Hopping For Letterboxes

I let Blue Butterfly know earlier this week that I might be visiting her for the weekend, and we decided that we'd take a letterboxing detour while we were together! I met Blue Butterfly in Jacksonville at the crack of noon today, and we got started on our adventure. We really wanted to find a box placed by Baby Bear and we also wanted to find one of BT's Governor Series.

We decided to head for ID Fairchild Forest first, where A GOOD DAY FOR MY WIFE is planted. Unfortunately, our "shortcut" turned into a longer ordeal and we finally had to pull out Blue Butterfly's GPS system in order to get to Maydelle. We were relieved to finally hit Highway 84 and made our way to the appropriate place to follow Baby Bear's clues. Luckily, our feet didn't get wet when we hopped over the creek and we made it safely to the other side. (Is there anything I WON'T do for a letterbox?) Thanks to Baby Bear for planting another fun box for us to find!

Next, we went to Rusk State Park, but of course, it's not a state park any more. Blue Butterfly needed to replace a logbook in her CRASH AT CRUSH LB, and we also decided to visit/check on others' boxes in the park. Finally, we went and found Lone Star Quilter's box, RAILWAY TO HEAVEN. This one was kind of difficult to locate because the box had been moved to an alternate location....probably from recent rains. Luckily, we did find it and were able to replace it back in it's original location.

Our next stop was to be at Jim Hogg Park to stamp into one of Boots Tex's governor series. However, when we got to the park, there were loads of people there for the PIONEER DAYS celebration. We decided it would be best to save this box for another day.

Louisiana Event

It looks as though there will soon be another Lousiana LB Event! Mama Cache is hosting TALKK 2007 in Jackson, LA. I was lucky enough to meet Mama Cache and Company at their first ever event....the original TALKK in Baton Rouge last year. This event is being held in conjuction with the Highland Games and sounds like there will be lots to see and do. I'm sure Mama Cache would also love for you to bring a box to permanently plant in the area!

http://www.atlasquest.com/events/event.html?gEventId=491

Henderson County Letterboxing

I decided on Saturday evening that I'd have to get out and go letterboxing today. It's hard for me to get out and letterbox during the fall, and my schedule is busiest in October. Therefore, I knew that if I didn't take advantage of today, it might be a while before I was able to get my fingers inked up!

So, I was ready to leave my house by the crack of 10 and headed to Athens. I visited the Kiwanis Park there and stamped into DON'T ROCKET TIL YOU'VE TRIED IT. This is a nice stamp dedicated to a piece of playground equipment in the park. Next, I headed to Central Park and stamped into the TVCC CARDINAL. I had this particular park all to myself, but decided to go ahead and move along. I went back past the Kiwanis park and visited the Athens City Cemetery. I stamped into UNITED WE STAND and WE REMEMBER.

Next, I headed to Purtis Creek State Park, which was the site of a gathering a few weeks ago. First, I stamped into CATCH OF THE DAY. I was able to get a nice view of the lake while I stamped in, and I knew that MY catch of the day wouldn't smell.....well....fishy! Next, I went deeper into the park and located WATCHING WILDLIFE. After this, I stamped into BEE CAREFUL, UGLY DUCKLING, and JUST DUCKY. I was really impressed with the fun carving of Bee Careful.

After that, I was finished with my finds at Purtis Creek, but knew that I must drive by Goshen Cemetery on my way home. I decided to stop there and stamp into CAPTAIN ZACH'S BOX.

Finally, I gave up letterboxing for the day and headed home. I drove through a couple of towns (unexpectedly) where I KNOW there are some more letterboxes, but alas, they will have to wait for another day.

Cedar Hill State Park

This morning, Blue Butterfly and PS Guru picked me up at my place, and we headed north to Cedar Hill State Park in Dallas County. Our mission was to find a couple of boxes by LSQ and Boots Tex. We made our way to the park and dropped of PS Guru at Penn Farm while we went on our hunt. We soon discovered that we only printed out one of the clues, so we would only be able to find MOOSETAKE ON THE LAKE. We easily made our way to this stamp and enjoyed the artwork that LSQ had left for us there. She also led us to a great view of the lake.

While I went on to hide my own new box, I left BB to take a few pictures and explore on her own. I hid CHIP! on another trail in the park, then met back up with BB so she could follow the clues and stamp in to this new box. I hope to have the clues to his hiding place posted soon. Happy Trails!!

Pioneer Village

I had the afternoon off today, so I ventured out to Pioneer Village in Corsicana to pick up THE PIONEER BOX by Adams Trails. I've lived in Navarro County for about a year now, but had never visited this historic park. The village's buildings house a great deal of memoribilia from Texas history and Navarro County's history. Exhibits include The Carriage House, Navarro County Hall of Fame, the Lefty Frizzell Museum, and many others.

Rhyme Time

Since I had a free day, I decided to head out to Athens and pick up a few of Adams Trail's boxes. I stopped off in Malakoff first to try and find the box that is hidden at the Community Center, but I couldn't find the designated tree, so I had to give up on that one. I headed on into Athens and found Cain Park where TEXAS LONGHORNS and CANDI CAIN are hidden. It wasn't too hot out there and I only saw two people walking the trail while I was there.

Next, I headed over to the Arboretum. Blue Butterfly and I had been here before, but we were in a hurry that day, since we arrived with only about thirty minutes left before closing. This time, I was able to take my time and enjoy the scenery. I parked my car, took a look at the map, then wandered around the flower gardens for a bit. There were lots of butterflies floating about in the flower gardens, and I enjoyed watching them duck in and out of the flowers. After this, I walked down to the children's area. There are several play houses for children to enjoy. I finally got onto the trail and found all the boxes I was seeking: THIS LITTLE PIGGY, LITTLE MISS MUFFET, HUSH-A-BYE BABY, THE BIG BAD WOLF, PUSSY CAT PUSSY CAT, and THERE WAS AN OLD WOMAN. The weather was just right and the rain stayed away while I enjoyed my afternoon at the arboretum.

Trip to Midland

On Wednesday, my colleague and I made a business trip out to West Texas. It was my first time to go to this part of my beloved state, and I enjoyed every minute of it. The landscape there is MUCH different than what I am accustomed to seeing in Central Texas, and I was definitely not disappointed with my new experience. In addition to visiting with others who are in my line of work and getting new ideas to take back to my job, I was able to find a letterbox! My colleague was kind enough to ask me if I wanted to find an LB while I was there, so I (of course) took advantage of it. We found ACME BOOTER by Wills World. This letterbox is safely hidden under a bridge on the Midland College campus. I'm very proud of my first West Texas Letterbox stamp!

A Special Saturday

Saturday was kind of special for our letterboxing team. It was Blue Butterfly's birthday AND we we attended a wedding shower for one of my cousins. I met Blue Butterfly and Stinky Monkey in Tyler, and we drove to the hall where the wedding shower was going to be. We had a great time before, during, and after visiting with family. But you don't really want to hear about that...after all, this is a letterboxing blog.....

After taking the time to visit a couple of family member's homes that afternoon, we went on a mission to find a couple of letterboxes. We'd already scouted out the park where PANCAKE CAPITOL OF TEXAS was hidden, so we zipped on over there and stamped in. The weather wasn't too hot and we really enjoyed ourselves at this park.

Next, we headed over towards Gladewater to find TSS BIRD: MOCKINGBIRD. This was hidden in a lovely little cemetery near a precious angel statue. Thanks to JBK for planting these boxes for us to find. We had a good afternoon of letterboxing together!

Thanks, Gramatrick!

I just wanted to publicly thank Dewberry and her team for going the extra mile in rescuing my box entitled PINKY AND THE BRAIN: THE BRAIN box after the recent heavy rains and flooding in central Texas. The box had washed away from it's hiding place, but Gramatrick managed to find all of the pieces except for the log book. Thanks for going above and beyond to help out a fellow letterboxer! I am sincerely grateful!!

....the State Where I Was(n't) Born...

On Saturday morning, after a good night's rest at Miss Emily's Bed and Breakfast, I decided to try and find a few letterboxes before the big event. I headed out to find LOUISIANA SEASONS: LONG HOT SUMMER, which is located in a cemetery. When I arrived, I got out and looked around, trying to figure out where I was supposed to be headed toward, then a car pulled up. I pretended to be interested in the graves and walked slowly around, re-affirming that I saw the right place. The people got out of their car and went into the section of the cemetery where I needed to be--AND it started raining. I took out my umbrella and continued to stroll along in the cemetery. These people were putting flowers on a grave, so I made a loop back to my car and decided to try again later.

Next, I tried making my way to Rocky's Video, but I happened upon Curry's pharmacy first. I went in, and after waiting in line, I gave the young man the secret password and he brought me my prize. By the time I was finished stamping in, it was time to head to the Event. I pulled up to the designated area and was greeted by Mama Cache and Company. We began pulling out our letterboxing equipment in order to get personal travelers and the event stamp. A few minutes after I arrived, Big M also joined in the fun.

We had a great time stamping in and enjoying the nice weather and one another's company. The event stamp was FANTASTICALLY carved by Mama Cache.

After the event, Big M and I went to find a few boxes. I told her about my bad luck with the SEASONS box, so we headed there and I was able to stamp in this time. Next, I found BASEBALL SKUNK, which was planted by Big M. Now, it was time for both of us to find some boxes that neither of us had stamped into. We found ROLL E'M and BRIDGE OUT (EAST) and BRIDGE OUT (WEST). After working so hard, we needed a break, so we headed to Mama Cache's house and visited with her and the gang for a while.

After leaving MC's place, we decided to go out to the Mary Ann Brown Nature preserve. Big M wanted to stamp into the boxes I'd placed on Friday, and she volunteered to help me find a box or two I'd missed stamping into. We got started and Big M followed the clues to both of my IN SEARCH OF: boxes. (If you ever meet Big M, ask her what she found at the In Search of a Brain box....cuz I'll never tell!) We continued around the trail and found a bench to rest on while we got a peaceful view of a small pond. Big M decided that this is where she wanted to plant her box. She got to work scoping out a hiding place while I continued to rest at the bench. After she found the perfect hiding spot, we continued around the loop.

Somehow or another, the pair of us got a little confused and we looped right back around to the pond! Hmmm...we're not sure exactly what happened, but we decided to try again. This time, we followed the trail correctly and found Boxdn's BOX #8 S.C. box. We even found a turtle along the way! I was thrilled to be able to stamp into one of Boxdn's boxes. This box has been in place for about three years and has a rich history. However, the log book was quite damp and it was impossible to stamp into. Big M decided to take it home, dry it out, and bring it back. After this, we continued around the trail and headed back to Big M's place for a little repast.

I had quite a fun day at the event and going out to find LB's with Big M. Part of the fun of letterboxing is coming back with some great stories to tell, and I definitely accomplished my goal!

The stamps I earned on this day:

Half and Half

Fire Off! - Babadge's PT

Cottontail's Harvest - Cottontail's PT

Red, White, and Blueberry Event Stamp

Livin' in the Sticks - Mama Cache's PT

Irish Blessing - Mama Cache's PT

Dreams - Big M's PT

Clyde the Cowboy and Bart his Buckin' Bronco Hitch Hiker

Cottontail's Love - Cottontail's PT

Geaux Tigers! - Mike V's PT

Hey Fightin' Tigers - Mike V's PT

Roll 'em

Louisiana Seasons: Long, Hot Summer

The Head Hunter LB

Bridge Out (West)

Bridge Out (East)

Something Special Event Stamp

Give Me Louisiana - Chippy's PT

Baseball Skunk

Podling Slave~From the Dark Crystal

Please Pass the Honey, Honey Hitch Hiker

Box #8 SC

Bonus Box

Skeeter-Cootie

Hookey Walker

Give Me Louisiana!

On Thursday morning, I got up bright and early and left from Blue Butterfly's house to start my Louisiana Road Trip. I picked up a few things at the grocery store, then I headed East towards Shreveport. I planned to take a break when I got there, stretch my legs, and find a couple of boxes. However, as I was leaving, it started raining. By the time I got to Shreveport, the rain was coming down VERY hard, so I had to forego the Shreveport boxes for now. After a few hours, I finally made my way to the library in Zachary, LA. I found the children's section and asked the clerk for the LAGNIAPPE LB and showed him my LB pass. It took him a second to realize what I was referring to, then he gladly handed it over.

After leaving the library, I headed north to the Mary Ann Brown Nature Preserve to find a couple of boxes there. Mama Cache is the owner of an LB that I put together, so I was off to find "my" box, which was a first for me. I couldn't wait to see where she'd hidden BEE HAPPY. MC's clues were very well written and easy to follow. I was thrilled to be able to stamp into BEE HAPPY.

After returning Bee Happy to his hiding spot, I went back to the trail head to start on my find for THE LADY. This is a box that was planted by DrooP, who is a letterboxer from Southeast Texas. This box has been in place for about three years and has a rich history.

After re-hiding THE LADY and congratulating myself for having such a productive letterboxing outing, I decided that this was the place for the two boxes I'd brought along. I found places to hide In Search of: A Home and In Search of: A Brain. I hope these two boxes will have many visitors!

My next stop was in the town of Jackson. I stopped there to grab something to eat, re-write my clues, and change clothes before meeting Mama Cache & Company. When I arrived at our meeting place, I was greeted by all my old friends from Louisiana. Mike V was quick to tell me about some WOM boxes in the area and shared the clues with me. One of the clues was a brain teaser, but luckily, Ducky D was smart enough to help me figure that clue out and I was rewarded with a fun adventure and a great stamp! Thanks Ducky D!! I also met a few new letterboxers: Veritas, Mi, and Sun-Yi.

After the party and the letterboxing, we all went downtown to watch the fireworks. We had lots of fun watching the sky light up and listening to the live music.

Stamps I earned on Friday:

Lagniappe LB

Bee Happy

Fireworks Event

The Lady

Happy Birthday Event box including: birthday cake, shiny candle, the balloon, ice cream & a surprise

Felicia Naveat Cheesebox

Flip Flop

Veritas-exchange

Mi-exchange

Sun-Yi-exchange

Louisiana Highway Hitch Hiker

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABADGE!

My good buddy Babadge had a birthday this week, and I was invited to the party!! I had great fun while eating cake, drinking birthday juice, visting with friends, helping put together a puzzle, and ....of course...finding a few letterboxes. Thanks for letting me come to the party...and once again...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

P.S. -Thanks for letting me stamp into your personal traveler. It's such a cool stamp!!

The Thunder Rolls....

I found out yesterday afternoon that I'd have today off, so I decided to make a little trip to Palestine to find some letterboxes! Even though there was a chance...ok...a big chance of rain today, I decided to take my chances and hit the trails. I started off by finding Barefoot Lucy's COLUMBIA OF THE PINEY WOODS. This box is hidden in a nice little "old fashioned" park in downtown. I enjoyed finding the box, and exploring the park a bit before moving on.

Next, I made my way toward the courthouse to find another one of Boots Tex's Governor Series box. I easily found THE RAILROAD MAN. Once again, there was no one in this cemetery, and I was able to take my time, enjoy my surroundings, and leisurely stamp in. I also enjoyed claiming another one of BT's hand-made first finder prizes.....THANKS BT!

Now, it was time for me to find Davey Dogwood Park where Silver Eagle and Baby Bear have recently hidden new boxes. I'd been here before to find a box by BFL, so I was fairly sure of where I was going. While driving through the park, I did happen on a deer who was eating on the side of the road. I stopped the car to try and get a picture of him, but he hopped up the hill. It was a great surprise to see such beautiful wildlife!

I followed the directions through the park and easily found both boxes. Silver Eagle shares his love of literature and nostalgia with GO DOG GO! and Baby Bear shares his sense of humor with ARE YOU THINKING WHAT I'M THINKING? There I was, alone in the woods, opening up tupperware, and laughing out loud. I'm glad no strangers met me on the trail while I was doing that!!

All the time I was at Dogwood Park, I could hear the thunder clapping. I wasn't too worried, though, because the sun was shining. I went down a new trail and planted BLUEBERRY SCOUT: DOT. I hope she enjoys her new home. I think she's been hanging out with me since mid-January! Luckily, it only sprinkled on me a little bit while I was at Dogwood Park. However, when I got in my car and started to pull out of my parking space---the clouds let loose all that precipitation they'd been holding inside! The rain came down hard. I'd timed it just perfectly!!

132nd FA Regiment

This morning, I went into the office for a little while, but on the way I stopped to grab a letterbox! The 132nd FA REGIMENT LB was planted in March, but I hadn't the time or the energy to get it, so I saved it until now! This box is cleverly hidden in a cemetery and the placer gives great historic information about the regiment.

The cemetery was peaceful and quiet, so I was able to enjoy leisurely stamping in and taking a look at some of the flowers that were blooming.

We've been Everywhere, Man

Ok, maybe we haven't been everywhere, but letterboxing has certainly taken us to fun, new, exciting places that we may not have visited otherwise. Today marks the second anniversary of the day Blue Butterfly and I found our first box! That experience has led to lots more excitement and adventure! Thanks to all who have planted boxes, found our boxes, and even agreed to exchange with us. Here's to LOTS more fun and adventures to come!!! Happy Trails!

Life is a Highway.....

Roarin' Lion and Stinky Monkey spent a couple of nights with me this week, and we had a lot of fun. Today, though, it was time for me to take them back home. They wanted to "find some clues", so before we headed back to their house, I took them to stamp into THE TEXAS GOVERNOR'S SERIES-THE PEOPLE'S PATH. They enjoyed this stamp, but SM was quick to notice that part of the governor's memorial had come off and was laying to the side.

After finishing up at Oakwood cemetery, we headed East. I took them to OSCAR'S LUNCH-which happens to be one of my boxes, but the boys hadn't yet stamped into it. They were eager to climb up the steps and, of course, beat me to the top. When we found the box, they were excited to see their old friend Oscar and couldn't get their green markers out fast enough. As we were leaving, a man stopped by to fill his thermos up with the cold, refreshing water that flows from the rocks.

After dropping the boys off and playing with Baby Sister for a while, I headed back to Jacksonville. I stopped by Country Charm Candles and did a bit of shopping and stamped into MAY SERIES-MOTHER GOOSE DAY. The clerk was very kind. I told him I'd go out on the porch to stamp in, but he insisted I stay at the counter and do it, since it was so hot outside.

After putting everything back in the box, I left to go find MAY SERIES-MEMORIAL DAY. The park was easier to find than I anticipated, and I easily found the box. There was a nice wreath placed at the Veterans Memorial, which I believe was probably placed on Memorial Day.

Next, it was off to Love's Lookout to find A MOTHER'S LOVE by Monarch B. This was another great stamp hidden at this beautiful location. Thanks to Monarch B for carving and placing this one!

Estes Park

I recently traveled to Boulder, Colorado to attend a wedding of a friend of mine. It was my first time to ever see the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Though I did not get a chance to letterbox while there, I wanted to share a couple of pictures. I hope to get back there one day and stamp into all the boxes hidden in this beautiful locale.

Jester

A couple of weeks ago, I was able to take a leisurely Saturday morning to go find one of Boots Tex's boxes, which he'd planted in a nearby cemetery. The box is entitled THE PEOPLE'S PATH-TEXAS GOVERNOR SERIES.

I enjoy finding Boots Tex's boxes-he has outstanding carvings and he teaches a history lesson with just about every box. Thanks Boots!

A Few Comments.....

A few months ago, Mama Cache wrote me and asked me to participate in her "Box of Chocolates, with Love" Event by carving a stamp. I happily obliged. Today, I received in the mail a wonderful booklet containing an impression of all the stamps that had been carved for this event, along with a Thank-you note. Thanks to Mama Cache and Company for such a fantastic gift!!!!

As you have probably guessed, I haven't been able to seek or hide any letterboxes lately. I'm hoping that things will slow down some in June so I can get back on the trail. There may even be a chance for me to find a box or two next weekend, but we'll just have to wait and see.

Blue Butterfly has a box in Navarro County called PITCH IN!, whose logbook is full. BB gave me logbook #2 to place in this box for her. I went by the park today, with the intentions of FINALLY accomplishing this task, but the groundskeepers were there, so I'll have to try again another day.

Happy Trails!

SNOW!

It's an Easter Miracle! Believe it or not, it is snowing today in East Texas! This is a rare phenomenon at ANY time of year in this part of the country, but in April....it just can't be explained!! Here are a few pictures of us having a grand time in the snow today.

Roarin' Lion and his first encounter with the powdery white miracle.

Roarin' Lion catchin' flakes.

Lucy Locket and Roarin' Lion