - 0 for 5
Today we were at Disney's Magic Kingdom. I had clues for five boxes and I had marked them on the map when we first arrived at the park. So when we were in a area that had a mark for a box we took the time to look for it. The first ones we looked for were around the area where Pirates of the Caribbean ride is. One of the clues (which showed two boxes) had you look for the pressed penny machine in the gift shop that had a roof on it. We found a machine but it didn't have a roof and there was on box around it. We even asked a worker (oops! sorry - I mean a cast member) if there was another machine in the gift shop - and there wasn't - so no box or boxes. Next we went outside the gift shop and went around the side near some bathrooms and looked for another box. We followed the clues but had a little trouble looking for the box because it was such a busy area. Thomas and I took turns looking but people kept watching us so eventually we gave up looking for the box. So 0 for 3 at this point.
The next place we looked for a box was on Tom Sawyer's Island. We had to cross over Superstition Bridge and look in the middle of a multi-trunked tree. Again this was a very busy area and it was hard to look for the box without drawing attention. We sat and waited for times when no one was around but it was still difficult. We actually looked in two different places because I wasn't sure of the exact location for the clues and we found two multi-trunked trees kind of close to each other. Anyway we gave up after 15 minutes mainly because there were just too many people around. The last box we had clues for was at Cinderella's Castle. We didn't even attempt this one because there were just too many people in the area and it was awkward snooping around the place. So we ended up 0 for 5 boxes. It is really hard to be stealthy at Disney World - just way too many people.
The next place we looked for a box was on Tom Sawyer's Island. We had to cross over Superstition Bridge and look in the middle of a multi-trunked tree. Again this was a very busy area and it was hard to look for the box without drawing attention. We sat and waited for times when no one was around but it was still difficult. We actually looked in two different places because I wasn't sure of the exact location for the clues and we found two multi-trunked trees kind of close to each other. Anyway we gave up after 15 minutes mainly because there were just too many people around. The last box we had clues for was at Cinderella's Castle. We didn't even attempt this one because there were just too many people in the area and it was awkward snooping around the place. So we ended up 0 for 5 boxes. It is really hard to be stealthy at Disney World - just way too many people.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
A Beautiful Letterboxing Day in Albuquerque
A few weeks ago I had a letterboxing outing in Albuquerque with Astro D and rubberpeace. We had a good time and found quite a few boxes but we didn't have time to get all the boxes available. And since that time a few more boxes had been planted in the area. So last night I decided to get things together and map out all the boxes so that I could spend today letterboxing in Albuquerque.
I wanted to get an early start so that I had time to do a little hiking on the La Luz Trail. So I left Santa Fe about 7:00am and headed for the trail head. When I parked there were no other cars in the parking area and it was a bit chilly but not bad. So I gathered my things and hit the trail. This was my first time hiking this trail and I found that I loved it. The views are spectacular and even though it was a lot of work I enjoyed it. Now I did not hike the entire way up today - I only went two and a half miles up. At this point I found a letterbox and stamped in while enjoying a nice view of Albuquerque. Just after getting the box back in its hiding spot and starting my way back to the car I encountered my first person on the trail. By the time I got back to the parking area I had passed three other hikers. It was a challenging and wonderful hike and a great way to start the day. I will have to get back out there and hike the entire trail - I really think I can do it. Anyways, back in the car I looked at my map of letterboxes and headed back to Tramway and made my way to Elena Gallegos Picnic Area.
Once I paid and parked at Elena Gallegos I did a short little hike on the Pino Trail to find a box planted by Stormcrow - Whole Enchilada Fiesta. I was a nice little walk and I enjoyed sitting and stamping in while enjoying the terrific views of the Sandias. I enjoyed the letterbox and the short walk but it was time to head out again since I had a lot to do today. From here I made the short drive to Juan Tabo and the John B. Robert Dam.
Here I was searching for Another Dam Letterbox placed by Jane Booth. So I parked and climbed up the dam to the top and then walked down the backside. As I descended the dam I was trying to follow the clues but at one point I got a little confused at what something meant and had to make an assumption. But in the end I thought I figured out where the box was. When I checked behind the rock I thought was hiding the box I did find a spot where a box could fit and some rocks off to the side but I didn't find the letterbox. At the spot where I was looking I was a little self conscious because there was a large two story house with the whole side facing where I was covered in window - anyone in that house could see what I was doing. Anyway, I searched around the rock but came up empty handed. I then returned to a spot at the beginning of the clue where I knew I was in the right spot and started again. I never made 100% connection with the clues so I gave up and returned to the car. I hope I was in the wrong spot and that the box isn't missing. My next stop was only a little ways down the road from the dam at a restaurant - A Taste of Italy. This also is the name of the letterbox I was looking for and that box was placed by Hi Desert. I pulled into the parking lot, which was pretty empty and looked at the clues. I parked and scoped out the area and located the box's hiding spot. I had to wait a minute or two for a car to clear the area and then I made a mad dash for the box. It took me about a minute to actually locate the box and then take it back to the car to stamp in. I loved the stamp and enjoyed stamping in. But when it came time to put the box back in place I was feeling a little uncomfortable. The hiding spot can be a busy area and I wasn't sure if anyone could see me from the restaurant or not. But I got the box back in place and headed out to my next location.
For my next stop I hit I40 and then exited onto I25 and headed south to Rio Brave. Then to Isleta Blvd. and the Gutierrez-Hubbell House. I parked and read the clues and then headed out to find the box. They have a perimeter trail that goes along an acequia with some incredible cottonwoods bordering the trail. It was only a short walk to the box - a Wronghat box called Abode of Adobe. A beautiful stamp and a beautiful location - thanks Wronghat. It was so nice to sit and stamp in among the grand cottonwoods. I didn't have time to visit the museum but I did enjoy the grounds and the letterbox.
The next location on my letterboxing map was the Albuquerque BioPark - which includes the Rio Grande Zoo, the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach. These places are all pretty close together and easy to get to from each other. I had clues for three boxes - all at different locations. I was looking for Twinville Trekkers' Beatles Series #28 "Baby,You're a Rich Man" at the zoo, trilla marion's Just Fishing at Tingley Beach and TKH's Don't Worry, Bee Happy at the Botanic Gardens. I always love the zoo so I walked around and enjoyed what few animals were out and about and then looked for Baby, You're a Rich Man. I didn't find it and I am pretty sure I was in the right place. I was really disappointed by this because I am really liking the Trekkers' Beatles Series.
I then left the zoo and headed to Tingley Beach. I didn't find Just Fishing. Now I was getting bummed (this was the third box I couldn't find today) - later I found out that the box had been moved and hidden in a different place and I missed the new clues. (Note: You see, I tend to print out the clues as soon as I get the notice of the box being placed - this is only for boxes in New Mexico. I save these and when I decided to go letterboxing in a certain area I pull the clues I have and map them out. I usually also go to AQ or LbNA and double check if the clues were changed - but today I forgot to do that and that is why I couldn't find this box.) So on to the Botanic Gardens for Don't Worry, Bee Happy. When I got to the gardens I went straight to the area to find this box and it didn't take me long. I stamped in and rehid the box pretty quickly. The gardens at this time of year aren't the best and I didn't really want to hang around too long. After getting this box back in place I did go and check on my box that was hidden here - BioPark. I checked its hiding spot and the box is gone. I have decided to retire this box since this is the second time it has gone missing.
Well, I still had two boxes left to look for and it was mid afternoon by this time so I moved on. I punched in the next location on the Garmin and followed the directions to Paradise Hills Park to look for Just Tryin' To Hold On by Vegaspua'a. The park was empty so I didn't have to worry about anyone in the park seeing me but I did have to watch for people in all the houses that surround the park. Luckily, the area was pretty quiet and I found the box quickly. I stamped in while sitting on a bench and enjoying the terrific weather. I got the box back in place and headed back to my car. One more box left. I now headed to Public Servants Garden of Vista Verde Memorial Park to find trilla marion's 9/11 Memorial - NM. This was a quick and easy find in a peaceful area. After stamping in and rehiding the box I got back in the car to head back home to Santa Fe. I had a terrific day in Albuquerque and found some great boxes - thanks to all the planters.
I wanted to get an early start so that I had time to do a little hiking on the La Luz Trail. So I left Santa Fe about 7:00am and headed for the trail head. When I parked there were no other cars in the parking area and it was a bit chilly but not bad. So I gathered my things and hit the trail. This was my first time hiking this trail and I found that I loved it. The views are spectacular and even though it was a lot of work I enjoyed it. Now I did not hike the entire way up today - I only went two and a half miles up. At this point I found a letterbox and stamped in while enjoying a nice view of Albuquerque. Just after getting the box back in its hiding spot and starting my way back to the car I encountered my first person on the trail. By the time I got back to the parking area I had passed three other hikers. It was a challenging and wonderful hike and a great way to start the day. I will have to get back out there and hike the entire trail - I really think I can do it. Anyways, back in the car I looked at my map of letterboxes and headed back to Tramway and made my way to Elena Gallegos Picnic Area.Once I paid and parked at Elena Gallegos I did a short little hike on the Pino Trail to find a box planted by Stormcrow - Whole Enchilada Fiesta. I was a nice little walk and I enjoyed sitting and stamping in while enjoying the terrific views of the Sandias. I enjoyed the letterbox and the short walk but it was time to head out again since I had a lot to do today. From here I made the short drive to Juan Tabo and the John B. Robert Dam.
Here I was searching for Another Dam Letterbox placed by Jane Booth. So I parked and climbed up the dam to the top and then walked down the backside. As I descended the dam I was trying to follow the clues but at one point I got a little confused at what something meant and had to make an assumption. But in the end I thought I figured out where the box was. When I checked behind the rock I thought was hiding the box I did find a spot where a box could fit and some rocks off to the side but I didn't find the letterbox. At the spot where I was looking I was a little self conscious because there was a large two story house with the whole side facing where I was covered in window - anyone in that house could see what I was doing. Anyway, I searched around the rock but came up empty handed. I then returned to a spot at the beginning of the clue where I knew I was in the right spot and started again. I never made 100% connection with the clues so I gave up and returned to the car. I hope I was in the wrong spot and that the box isn't missing. My next stop was only a little ways down the road from the dam at a restaurant - A Taste of Italy. This also is the name of the letterbox I was looking for and that box was placed by Hi Desert. I pulled into the parking lot, which was pretty empty and looked at the clues. I parked and scoped out the area and located the box's hiding spot. I had to wait a minute or two for a car to clear the area and then I made a mad dash for the box. It took me about a minute to actually locate the box and then take it back to the car to stamp in. I loved the stamp and enjoyed stamping in. But when it came time to put the box back in place I was feeling a little uncomfortable. The hiding spot can be a busy area and I wasn't sure if anyone could see me from the restaurant or not. But I got the box back in place and headed out to my next location.
For my next stop I hit I40 and then exited onto I25 and headed south to Rio Brave. Then to Isleta Blvd. and the Gutierrez-Hubbell House. I parked and read the clues and then headed out to find the box. They have a perimeter trail that goes along an acequia with some incredible cottonwoods bordering the trail. It was only a short walk to the box - a Wronghat box called Abode of Adobe. A beautiful stamp and a beautiful location - thanks Wronghat. It was so nice to sit and stamp in among the grand cottonwoods. I didn't have time to visit the museum but I did enjoy the grounds and the letterbox.
The next location on my letterboxing map was the Albuquerque BioPark - which includes the Rio Grande Zoo, the Albuquerque Aquarium, the Rio Grande Botanic Garden and Tingley Beach. These places are all pretty close together and easy to get to from each other. I had clues for three boxes - all at different locations. I was looking for Twinville Trekkers' Beatles Series #28 "Baby,You're a Rich Man" at the zoo, trilla marion's Just Fishing at Tingley Beach and TKH's Don't Worry, Bee Happy at the Botanic Gardens. I always love the zoo so I walked around and enjoyed what few animals were out and about and then looked for Baby, You're a Rich Man. I didn't find it and I am pretty sure I was in the right place. I was really disappointed by this because I am really liking the Trekkers' Beatles Series.
I then left the zoo and headed to Tingley Beach. I didn't find Just Fishing. Now I was getting bummed (this was the third box I couldn't find today) - later I found out that the box had been moved and hidden in a different place and I missed the new clues. (Note: You see, I tend to print out the clues as soon as I get the notice of the box being placed - this is only for boxes in New Mexico. I save these and when I decided to go letterboxing in a certain area I pull the clues I have and map them out. I usually also go to AQ or LbNA and double check if the clues were changed - but today I forgot to do that and that is why I couldn't find this box.) So on to the Botanic Gardens for Don't Worry, Bee Happy. When I got to the gardens I went straight to the area to find this box and it didn't take me long. I stamped in and rehid the box pretty quickly. The gardens at this time of year aren't the best and I didn't really want to hang around too long. After getting this box back in place I did go and check on my box that was hidden here - BioPark. I checked its hiding spot and the box is gone. I have decided to retire this box since this is the second time it has gone missing.Well, I still had two boxes left to look for and it was mid afternoon by this time so I moved on. I punched in the next location on the Garmin and followed the directions to Paradise Hills Park to look for Just Tryin' To Hold On by Vegaspua'a. The park was empty so I didn't have to worry about anyone in the park seeing me but I did have to watch for people in all the houses that surround the park. Luckily, the area was pretty quiet and I found the box quickly. I stamped in while sitting on a bench and enjoying the terrific weather. I got the box back in place and headed back to my car. One more box left. I now headed to Public Servants Garden of Vista Verde Memorial Park to find trilla marion's 9/11 Memorial - NM. This was a quick and easy find in a peaceful area. After stamping in and rehiding the box I got back in the car to head back home to Santa Fe. I had a terrific day in Albuquerque and found some great boxes - thanks to all the planters.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Albuquerque Letterboxing on a Cloudy, Chilly Day
Today was a get together with rubberpeace and Astro D. We planned this about a week ago and we mapped out all the boxes available to us. Little did we know that Winter would decide to show itself today. I woke up to snow flurries and cold temperatures and was really wishing it was just a tad warmer. And most of the time Albuquerque is a little warmer than Santa Fe so I was still hopeful.
Astro D and rubberpeace arrived at my house and we climbed into my car and we were off. We made a stop just about 2 miles from my house at the 599 Rail Runner Stop so that they could get a box there that I had found a couple of days ago - Rail Runner Santa Fe. This was a quick and easy find and they brought the box back to the car to stamp in. Once they were done we made our way to I25 and headed south. Astro D looked at her list and mine as well as maps and we made a decision to make our next stop at Sandia Casino. We looked for and found Music City New Mexico, well just Astro D and I - rubberpeace had already found this one. This was a great little box hidden near the amphitheater in front of the casino and the stamp was beautiful. It was still a little chilly but better than Santa Fe.
After we stamped in and rehid the box we continued a little further along Tramway to Forest Road 333 and the La Luz trail head. I was looking for two boxes here and the girls only needed one. I went in search of La Luz by myself. It didn't take long to find it but I had trouble finding a dry spot to stamp in on. As we made our way to the trail head we were driving in clouds, the mountain was socked in. So there was a mist all around and everything was wet. But I eventually found a spot and got the stamp image into my logbook. I returned the box back to its hiding spot and then returned to the car. Astro D and rubberpeace had found Sandia Mountain Series #1: Lover's Rock and had it in the car. So we all stamped in to this box while sitting in the car. We got that box back in place and it was time to head to our next stop. We drove back to Tramway and crossed I25 making our way to Guadalupe Trail and Wronghat's Dryad box. We had to find a stump and then go from there. The stump was incredible and I won't reveal what about it is incredible - you will have to go out and see for yourself. Anyway, we had a little difficulty with the clues and it took us a little while to find it. But it was worth the work because it was another great Wronghat stamp. By the time we found the box, stamped in and rehid the box it was time for lunch.
Astro D and rubberpeace had picked a place on Central called The Grove so we headed there. We had a nice lunch and a great visit and then made decisions of where we were going next. Since we were on Central we decided to head to Twinville Trekkers' Lovely Rita box. We parked on Central near 3rd Street and followed the clues to the box. We sat on a bench overlooking Central and stamped in as the traffic rolled by. We replaced the box and walked back to the car to continue our letterbox searching. Next stop was in Old Town. We went to Explora to find two boxes by trilla marion - State Fossil and Let's Explora. One box we found quickly but we had a little trouble finding the second one. It took all three of us searching to make sense of the clues and find the box. We stamped into both boxes at a picnic table near a windmill then put them back in place to continue our day. From here we drove a short distance and parked near the Fine Arts Museum and then walked to Old Town. We found the address followed the clues and nabbed the box from its hiding spot. We found a built in banquette to sit on and stamp.
I enjoyed sitting in this little patio area - it was beautiful and peaceful. The box here is one of the Twinville Trekkers' Beatles Series - Michelle. By this time it was mid afternoon and we all wanted to get back up to Santa Fe. So we opted for one more box that was on the way as we headed back up north. We made our way to the San Mateo/Osuna exit on I25 and headed west on Osuna to Chappall to find Wronghat's Bike Tree letterbox. We parked and made the short walk to the only shaded area on the trail and found a neat log bench covered in all kinds of little stickers. From the bench we found the box without any trouble and stamped in while sitting on the bench. We enjoyed looking at all the stickers and the stamp that Wronghat carved. With this box back in place we were done in Albuquerque and we headed for home.
But of course, as all letterboxers do, we had to make one last stop before truly calling it a day. We stopped at the rest area just before you get to Santa Fe so that Astro D and rubberpeace could destroy one of the horcruxes. I found this box a week or so ago but they hadn't gotten it yet. They found the box and stamped in at a picnic table and then we really called it a day. Thanks Astro D and rubberpeace for a great day and thanks to everyone for the wonderful boxes we found in Albuquerque today.
Astro D and rubberpeace arrived at my house and we climbed into my car and we were off. We made a stop just about 2 miles from my house at the 599 Rail Runner Stop so that they could get a box there that I had found a couple of days ago - Rail Runner Santa Fe. This was a quick and easy find and they brought the box back to the car to stamp in. Once they were done we made our way to I25 and headed south. Astro D looked at her list and mine as well as maps and we made a decision to make our next stop at Sandia Casino. We looked for and found Music City New Mexico, well just Astro D and I - rubberpeace had already found this one. This was a great little box hidden near the amphitheater in front of the casino and the stamp was beautiful. It was still a little chilly but better than Santa Fe.
After we stamped in and rehid the box we continued a little further along Tramway to Forest Road 333 and the La Luz trail head. I was looking for two boxes here and the girls only needed one. I went in search of La Luz by myself. It didn't take long to find it but I had trouble finding a dry spot to stamp in on. As we made our way to the trail head we were driving in clouds, the mountain was socked in. So there was a mist all around and everything was wet. But I eventually found a spot and got the stamp image into my logbook. I returned the box back to its hiding spot and then returned to the car. Astro D and rubberpeace had found Sandia Mountain Series #1: Lover's Rock and had it in the car. So we all stamped in to this box while sitting in the car. We got that box back in place and it was time to head to our next stop. We drove back to Tramway and crossed I25 making our way to Guadalupe Trail and Wronghat's Dryad box. We had to find a stump and then go from there. The stump was incredible and I won't reveal what about it is incredible - you will have to go out and see for yourself. Anyway, we had a little difficulty with the clues and it took us a little while to find it. But it was worth the work because it was another great Wronghat stamp. By the time we found the box, stamped in and rehid the box it was time for lunch.Astro D and rubberpeace had picked a place on Central called The Grove so we headed there. We had a nice lunch and a great visit and then made decisions of where we were going next. Since we were on Central we decided to head to Twinville Trekkers' Lovely Rita box. We parked on Central near 3rd Street and followed the clues to the box. We sat on a bench overlooking Central and stamped in as the traffic rolled by. We replaced the box and walked back to the car to continue our letterbox searching. Next stop was in Old Town. We went to Explora to find two boxes by trilla marion - State Fossil and Let's Explora. One box we found quickly but we had a little trouble finding the second one. It took all three of us searching to make sense of the clues and find the box. We stamped into both boxes at a picnic table near a windmill then put them back in place to continue our day. From here we drove a short distance and parked near the Fine Arts Museum and then walked to Old Town. We found the address followed the clues and nabbed the box from its hiding spot. We found a built in banquette to sit on and stamp.
I enjoyed sitting in this little patio area - it was beautiful and peaceful. The box here is one of the Twinville Trekkers' Beatles Series - Michelle. By this time it was mid afternoon and we all wanted to get back up to Santa Fe. So we opted for one more box that was on the way as we headed back up north. We made our way to the San Mateo/Osuna exit on I25 and headed west on Osuna to Chappall to find Wronghat's Bike Tree letterbox. We parked and made the short walk to the only shaded area on the trail and found a neat log bench covered in all kinds of little stickers. From the bench we found the box without any trouble and stamped in while sitting on the bench. We enjoyed looking at all the stickers and the stamp that Wronghat carved. With this box back in place we were done in Albuquerque and we headed for home.But of course, as all letterboxers do, we had to make one last stop before truly calling it a day. We stopped at the rest area just before you get to Santa Fe so that Astro D and rubberpeace could destroy one of the horcruxes. I found this box a week or so ago but they hadn't gotten it yet. They found the box and stamped in at a picnic table and then we really called it a day. Thanks Astro D and rubberpeace for a great day and thanks to everyone for the wonderful boxes we found in Albuquerque today.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
New Boxes in Santa Fe
This morning I woke up and did a few things around the house and got some things ready for the errands I needed to run. Then I sat down in front of the computer with my coffee and read through my emails. I had an email from AQ with two new boxes placed in Santa Fe. So I added my letterboxing things to my stuff for errands and went on to finish reading my emails. I then paid a few bills and fed the dogs and then it was time to hit the road.
So time to do a little letterboxing. My first stop was very near my home - the Santa Fe County/599 Rail Runner Stop. I pulled into the parking lot and found the sign I needed and parked. I followed the rest of the clues and quickly found the box (Rail Runner - Santa Fe). I took it back to the car to stamp in. I really liked the stamp and I was the first finder, so I got a nice little certificate. After stamping in I got the box back in place and headed off to the next one.
This box took me to the intersection of Richards Ave. and Governor Miles Rd. (well, a little beyond the intersection) to a playground for the Pueblos del Sol neighborhood. I parked in the parking lot and there were about six cars already there with lots of moms and their kids. I hoped the box was in a spot that was clear from the view of everyone at the playground. So I followed the clues which took me to a walking path behind the playground. Luckily, the box's hiding spot was pretty well hidden from view. Again I found this box (Pueblos del Sol Playground) quickly and was the first finder. I took the box a little further down the trail to stamp in so I wasn't near the playground. So I sat at the edge of the walking path and stamped in. When I was done I returned the box to its hiding spot and then made my way back to my car.
It was a nice morning of letterboxing in the City Different and I found a couple of nice stamps - thanks ArnoldZiffel, I appreciated the boxes.
So time to do a little letterboxing. My first stop was very near my home - the Santa Fe County/599 Rail Runner Stop. I pulled into the parking lot and found the sign I needed and parked. I followed the rest of the clues and quickly found the box (Rail Runner - Santa Fe). I took it back to the car to stamp in. I really liked the stamp and I was the first finder, so I got a nice little certificate. After stamping in I got the box back in place and headed off to the next one.
This box took me to the intersection of Richards Ave. and Governor Miles Rd. (well, a little beyond the intersection) to a playground for the Pueblos del Sol neighborhood. I parked in the parking lot and there were about six cars already there with lots of moms and their kids. I hoped the box was in a spot that was clear from the view of everyone at the playground. So I followed the clues which took me to a walking path behind the playground. Luckily, the box's hiding spot was pretty well hidden from view. Again I found this box (Pueblos del Sol Playground) quickly and was the first finder. I took the box a little further down the trail to stamp in so I wasn't near the playground. So I sat at the edge of the walking path and stamped in. When I was done I returned the box to its hiding spot and then made my way back to my car.
It was a nice morning of letterboxing in the City Different and I found a couple of nice stamps - thanks ArnoldZiffel, I appreciated the boxes.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
A Little More Box Maintenance
For a while now I have been wanting to go up into the mountains and do a little maintenance and check on some boxes. I have boxes planted on the Chamisa Trail and the Borrego/Bear Wallow Trails that hardly ever get found. Well, that is only partially true - two of the boxes - The Art of Ebru & A Boy and His Tiger get found quite a bit, in fact they were both found today. 
When I got to them and checked on them I found that someone had stamped in this morning. I still made sure all the baggies were closed well and that the box was well hidden. These two were in good shape.
But before that happened Thomas and I hiked the Chamisa Trail to the intersection of the Winsor Trail near the Tesuque Creek. Near this intersection is a meadow with a large granite rock in the middle. The first box we checked on was Western Blue Flag which is hidden at the edge of the creek in a mutlti-trunked tree almost directly behind this rock. Sadly this box has only had five visitors. Now I know this is a long hike but it is an incredible hike. And you get to sit creek side and stamp in while serenaded by the moving waters. It is worth the trip.
To check on the boxes on the Borrego/Bear Wallow Trails we just hiked up the Winsor Trail until we reached the intersection with the Borrego Trail. Thomas sat in the meadow and relaxed while I crossed the creek and went to check on Bad, Bad Black Sheep. The box was in perfect condition, the baggies were sealed and the box was hidden well. This box has had nine visitors since it was planted back in 2006.
After getting this box all snuggled in for the winter we headed back down the Winsor Trail to the intersection of the Bear Wallow Trail. Well, not quite all the way, about 100 steps before you reach the intersection I have Ribbit! hidden. This box only has five finds as well. I did a little more maintenance on this one making sure everything was sealed and the box was hidden well. Now that these boxes were taken care of and ready for their winter sleep (the boxes on these trails will be covered with snow all winter and thus inaccessible). So we made our way back to the Chamisa Trail and then back to the parking area - this is when we checked on The Art of Ebru & A Boy and His Tiger.
I am glad I got out there today. It was beautiful - a perfect Fall day in the Land of Enchantment. The weather was just right, a little chilly in the morning and warming up as the day progressed but it never got hot. Also at this level in the mountains we had quite a bit of Fall color - it was wonderful. And the best part was just spending the day with Thomas enjoying nature. But seriously folks - please consider going and looking for these boxes next Spring. The hikes are worth it and so are the boxes. These are some of my first boxes and carves so they are not my best stamps but the whole experience is really worth the effort. You can get all these boxes on one hike and in less than a day - just consult a hiking trail map of Hyde Park Road and you can figure out how to do it and if you contact me I can help as well. Happy Letterboxing Everyone!
When I got to them and checked on them I found that someone had stamped in this morning. I still made sure all the baggies were closed well and that the box was well hidden. These two were in good shape.But before that happened Thomas and I hiked the Chamisa Trail to the intersection of the Winsor Trail near the Tesuque Creek. Near this intersection is a meadow with a large granite rock in the middle. The first box we checked on was Western Blue Flag which is hidden at the edge of the creek in a mutlti-trunked tree almost directly behind this rock. Sadly this box has only had five visitors. Now I know this is a long hike but it is an incredible hike. And you get to sit creek side and stamp in while serenaded by the moving waters. It is worth the trip.
To check on the boxes on the Borrego/Bear Wallow Trails we just hiked up the Winsor Trail until we reached the intersection with the Borrego Trail. Thomas sat in the meadow and relaxed while I crossed the creek and went to check on Bad, Bad Black Sheep. The box was in perfect condition, the baggies were sealed and the box was hidden well. This box has had nine visitors since it was planted back in 2006.
After getting this box all snuggled in for the winter we headed back down the Winsor Trail to the intersection of the Bear Wallow Trail. Well, not quite all the way, about 100 steps before you reach the intersection I have Ribbit! hidden. This box only has five finds as well. I did a little more maintenance on this one making sure everything was sealed and the box was hidden well. Now that these boxes were taken care of and ready for their winter sleep (the boxes on these trails will be covered with snow all winter and thus inaccessible). So we made our way back to the Chamisa Trail and then back to the parking area - this is when we checked on The Art of Ebru & A Boy and His Tiger.I am glad I got out there today. It was beautiful - a perfect Fall day in the Land of Enchantment. The weather was just right, a little chilly in the morning and warming up as the day progressed but it never got hot. Also at this level in the mountains we had quite a bit of Fall color - it was wonderful. And the best part was just spending the day with Thomas enjoying nature. But seriously folks - please consider going and looking for these boxes next Spring. The hikes are worth it and so are the boxes. These are some of my first boxes and carves so they are not my best stamps but the whole experience is really worth the effort. You can get all these boxes on one hike and in less than a day - just consult a hiking trail map of Hyde Park Road and you can figure out how to do it and if you contact me I can help as well. Happy Letterboxing Everyone!
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